Breastfeeding and returning to work

[Leaf86]

My DS is currently almost 4 months and I am due to go back to work when he is between 6-7 months. I’m a Ftm. I’m currently bf but he takes 1-2 bottles of expressed milk a day because he is a distracted baby during the day (and occasionally refuses the boob) and my partner
shares the nights.

When I go back to work, he will be with a childminder or nanny 5 days a week. I’m SO confused with what will be doable in terms of keeping up bf when I go back to work (or even if it is possible). Some friends have said I can feed in the morning and evening and overnight and he will need two or three 4-5oz bottles during the day while I’m gone (either expressed or formula). Some friends have said it won’t be possible to maintain my supply unless I also pump at work (which will be tricky). Will my supply dry up if he has formula in the day and breast milk outside of the work day? How many milk feeds does a 7 month old need if they’re also starting solids - is 2-3 bottles about right? Is returning to work going to be harder (or easier ?!) if I maintain bf? If I need to fully wean him into formula, how early do I need to start the process? Soon?! I know I am probably massively overthinking this, but it’s bothering me that I don’t have a plan. All help and advice gratefully received !!

I went back to work when DD was 9 months. Continued to bf 3 days a week and evening/morning.
I couldn't express so frankly just hoped for the best! It was fine. Boobs miraculously adjusted as did DD. She drank some water in my absence - refused milk and formula (you're ahead of me here as yours will take a bottle)

You don't need to wean from bf. You can continue if you want to - as long as you keep bf at home your supply will very likely adjust. I hand expressed for comfort a couple of times (pretty unsuccessfully) at work but within a couple of days all was well.

My second (first was ff so ignoring) started 4 full days nursery at 7 months. She wouldn't take a dummy or any type of milk (me, cow, oat) in any vessel. She was a good eater though. She simply went without any nursery, had food and water (i did send her in with several bottles of pumped a day). She fed approx 5.30-9pm pretty constantly to make up 😅

I pumped 2-3x a day, she was at nursery 7.30-5ish. No supply issues. She's 19 months now, still feeds when she gets home, before sleep, and once or twice overnight, and morning, on nursery days. A lot more on weekends! Still no interest in other milk, but she remains lovely and chunky, seems to be doing fine. She has started asking for water instead at night lately, but that might be the heat.

It is possible, and it is the law for your work to provide you with a room to pump. Look up acas guidelines on the topic. I went back to work 2 weeks ago worried breast feeding would stop and it hasn't at all my work provide me with a room and baby is still feeding as much as ever!