Unable to express but need to go out at bedtime, help!

[peanutMD]

I promised DS I would take him to the circus this evening at 5pm (awful timing but tickets are bought now) which means DP is at home with 4 month old BF DD.

I thought I've be able to express as I have done before but no matter how much i've tried this week I've got a measly 3oz in total which won't be enough and i'm worried she'll get herself into a state :(

I do have 2 emergency cartons of Aptimal in the cupboard but i'm worried that giving her it (she's never had) might muck up breastfeeding somehow!

I'll be gone fir about 4 hours from 4.30 - 8.30, she normally feeds quite a bit between 4 and 6.30 and bed is at 7.30. Any tips?

[mawbroon]

If it were me, I would take her along in a sling and feed on the go.

The circus would probably be wanting her to have a ticket though...

[peanutMD]

I did think about that but we're getting a lift there and back with my mum and the car is full so no space fir a car seat.

I've been feeding as much as humanly possible today and will feed just before DP takes over at 4.30 to minimize her hunger a bit.

I feel terrible more but can't let my DS down either fir the sake if a couple of ounces of formula, 1 or 2 feeds won't cause any harm with supply will it?

[Sheshelob]

No, it won't. But I'd give it a trial run before you leave in case she won't take it. It is heavier than BM and some babies don't like it.

Have you tried expressing while you are feeding on the boob you've finished feeding on, while she feeds from the other? You might get more when your let down is in full flow.

[peanutMD]

Tried that today, I used to get 4oz easily at a sitting but my manual pump broke and electric just doesn't seen to work a well for me :(

I don't even know anyone who breast feeds to borrow a pump from!

Bugger.

[Sheshelob]

Manual pumps are really cheap a d sold in Boots. Could you pop out and get one/get your DH to bring you one home?

[peanutMD]

Well in the end I just went for it and enjoyed the Circus with DS :)

Fed DD in cafe across the road, DP picked her up and she took the EBM followed by 4 ounces of formula quite happily before bed as usual. A little bit gutted I've given in and used formula but my DS was fully FF and never did him any harm and i'm reckoning its mitt so bad in the grand scheme of things as a one off.

It was lovely to have some time just DS and I :)

[mawbroon]

Glad it worked out for you