Help please- Back to work soon

[Itsjustme1]

Hi guys,

I'm employed FT, currently on mat leave. I was only entitled to Maternity Allowance which ends the first week of feb.

I've got a 2yo DS (turning 3 in March) and 6.5 month Ds.

My issue is I need to go back to work mid Jan to not be left without any income, DS2 is bf and will only take a bottle the odd time and will not settle unless I'm there.

I'm introducing periods of time away from me to allow him to get used to it, but I know it's going to be an absolute nightmare leaving him for a full day for 5 days out of the week.

I'm desperately looking for other positions that are flexible and allow working from home too, but I'm coming up short.

Any one had any similar experiences?

Tia xx

[Babbitywabbit]

Ditch the bottle and go straight to a sippy cup. Believe me, your baby will eat and drink if hungry enough. What’s tricky though is that for as long as you’re around, he’ll probably seem reluctant but once someone else is caring for him, he’ll take it more readily

My dc1 was 3 months when I returned to work. She preferred breast to bottle if I was around, but with cm would take the bottle ok, though tbh by 6 months she would prefer drinking from a cup (though still bf mornings and evenings)

[LadyLapsang]

DS wouldn't take a bottle. I went back at eight months. Very patient nursery nurse fed him milk from a spoon at the beginning, then onto a sippy cup. Breastfeeding before and after work, and lots over night at first!

[QuilliamCakespeare]

I'm in a similar position but my one year old has JUST started taking a bottle for his mid-afternoon feed. He won't entertain it at night but I'm not too bothered - happy to keep breastfeeding him when I'm around. His bottle of choice is the Mimbie which is designed to be similar to a nipple. Might be worth a try? I'm really nervous about him settling into nursery so totally sympathise with your situation

[Itsjustme1]

Hi guys,
We're introducing a sippy cup so fingers crossed it works.

I've submitted a flexible working request so we'll see how that goes down.

I just feel bad for whoever will be looking after him, when I've left him recently he's screamed to the point where I've been asked to come get him 🙈

Thanks for the support guys, really appreciate it xx