Workshop: “Balancing Motherhood and Returning to Work”

The “Workshop—Balancing Motherhood and Returning to Work” project aims to support mothers and families as they prepare to return to work after maternity leave. It addresses the needs highlighted by the Swiss Infant Feeding Study (SWIFS, 2024), particularly the lack of information on the rights of breastfeeding mothers and the difficulties in balancing breastfeeding with work, which can lead to unwanted early weaning. Through an interactive workshop, participants will receive practical information, advice, and a space for discussion to help them prepare for this transition, strengthen their autonomy, and continue breastfeeding for as long as they wish.

Pregnant women and mothers on maternity leave or who have recently returned to work; mothers with limited information about their rights and available resources, as well as those facing difficulties in continuing to breastfeed upon returning to work.

Returning to work after maternity leave is a significant milestone in the lives of mothers and their families. It often raises many questions and concerns, particularly regarding continuing to breastfeed, family organization, child care, and women’s rights in the workplace. In Switzerland, the Swiss Infant Feeding Study (SWIFS, 2024) highlights a lack of information among mothers regarding their rights to breastfeed at work, as well as the challenges they face in balancing breastfeeding with their professional lives. These difficulties can sometimes lead to early and unwanted weaning. Through discussions with mothers and breastfeeding support activities, several needs were identified, including a lack of information regarding women’s rights, continuing breastfeeding, and family organization upon returning to work. These concerns were also raised during an initial online workshop on this topic. Based on these findings, the “Workshop—Balancing Motherhood and Returning to Work” project was launched, with the goal of providing mothers in Lausanne with a space for information, sharing, and support that is accessible and close to where they live. The workshop will cover several topics: - The legal rights and protections of pregnant and breastfeeding women during pregnancy, maternity leave, and when returning to work. - Options for continuing to breastfeed after returning to work, according to each mother’s wishes. - Different techniques for expressing breast milk, as well as its storage and transport. - Preparing for the child’s transition to daycare or another childcare setting. - Family organization and the emotional challenges associated with separation and returning to work. - Options and support available to families when a mother wishes to spend more time with her child or stay home temporarily. Holding this in-person workshop will also allow for a hands-on component. Participants will be able to explore different models of breast pumps and accessories, observe demonstrations of manual milk expression techniques, and better understand how to use equipment suited to their needs. It will also be an opportunity to ask questions directly and connect with other mothers in similar situations. Beyond providing information, the goal is to create a space for connection and support among mothers in Lausanne, while promoting access to reliable resources. Special attention will be given to women who have less support or who face difficulties accessing this information. Two online workshops on returning to work have already been held, demonstrating participants’ interest in this topic. Support from the City of Lausanne would provide an opportunity to continue this initiative in an in-person format, add a practical component, and make it accessible to more families in Lausanne.

January–December 2027

4,000

Early childhood professionals, an occupational health consultant, and a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC)