practical advice pleeze - got to go back to work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[allyco]

I can't believe I only have eight weeks maternity leave left!!!!! AT the mo DS breastfeeds when he wants, where he wants, and I need advice about going back to work, like:

I know he'll have to have some bottles, so what kind, what teats, what steriliser, and which fomula is closest to BM?

Which pump? Used an Avent Isis with DDs but think may have more success with leccy one, but which?

All help and ideas very gratefully received.

Don't want to go back to work.........

how old is your ds? he does't have to have bottles, you could try witha cup if you prefer? I honestly don't think any one bottle is best, just whatever your ds prefers.
no formulas are closest to breastmilk either, but again there is no reason why you should have to use it at al if you're planning on expressing.
you could start now and get a good supply built up in the freezer, and your work also have to provide you with a place to express while you're there.

Went back to work when ds was 7 months. It took me ages to get him to take a bottle, and I tried quite a few. Playtex is good, with latex teat quite soft, but a bit of a faf. and they sometimes leak. DS just chewed on it and never drank. I tried the new Tommee Tippee with a valve at the bottom but they are a real pain to wash. Tommee Tippee has a new type of bottles out which are a bit more breast-like but not sure if it actually makes any difference. I ended up with Avent, which are very popular but the teat is quite hard. DS drinks really well from them (teat number 3, I tried them all!)
It can take a while for baby to get used to a bottle so give it time and be patient, and DS wa drinking from a cup before he took the bottle.

As for formula, Aptamil was recommended to me but it's all a question of personal research I think. I would recommend (I don't really like to recommend things because it's very personal) the Aptamil 1 - for new born - it's easier to digest and would be good to start with.

I never expressed seriously just on the odd occasion and found it too complicated/trouble, but many mums here express and I guess you just get used to it. I kept on BF morning and night, but after a month or so DS started just turning his head away and didn't want the boob so I stopped.

As for pump, if you are seriously considering pumping at work for full time BM feeding, maybe you should invest in an electric pump. I have used Tommee Tippee hand pump and it works fine, specially as I have quite small boobs and other pump I seen have such a big 'cup' that it would be too large for me!!!(I'm an A cup)

I don't use a 'steriliser' I soak bottles in the old fashion Milton fluid which is fine. Also, I wash them in the dishwasher first so I think it's enough.

Going back to work is fine, I do 3 days/week and DS at nursery. DOn't feel guilty about it it's not worth it. Good luck!

Ooo Good luck. I go back to work tomorrow. Where does the time go? I'm really not looking forward to it.

First of are you going back the same hours as before because if you want to change then your boss will probably do a flexible working hours interview.

If you intend to carry on breastfeeding, you need to inform them in writing.

My work (Co-op) are buying me a mini fridge (the 4pack lager type) to store my milk completely separately. It means it no one can accidentally leave the door open and let the temp increase.

If you can't get a sep. fridge, then freezer blocks in a lunchbox in a big fridge might work, or failing that a freezer bag with ice blocks.

I have bought an Ameda Lactaline double breast pump. I've been practising for a few weeks and am positive I am getting more milk (and certainly quicker) than the Avent Isis hand pump. It is MUCH easier to clean than the Avent pump as there far fewer parts.

Hi, not going back to work, just wanted to advise on expressing and steralising.
Deffo electric pump, they are so quick and easy to clean. I use Medela Swing, but it's just a personal choice (it's yellow and roundish - very cute), I think the ameda is very good too.
Steraliser I think you can use whatever works best for you. I bought a microwave one and love it. Some people told me I would hate it as it would always be in the way, but I have found it quite easy to clear out and then just put away. The electric ones are slightly quicker, but stay out all the time (I suppose they don't have to really). Then just to say I agree with hairymclary, no need to use bottles depending on age of course... Good luck

don't worry too much about the fridge. breastmilk can be kept at room temperature for between 8-12 hours just fine. It's pretty amazing stuff.

I did just want to add that aptamil is not easier to digest, there is no reason why it should be. Babies are so different that I honestly don't think it's something anyone can really recommend.
I mixed fed my son for a while and found that sma and cow and gate constipated him, farleys and aptimil both made him very sick. It is just trial and error, so may be worth buying smaller amounts to start with to make sure it's ok

Yeah but if the milk you are expressing Friday is going to be used on Wednesday, then it needs to be refridgerated.

A cold steriliser is cheap, and although takes upto 20mins, you aren't expressing every 20 mins, as long as everything is clean when you get to work.

why are you lot sterilising? i pumped at work since dd was 20 wks and never sterilised. she's now 15 months - never been sick once with vomiting or diarroeah and she goes to nursery f/t.

expressing clique

yes but it's fine out of the fridge while you're at work is what I meant.

thanks ladies - something to think about!

I always tried expressing with my DDS when I went back to work but I never really seemed to be able to get much out. I consoled myself with the thought that they were obviously emptying me very well!

And Hairy, OF COURSE, I never thought, he may not need bottles at all, maybe he could just go straight to a cup!!. That again is what one of my DDs did. She wouldn't drink any kind of milk when I wasn't around and just had juice. Then when I got home she would BF for hours (but that's another story!) I guess I am thinking he needs something for sucking comfort as he hasn't found his thumb yet....

God. I really don't want to go back.

just a point here, I said in my initial message that Aptamil 1 (from birth onwards) is easier to digest than Aptamil 2 (for hungrier babies). NOT EASIER TO DIGEST THAN OTHER FORMULAS!!!

that's what I meant anyway, just realised it wasn't clear at all....

FIRST DAY BACK OVER! Well I managed to get time to express at 11, 2 and 5 and got 4,4 and 3oz. When I got home at 7 she had a massive feed. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.