having to leave a 10 1/2 month all day and night and can't express any milk...help!

[secretlyahippy]

I don't really have to go away but Its a hen night in a lovely spa. It will be relaxing all day in swimming costume, fluffy dressing gowns then cocktails and dinner in evening, overnight stay and home after breakfast the next day. Its with some great friends and I know ill have a marvellous time.

Ds is 10 1/2 months old and is a very chunky lad (over 2 stone...). Has been exclusively bf until I did BLW at 6 months.

He eats finger foods well, but loves BF. He eats more food when looked after by his dad as he doesn't bf so much.

My lovely dh is looking after all 3 children on his own when I'm gone and the plan was that he could have EBM via a beaker (which he used well) for that one day and night.

However, I've been expressing for the last 3 nights and I have only got 80mls in total...argh!

I don't really want to give formula (the only reason is because my 5 year and 3 year old never had formula and I feel I should do the same with him...I know it sounds a bit mental)

So - it would be a shame not to go as I've been so busy over the last few years and a night away sounds bliss.

I was wondering if I could give him cows milk just for one evening/morning? Or has anyone else any suggestions?

Thanks in advance as I'm starting to worry for him now - will keep expressing tho!

formula is cows milk! Why not just get a couple of small cartons - it is just like giving a different weaning food.

For 24 hrs, at that age I'd give whatever you've got expressed, and then cows milk.

We bf til gone 12 months, and both boys got the odd bit of cows milk in a cup when I wasn't around. I read the guidance as not as a main drink - ie odd bits were OK, so long as BM or formula were the main milk.

Are you going to take the pump the the hen do to reduce any engorgement from lack of feeding?

You could keep expressing and freeze what you do get to use whilst you are away. You might be able to build up a little supply? Otherwise I would just give cows milk, plenty of yog, cheese etc.
Also try expressing off the other breast whilst he feeds. You might not be getting a let down which is why you aren't getting much. It's always harder to let Down when expressing.

Have you tried expressing after the first feed in the morning? I never get much at night but get quite a lot after that feed. Have a fun time!

Agree with others about the cows milk.

How are you expressing? some women find hand expressing more efficient. don't forget you may need to express while you are away to so you don't get to sore

You will need to express when you are away too, or you will be sore.

I have the pump to take away with me. I bf my prev children for 14 months and 2 1/2 yrs so I thought expressing would be a doddle since my breasts should be used to copious milk production by now!

I'm even more rubbish at hand expressing. I must have a good supply and ds has gained an enormous amount of weight since birth and maintaining his massive weight to now. But it doesn't seem to come out with a pump

I've got a good technique with the pump but my breasts feel empty. Very rarely feel full anymore.

I have the pump to take away with me. I bf my prev children for 14 months and 2 1/2 yrs so I thought expressing would be a doddle since my breasts should be used to copious milk production by now!

I'm even more rubbish at hand expressing. I must have a good supply and ds has gained an enormous amount of weight since birth and maintaining his massive weight to now. But it doesn't seem to come out with a pump

I've got a good technique with the pump but my breasts feel empty. Very rarely feel full anymore.

If all fails - I'm only a 15 min drive away so could always come back quickly!