Leaving EBF 6 month old for 3 nights - - am I mad to try to do it?

[PinkPeonies22]

I’m looking for reassurance and tips from EBF mothers who left their babies while they were still quite young for 2+ nights. My baby will be six months old when I need to leave him for 3 nights while I’ll be away for work. I’ve been pumping breast milk for the last couple of months to build up a big enough stash in the freezer, and plan to express milk every 3-4 hours while I’m away.

I have just under a month to go, and I’m starting to worry quite a bit, and question whether it is even possible. Aside from the logistical challenge of expressing milk while abroad and in unfamiliar places, I’m also worried about how it might affect my supply, and whether I’ll be able to continue EBF on my return. Others have recommended I try giving a bottle of formula a day in the build up to the trip, and so that as back up, we know that my baby can take formula, but I feel reluctant to do this, perhaps not entirely rationally, it’s just more of a feeling that I should stick to EBF if I possibly can.

The baby will be with his Dad while I’m away, and I’ve also lined up friends and support for Dad and baby in my absence. Those things, along with building up my stash had been dominating my thoughts/worries, but now I’m starting to be anxious about how I will manage, and the likelihood of me having issues with leaking/blockages/infections, etc.

I’d love to hear from Mums who have successfully done this, or even if you tried it and it was a disaster. Thanks in advance 😊

Does your baby take a bottle, are they able to fall asleep without the breast? If so they'll be fine, though probably a bit upset, and I'd say go for it, but unless you're able to pump really regularly (including overnight, if youre still feeding at night) while you're away, be aware that it could be the end of breastfeeding, as your supply will drop.

Hi, I did this with my 2. No issues at all. I froze the milk in advance as you are doing then just expressed and tipped away the milk when I was away. It was years ago but left my first for 2 nights when he was around 3 months, and there were other times too. Absolutely no problem, apart from the hassle of expressing in-between work meetings etc.

Good luck and try not to worry.

Thank you so much for both of your replies. Yes, he takes my milk in a bottle very happily, and can fall asleep without the breast.

I really appreciate the reassurance and wishes, thank you x

Then you’ll be absolutely fine I promise. It’s always nerve-wracking when you leave them for a period when they’re tiny, but he and dad will be absolutely fine.

I had to leave Dd for a similar time at a similar age and whilst it wasn’t exactly fun for me she was absolutely fine. You may even find you appreciate the unbroken sleep! Plus his face when you come back will be your favourite thing ever.

It will be fine x

This is such a lovely message, thank you, and what I needed to hear xx