How should I tell the nanny or daycare about my plans to breastfeed?

The first rule is to bring it up as soon as possible—ideally during your initial contact, at your meeting with the child care provider, or when you enroll your child in daycare. Don’t assume that your child care provider is familiar with handling breast milk or supportive of breastfeeding; explain your plans clearly and without hesitation.

For a nanny or child care provider: the preliminary interview is the right time to bring up the subject. Ask her if she has experience handling breast milk, if she is comfortable with preparing and storing it, and explain your expectations to her. Most child care providers are open-minded and adapt easily with a little clear information. For daycare centers: Find out about their breast milk acceptance protocol when you enroll your child—acceptance requirements, required labeling, quantities, and on-site storage. Some daycare centers have very specific procedures; it’s best to know them in advance so you can adjust your plans accordingly.

What should I include in the information sheet to leave with the babysitter or daycare?

Prepare a clear, concise summary sheet to give to your childcare provider—a simple document, not a novel, that answers the essential practical questions.

Your guide should include: the recommended amounts for each feeding and the approximate frequency of feedings; guidelines for storing milk —how long it can be kept in the refrigerator, thawing instructions, never refreeze, never use a microwave; how to warm the milk—in a water bath or with a bottle warmer, never in a microwave; signs that the baby is hungry—searching mouth movements, hands to the mouth, restlessness to anticipate feedings before crying, and information on bottle refusal if the baby shows signs of it, along with alternative strategies—sippy cup, spoon, cup. Add your phone number and an emergency contact number, and update the sheet regularly as your baby’s needs change.

How much milk should I leave for the nanny or daycare each day?

This is one of the most stressful questions for breastfeeding moms as the new school year approaches, and the answer depends on the baby's age and the length of the daycare hours.

For a baby under 6 months who is exclusively breastfed, the rule of 30 ml per kilogram per day is often used as a basis for calculation. For a day of childcare lasting 8 to 9 hours, generally plan for between 3 and 5 bottles of 80 to 120 ml, depending on the baby’s weight and appetite. It’s advisable to provide slightly more than the baby usually consumes—always keep an extra bottle on hand. For a baby over 6 months old who has started solid foods, milk needs during childcare decrease—the daycare or nanny will offer other foods to supplement the diet, and morning and evening feedings at home may be sufficient to maintain milk production. Every baby is different—observe the amounts consumed during the first few weeks and adjust accordingly.

How should I label breast milk for daycare or a nanny?

Labeling breast milk is essential for the baby's safety and to prevent any mix-ups, especially in group childcare settings. Each container must be clearly labeled.

On each bottle or milk bag, include: the baby’s first and last name, the date and time the milk was expressed, the amount in milliliters, and whether the milk is fresh or thawed. For daycare, check with the facility about its specific requirements—some daycares have standardized labels to fill out, while others have their own protocols. For a nanny, self-adhesive labels or a permanent marker on airtight containers are sufficient. Always write the date on freezer bags with a permanent marker—it’s easy to forget in the morning rush, but essential for adhering to storage times.

My baby won't take a bottle—how should I handle childcare?

A breastfed baby refusing a bottle is one of the most stressful situations as the start of the school year approaches. The good news is that there’s almost always a solution, and the vast majority of babies eventually accept an alternative when they’re truly hungry—even those who seemed completely resistant.

Here are a few strategies to try before the school year starts and to share with your childcare provider. Offer the bottle without Mom—babies can sense Mom’s presence and prefer the breast when she’s there; a partner or another person often has more success. Try different nipples—there are slow-flow nipples specially designed for breastfed babies, with a flow similar to the breast. Try other feeding containers—such as an open-mouthed sippy cup, a cup, or a spoon—since some babies refuse the bottle but readily accept a cup or spoon. Offer milk warmed slightly to breast temperature. And most importantly: start introducing the bottle several weeks before the school year begins, without waiting until the last minute, so you have time to explore alternatives without pressure.

How can I schedule feedings and bottle-feeding around my childcare schedule?

