Is it possible to carry on BF in these circumstances

[MrsChemist]

DS is only 2.5mo, so it's not for a while, but in July (he'll be 10.5mo) I'm off on a field trip. DS can't come with me, and it's intensive work, so will be too busy to express between 8am-9pm.

Should I wean him off the breast before then?

I'm not sure how often hr'll be feeding so it's difficult to plan ahead.

By 10.5months my Boy was down to 4/5 feeds a day. Early morning, once or twice during the day, bedtime and once later on around 11pm. Lots of babies only have one daytime feed by then (and early morning/late night) so theres no reason to stop breastfeeding. Just arrange it so you don't normally do more than one feed in that time and you shouldn't have a problem skipping it.

Is it just one day?

he might only want feeding twice a day by then.... 1st thing / last thing, so expressing twice a day might work if he's in that pattern then

At 9/10 months I was returning to work (unpredictable shifts, nursing) but I managed to continue bf to an extent. (I am aware I was entitled to various provisions re expressing etc, but for many reasons I chose not to do this). It would have been a major disruption to my working day. I used to feed during the night and first thing. If I wasn't at home (e.g. working very late or called out) it didn't seem to bother dd or affect ongoing feeding.

How long is your field trip? Will you be away for several days/nights?

If so I would consider expressing a bit at bedtime and early morning, to keep your supply going and make you more comfortable. if you will be home at night then offer the baby milk as he wishes.

MrsC also I would wait until much much nearer the time before making any firm decision. Say May/June.

At 7mo, I manage to need to only express at breakfast, after work (5-6pm) and before bed. I'm sure I can drop the 5-6pm one if I wanted to. I don't think you need to worry about engorgement. As for if he needs a feed during the day, I think you need to wait till much closer to the time. It all depends on how well he takes to solids and a cup (assuming he's a bottle refuser). If he'll take a bottle, then you have nothing to worry about.

Sorry, forgot to mention that it's a week long trip. Thanks for the replies :)

I think he'll be ok. He can use formula at that age and will probably be happy for someone else to give him a bottle/cup rather than you.
You on the other hand may have to find time to hand express just to make things more comftable for yourself.

If you were taken into hospital suddenly he/you would have to adapt so Im sure it'll be fine.