Combining breastfeeding and work is absolutely possible — it just takes a bit of planning. Pumping helps you maintain your milk supply and ensures your baby can continue to drink breast milk when you’re not there. But how do you make it work in practice? And what are your rights in the workplace?
Choosing a breast pump
There are several types of pumps, and the best choice depends on how often you plan to pump:
- Manual pump: Ideal for occasional use. Compact, light, and easy to take with you.
- Single electric pump: Great for regular pumping sessions at work.
- Double electric pump: Perfect for daily use, since it’s faster and more efficient.
💡 Tip: Wait to buy a pump until you know how often you’ll need it. You can often rent or borrow one from a lactation consultant, pharmacy, or breastfeeding store.
Lotte’s experience
“I didn’t enjoy pumping at work. It stressed me out, especially because I often pumped less milk than I hoped for. Fitting it into my day was tricky, too. But I kept going. To motivate myself, I calculated that breastfeeding saved me about €30 a month. I used that money to treat myself—an extra coffee out or a nice lunch during my shift. That little reward helped me keep going.”
Pumping at work: your rights
Good news: you have legal rights when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping during working hours!
Up to 9 months after giving birth, you are allowed to breastfeed or pump during work hours. You may use up to one-quarter of your working time per day for this. Your employer is required to provide a suitable space.
Your rights at a glance:
– A private, lockable, and hygienic room to pump.
– Time to pump that does not count as part of your breaks.
– The right to take additional breaks if a suitable space isn’t available.
– More information about your legal rights can be found on the official Dutch government website: rijksoverheid.nl (Dutch).
💡 Tip: Talk to your employer ahead of time and work together to find a practical solution that suits both you and your workplace.
Not sure about pumping, which pump to choose, or how to combine it with your job? Talk to a lactation consultant — you don’t have to figure it out alone! 💛