wwyd? bf-ing 13 month old and work trip

[vezzie]

I have to spend 2 or 3 nights away for work when dd2 will be 13 months. Since I went back to work she bfs morning and evening only. She has never been to bed ever without bfing.
If I just carry on as normal and expect her to settle on a cup of cow's milk I am afraid she will be upset. But I expect I could just to back to bfing as usual when I return, after only 2 nights away.
I don't want to wean her just for this trip, because I wouldn't have except for this and bfing normally presents no problems at all and she likes it and it's good for her.
would it be kinder to stop just so she isn't sad for 2 bedtimes? (she has missed the odd morning already and doesn't mind)

Have you thought about trying it for a night and seeing how she gets on. If she's fine, then I'm sure she'd be fine for a couple of nights.

I left DD1 when she was 15 months old with my parents for a night when I had to go to a wedding. I was still feeding in the evening before bed. I decided that worse case scenario is that she'd be upset and my mum would have a rough time, but I wasn't ready to stop and knew she'd settle eventually. As it turned out she wasn't fussed in the slightest and when I did stop feeding at 17 months - no issues what so ever. I sometimes think we think (as mums) think there is going to be problems when there won't be.

Good luck.

Thanks, iloveholidays. I have just had a chat with DP about it and he seems to agree that it is best not to feel forced to stop by a work trip. he is hopeful about a bottle of warm milk (whether ebm or cow's milk - don't think I can express these days though) but I think he is being over optimistic because when she was bf in the night, the few times we attempted me having a night off she would glug the bottle and then howl for me anyway. Still you are right, I can over think these things.

I do wonder whether they're less likely to fight if they realise you're not there though

I'm sure she'll be fine. I wasn't ready to stop so short of not going to the wedding I didn't have much choice.

DD2 is now 13 months and I'm thinking of stopping feeding as pregnant with DC3 but keep putting it off partly because I don't think I'm quite ready and because I'm worried she won't settle!

I wouldn't stop because of this trip, that would be such a shame if you both want to carry on.

She will miss you, but if you're not on hand then your DD might accept some milk in a cup instead.

IME your presence modifies how willing they are to accept an alternative to your milk!

thanks, you are all telling me what I want to hear!
OK I will just plough on and DP will have to deal with whatever arises... I will try to express in the meantime as I think it will make him feel more confident.

I'm sure she will be fine - good luck!

I think if it was me, I'd express a little whilst I was away as well - wasn't sure if you were intending to, but won't do any harm.

Hope it all goes well.