How Long Is Maternity Leave? Tips to Keep Breastfeeding Smooth Even After Returning to Work

After going through a delivery that was both intense and joyful, you finally begin settling into a new breastfeeding rhythm. Yet just when you’re starting to enjoy those precious early moments with your little one, maternity leave seems to pass in the blink of an eye. A question many mothers find themselves asking is: “How long is maternity leave, really?”

In Indonesia, the average maternity leave for working mothers is three months, a period that can feel incredibly short, especially when you’ve just found a comfortable rhythm with breastfeeding. As the return-to-work date approaches, concerns begin to surface: Will my milk supply be enough? Can I continue exclusive breastfeeding after going back to the office?

Feelings of exhaustion, lack of sleep, and time pressure often leave mothers anxious or even guilty. But here’s the reassuring truth: with the right tools and efficient milk-storage systems, your pumping routine can become smoother, easier, and far less stressful.

The Working Mom Challenge: Limited Time, Consistent Milk Supply

With only about three months of leave, many mothers must return to work while their baby’s need for breast milk is still high. This brings new challenges: limited pumping breaks, milk waste due to improper storage, and workplaces that are not always breastfeeding-friendly.

But you don’t have to worry. The key to a successful breastfeeding journey after returning to work lies in efficiency. With proper time management, a comfortable breast pump, and smart storage containers, you can confidently continue providing the best nutrition for your baby.

Why Preparing a Breast Milk Stash Matters

Source: Hegen

Breast milk is the primary nutrition essential for a baby’s development, especially during the first six months. When you transition back to work, your stored breast milk becomes a connection that keeps you and your baby emotionally and nutritionally linked, even when you’re apart.

Ideally, preparation should begin two to three weeks before your leave ends. Create a consistent pumping schedule, such as pumping after the morning feed or during your lunch break. This helps build a steady supply without creating pressure or rushing right before returning to work.

Hegen Electric Pump: A Smart Solution for Busy Moms

For active moms with limited time, a pump must be efficient, gentle, and easy to use. That’s where the Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Pump steps in, a modern solution designed to support a smooth, hygienic, and stress-free pumping experience for mothers balancing both motherhood and work.

Source: Hegen

1. Efficient, No Need to Transfer Milk Between Containers

Hegen’s Pump–Store–Feed System allows you to pump directly into the storage container, reducing the risk of spills. Because the milk isn’t exposed to air during transfer, it remains hygienic and nutritionally preserved.

2. Natural Suction Rhythm That Feels Gentle on the Skin

The Hegen electric motor mimics a baby’s natural suckling rhythm, making pumping more comfortable and helping maintain a steady milk supply. There’s no discomfort, even during frequent or extended pumping sessions.

3. Quiet and Portable, Perfect for Working Mothers

The Hegen Electric Pump operates with an exceptionally quiet motor, allowing you to pump discreetly at work without disturbing the environment. With ergonomic design and intuitive controls, it’s simple to use, even for first-time mothers.

4. Compatible with All Hegen Containers

Once pumping is complete, breast milk can be stored directly using Hegen Breast Milk Storage. These storage units are space-efficient, leak-proof, and can be converted into feeding bottles simply by switching the lid.

With a single Hegen system, you can pump, store, and feed, without wasting a single drop.

Practical Guide: Storing Breast Milk Safely and Efficiently

To maintain the quality of expressed milk, proper storage methods are essential:

• Room temperature: up to 4 hours

• Refrigerator (≤4°C): 3–5 days

• Freezer: up to 6 months

Use Hegen PPSU Multi-purpose Bottles to stack and organize breast milk neatly in the refrigerator or freezer. Their square shape maximizes storage efficiency and makes it easier to sort by pumping date.

Avoid mixing milk pumped at different times, and always seal with the airtight Hegen Breast Milk Lid to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption from other foods in the fridge.

Simple Pumping Strategy After Returning to Work

Source: Hegen

Once maternity leave ends, create a realistic pumping schedule, ideally two to three sessions during working hours. You can use an insulated thermal bag and Hegen storage containers to safely transport your expressed milk home.

Always ensure that every pump component remains clean. Hegen’s removable breast shield design makes washing and sanitizing easier, helping you maintain hygiene without unnecessary stress. If milk production begins to decline, apply the power pumping technique, and use the fast–slow rhythm settings on the Hegen Electric Pump to stimulate production.

A Modern Mother’s Perspective: Productive at Work, Connected at Heart

Being a working mother doesn’t mean losing closeness with your baby. Every drop of expressed breast milk represents love and connection, even when separated by space and time. With Hegen’s efficient system, you can continue performing at work while still ensuring your baby receives optimal nutrition.

Breastfeeding isn’t just about feeding, it’s about preserving a warm emotional bond between mother and child.

Also read: ive Great Breast Milk Boosters & Hegen Bottles for a Comfortable Feeding Experience

A Mother’s Time May Be Limited, But Love Never Is

No matter how long maternity leave lasts, a mother’s love remains constant. With support from technology such as the Hegen Electric Breast Pump and PPSU Multi-Purpose Bottles BPA-Free Bottles, you can ensure every drop of breast milk is protected, stored safely, and remains rich in nutrients.

Hegen’s Express–Store–Feed (ESF) system allows you to pump directly into the storage container, seal it tightly to prevent contamination, and use the same container for feeding, without needing to transfer milk. This process preserves hygiene, saves time, and ensures that not a single drop is wasted.

With Hegen, the breastfeeding journey becomes smoother, more comfortable, and filled with love. Discover Hegen’s electric pumps and storage solutions, the smart system for mothers who want to remain close to their baby, even when maternity leave seems to pass far too quickly.