Organizing the day around childcare schedules requires a few adjustments that naturally fall into place over time. The principle is simple: breastfeed directly in the morning before leaving and in the evening upon returning, and leave pumped milk for feedings during childcare hours.

The morning feeding before dropping off your baby is the most important one of the day—it helps maintain your milk supply and provides a precious moment of connection before you part ways. In the evening, when you pick up your baby, offer the breast as soon as possible—babies often really want to nurse after being separated, which is normal and healthy. At night and on weekends, return to the usual on-demand breastfeeding schedule. This routine—bottle-feeding while your baby is in daycare, and breastfeeding in the morning, evening, and at night—is called partial mixed feeding and works very well over the long term. Your milk supply will naturally adapt to this rhythm within a few weeks.

How can you maintain your milk supply when your baby is at daycare or with a nanny?

Maintaining milk supply while at work is the main concern for breastfeeding mothers as the school year begins, and the solution boils down to one simple principle: stimulate the breast as often as the baby would nurse if he or she were there.

During childcare hours, pump your milk at work or at home as regularly as possible—generally every 3 to 4 hours at most. This pumped milk will serve as your supply for the next day’s childcare. In the morning and evening, breastfeed directly from the breast. On weekends and at night, resume breastfeeding on demand without restriction. Milk supply may decrease slightly during the first few weeks—this is normal and usually temporary. If the decrease is significant and persistent, consult an IBCLC lactation consultant who can help you adjust to this new rhythm.

Can the daycare center refuse to accept my breast milk?

In France, daycare centers cannot refuse to accept breast milk from a breastfeeding mother. Breastfeeding is a right, and early childhood care facilities are required to accept breast milk provided by parents under appropriate hygienic conditions.

In practice, each daycare center has its own protocols regarding labeling, acceptable containers, on-site storage times, and reheating procedures. Some daycare centers are very well-organized and familiar with breast milk; others need guidance. If you encounter resistance or unjustified refusals, speak with the center’s director and remember that your right to breastfeed is protected. As a last resort, the PMI (Maternal and Child Health Service) and breastfeeding support groups such as La Leche League can assist you in this process.

How can you cope with the emotions of separation while breastfeeding?

Saying goodbye at the start of the school year is an emotionally intense time for all mothers, and it’s often even more so for breastfeeding mothers, whose bond with their baby is also fostered through breastfeeding. Leaving your baby at daycare or with a nanny during the first few days can be particularly painful, and it’s common and normal to experience a surge of milk at the time of separation.

Here are a few tips to help you get through this time. Trust your childcare arrangement—if you chose it, it’s for good reasons. Remember that even when you’re not physically present, your breast milk remains the strongest bond between you and your baby during this time apart. Give yourself permission to feel emotional—separation is part of motherhood, not a sign of failure. And if you feel guilty, remember that you’ve chosen to continue breastfeeding despite the obstacles—that’s a sign of your care and commitment to your child.

How can you gradually prepare your baby for starting daycare?

Starting the adjustment period a few weeks before school starts makes a real difference for both baby and mom. Here are a few steps to plan for.

3 to 4 weeks before: Start introducing the bottle or sippy cup gradually—once a day is enough. Have someone other than you offer it to the baby at first. 2 weeks before: Start pumping milk regularly to build up a reserve supply. 1 week before: Schedule one or two orientation visits with your childcare provider—daycare or nanny—so your baby can get used to the environment, first with you present and then gradually without you. The first few days: If possible, start with half-days before moving on to full days. The official adjustment period at daycare is specifically designed to ensure a smooth transition.

What is the return policy for 23 Mai Paris nursing clothing 23 Mai Paris

You have 14 days from the date you receive your order to let us know if an item does not meet your expectations and request a refund. Please note that exchanges are not available; only refunds are offered.

Customized items featuring embroidery are excluded from this policy and cannot be returned or refunded. For any inquiries, please contact our customer service team in advance at the following email address: bonjour@23maiparis.com.

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