Breastfeeding advice & support

[lovebeingamama]

My DD is 10 weeks old.

I EBF for the first 8 weeks and now weve introduced 2 bottles of formula and going combi.

In December, me and partner have some date nights planned which will be boozy/ late - I kindve feel like there's a bit of pressure to have finished BF by then so that I can go out and leave DD with my Mum overnight and drink etc.

Part of me wants that freedom and my body back and normality with partner & to be able to let out hair down.

But also a big part of me wants to continue BF for as long as I can and I worry I will regret giving up early for the sake of having nights out?! That seems so wrong, doesn't it....

I'm confused :(

Questions:

1. could I take a 24 hour break from breastfeeding when we have the date night and just use formula or would my supply be hugely affected?

2. Any advice on how you felt giving up? Did you regret giving up too early? That's my fear...

could I take a 24 hour break from breastfeeding when we have the date night and just use formula or would my supply be hugely affected?

Congratulations on your DD

How much your supply will be affected depends on lots of factors.
How is your supply over all? Is BF going well? How did it adjust to combi feeding?
When I was BF mine I "pumped a dumped" the few times I'd drunk (DS1 was 9 months old in 2000 so that was quite a party!). I was used to expressing by the time I needed to pump and dump so that wasn't an issue (though it feels very odd to throw it away).
I think you can work out how long you'd need to do that based on how much alcohol you've had.

Any advice on how you felt giving up? Did you regret giving up too early? That's my fear...

I can't give a personal experience as both mine naturally weaned. I would ask yourself whether you would be giving up for yourself or for someone else, and if for yourself then really explore the reasons, and see if there is a way around them i.e. make a fully informed decision.

Really look at the pros and cons, both physically and emotionally for you and your DD, and both short and long term.

How supportive is your partner?

Thankyou!

I can't quite work out if it's my choice or if I'm feeling pressured. Partner would support me in whatever I wanted.... I am excited to have body back and to be able to enjoy drinking over Xmas etc ...

... but I also have a fear that I will have this huge regret as I'm not actually a big drinker at all... and I adore BF...

My supply is great- always has been. DD currently has 3 bottles in her routine.

I'm wondering if I just pump and dump after the times I drink alcohol and then try and continue on as normal afterwards...

... hopefully 24 hours of bottle won't affect DD and put her off the breast.

If you're enjoying breastfeeding, there is no need to finish to have a few nights out.

If your baby is overnight with your mum and you're currently bf a few times a night, I would pump more to relieve the full feeling and avoid any chance of getting blocked duct etc.

Don't worry about supply too much if its 1 night out now and again (both my babies have gone on nursing strikes for longer and my supply has always been fine!). For me it's more avoiding getting engorged.

So no need to finish - enjoy your nights out.

You also don't need to 'pump and dump' when you drink alcohol. You can still feed. The amount that makes it into your breastmilk is minimal.
Just time your drinks so you have 1 just after you've fed your baby for example.
I've definitely enjoyed alcohol and still bf both mine over 12months!

Although it's clear in my response, I should state that I stopped BF a long time ago, when pump and dump was the done thing, although based on how much science I'm not sure. It was also a case of, you're more likely to be unable to care for a baby safely if you're tipsy (obviously not an issue if baby is elsewhere).

Agree with PP, pumping to relieve pressure is very important.

I remember a work trip when DS2 was 2 and BF, but only at night. I was like bloody Lara Croft. I didn't want to take off too much so that the cycle just kept going (was quite happy for DS2 to reduce nursing at that point), but it was uncomfortable.

This is from La Leche League

One night will be fine to miss feeds, you might feel sore and have to express for comfort but no need to pump and dump if you drink that’s very old advice. As long as you aren’t too drunk to hood the baby you aren’t too drunk to feed as the amount of alcohol that passes is minute.
just go on the nights out and relax!

Sorry about the old pump and dump suggestion. I should have updated my knowledge before posting.

No need to pump and dump after alcohol, if you’re safe to look after a baby you can feed them. Alcohol is gone from the milk at the same rate as your blood.
If you don’t feed for 24 hours you’ll need to pump for comfort or you’ll end up with mastitis.

Are the bottles ebm? You could pump and store ahead of time if you're concerned, or just stick to alcohol-free?

Getting tipsy with a small baby is risky, especially if your husband intends to do the same.