Breastfeeding but going back to work

[Simonegoose]

Hello, I’m going back to work 2 days a week and leaving my 8months old DD with her dad. She’s still b feeding during the day and once or twice at night. We tried many times over the last few weeks to give her expressed milk in the bottle & cup but she refuses- she will take water in the cup though. I’m nervous- any advice?
Also how does it affect your supply if you suddenly drop feeds but just for two days a week? Would you still express while at work?

You may need to express on those 2 days but generally speaking your body adapts. As long as you can do a morning and night time feed and baby drinks water I wouldn't be too worried about the missed feed. Although you could always use your expressed milk in food-cereal, porridge.

My son always refused bottles but would eventually drink from a Tommy tippee sippy cup. And my boobs magically adjusted... Some days they felt quite full, but they were generally OK and I didn't have to pump much.

I don't have any particular tips other than to say I couldn't ever imagine a world where my baby would be OK. He still fed a lot when I went back to work and always from the boob. But somehow it worked. Things fell into place, he was way more adaptable than I thought he'd be.

Good luck xx

Hey OP.

I had this with my dd. I expressed at work, and she would have a sippy cup, though most of the time refused it. Instead, I found she fed more through the night, mornings and evenings. Your OH can give her water too now, so I promise she won’t go without, she will get there so please don’t stress.

Be prepared to feed more when you’re around. Keep up the pumping (probably twice per day whilst at work).

You’ll be fine! I did this from 4 months.

The other option is that OH brings her to meet you at lunchtime if it’s too much (commute depending). But if she’s on solids, he may find it’s not too hard to keep her going without you.

There will be some tricky days at the beginning, but have confidence that he will work it out.

Good luck x