breast feeding when back at work - any advice gratefully received!

[agirlcalledvicky]

Hi, think I getting my knickers in a twist worrying already about going back to work in 6 months time and continuing breast feeding and was wondering whether anyone had been in a similar situation and had any advice.

I really enjoy breastfeeding him and would like to continue beyond 12 months but I don't know whether it will be possible whilst working. DS will be 11 months when I plan to start back at work and my problem will be although I will be working part-time 3 days a week the shifts mean that I will miss 2 bedtime and 1 morning feeds every week.

I know I can pump and get hubby to do feeds but when would you start doing this to get him used to it? Do you think it would be confusing for him to be having some bedtime feeds from me and some from bottle? Would I still be able to do some daytime feeds during my days off? Any experience of pumping at work? Any ideas gratefully received!

Thanks!

At 11 months I would not worry about it one bit. Your LO will be old enough to go for hours without milk and your supply will cope with feeding only when you're there. Wouldn't bother with a bottle personally at that age but then my DD has no problem drinking from a cup.

I will be going back in a few weeks, my DD will be 12mo, have no intention of pumping.

I went back at 11 months-ish. DD wasn't bothered by it at all. Never pumped - she'd just wait for me and then have a lush snuggly feed soon as we got home from nursery - twas bliss. It used to relax me right down after a shit day at the office & she'd get all giddy when she saw the bra cup being dropped.

I think you'll find your DS will wait for you to come home - whatever time that may be, and then have a monster, indulgent feed. I wouldn't honestly bother about a bottle - get him used to a cup instead once you start weaning. My DD just had water in the day, plus 3 meals & one snack at nursery. Then boob at home.

thanks so much for your advice. i am a bit worried that my boobs will explode after an 11 hour day at work, or maybe my supply will be less then as he'll be on solids too. also I won't get home from work til 7.30pm ish sometimes later and suspect he'll be really tired and grumpy by then if he waits for a feed from me? might be a case of trial and error?! hoping breast feeding will be as flexible and enjoyable then as it is now!