Just 1 week to get DS to take formula - or is there another way??

[missjackson]

DS has been exclusively bf for 9.5 months - I start work a week tomorrow (eek) and want to switch him to formula during the day. Today I tried him with a bottle of sma and he refused point-blank. He has had bottles of ebm before but not often. Also tried with a cup, as he happily drinks water from a cup, but he still didn't like it.

He eats 3 meals a day. If I bf morning, night and throughout the night (we co-sleep), can I get away with no milk feeds during the day? Or do you think he will accept it once I am gone for a few hours? I thought a bottle would be nicer than a cup as it would offer a bit of sucking opportunity.

I don't want to express at work, as my job is just too full-on (it's a 10 week short term contract, then will go back to being a SAHM). I really want to continue feeding at night, and hope to re-establish daytime supply once my job is finishes, but my MIL says my milk will dry up once I start work!

Any advice on keeping bf-ing while working much appreciated.

I would just do the feeds that you are home for. All dc are different but 2 of mine were down to 1 feed a day by 10/11 months!!! If they eat plenty then don't worry.

You can build your milk supply back up again when you finish work but your ds may or not be interested IYSWIM.

Should be fine with just water during the day if that is what you both want. DS has done this from 10 months when I am not with him - whenn I am he feeds 3 times a day, If I am not there for one or more he just misses that feed and has a bit more food.

My DD is a bit older (10.5 months) and I go back to work soon too.

I did a few 'trials' with MIL - DD stayed at her house for the day with bottle of expressed milk. She wouldn't have any milk the whole day, just had lots from me when she got home. Since then she has been happy with just 2 feeds a day (morning and night).

As long as you keep feeding when you're together your milk won't dry up. DD will make up for it when you're together!.

Good luck with the job

oops meant DS!

Don't worry at that age, he can have water and yoghurts during the day and keep up the feeding at home.

He is quite likely to feed more at night but as you are already co-sleeping hopefully your nights will not be disrupted too much.

Your supply will adjust to the new feeding pattern but just don't forget breast pads when you first go back to work.