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Original poster

leaving breastfed older baby

14 replies

RainandIce · 06/01/2023 17:14

Hello,

My son is 17 months nearly (although he was 2 months premature so I guess corrected nearer 15 months)

I have been invited to a close friend's 30th next month and I really want to go. I haven't been out in 5 years, as have older children too.

He still breastfeeds, probably 2 times a day and once over night.

Will it be hell? Will my poor mum get any sleep?

When did you first leave your baby who breastfed?

thanks!

OP posts:
Clymene · 06/01/2023 17:15

Will he take a bottle? Have you ever left him? I'd practice first

Roseelane · 06/01/2023 17:16

It will be fine, presumably he is able to take milk via a cup or bottle? Your mum will be able to use that to feed him in the night if he needs it.

loopyloutoo · 06/01/2023 17:16

5 years?! Jesus

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Original poster
RainandIce · 06/01/2023 17:17

yes, he can drink out of a cup and is on 3 meals a day so not worried on that front.

I guess it's more will it be awful for him and my mum during the night

OP posts:
Original poster
RainandIce · 06/01/2023 17:17

@loopyloutoo I know, it's very over due and needed! his time in nicu and picu was very stressful

OP posts:
comeon2023 · 06/01/2023 17:20

I first left mine for occasional evenings out at around that age, and he started having sleepovers with close friends/family at 2 (and still breastfeeding at nearly 3)

I found it helped a lot to ask babysitters to roughly stick to his usual routine before bed, but then let him fall asleep however he felt happiest, which is usually cuddling and watching telly. Sometimes he sleeps better for other people and sometimes worse tbh...

Clymene · 06/01/2023 17:43

If you're not a single mum, can your partner give your toddler a bottle overnight?

elevenplusdilemma · 06/01/2023 17:50

I left my 8.5 month old breastfed baby for 2 nights (work conference). She was fine. She never took to bottles so I expressed and left milk for her to have in a cup. I don't think she drank loads of it but she was a good eater so I wasn't worried as it was just a couple of days.
She was, however, used to being cared for by DH one full day a week plus another day by MIL (I returned to work when she was 6 months). I think that would be more tricky than the milk if baby is not used to being left without you.
I had to pump and dump whilst I was away - not so much to maintain supply at this age, but for comfort. Pack decent breastpads!

BabyTa · 06/01/2023 17:56

RainandIce · 06/01/2023 17:14

Hello,

My son is 17 months nearly (although he was 2 months premature so I guess corrected nearer 15 months)

I have been invited to a close friend's 30th next month and I really want to go. I haven't been out in 5 years, as have older children too.

He still breastfeeds, probably 2 times a day and once over night.

Will it be hell? Will my poor mum get any sleep?

When did you first leave your baby who breastfed?

thanks!

I thought it was going to bad leaving our little one over night with grandparents. First elderly MIL then my mum. Both times they went to sleep at 8pm without fuss and slept through to 8am. I think they are worse with their parents than grandparents imo! Doing it once is great as liberating when you realise it's fine.

Original poster
RainandIce · 07/01/2023 17:54

My mum has said she doesn't think she could cope with him atm which is fair enough. it's a shame as I'm so ready for a carefree evening after the last 5 years but one extra year won't hurt!

OP posts:
Krakenes · 07/01/2023 18:44

would the child’s father look after him?

Original poster
RainandIce · 07/01/2023 19:26

its his dad's cousin who's party it is and they're very close. if it came down to it, I would encourage him to be the one to go our of the two of us as his whole family will be there.

just one of those things, there will be other parties. I am a bit disappointed but definitely not going to press the issue, I will only leave him with someone fully on board and comfortable.

OP posts:
gamerchick · 07/01/2023 19:28

If you're not there he'll probably be fine. It's a weird phenomenon I found with my 3.

Twizbe · 07/01/2023 19:34

He will likely be fine. At that age if mum isn't around baby doesn't ask for milk.

He might have a mega feed when he sees you again though

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