Breastfeeding & back to work. Milk feeds for 8 month old

[CoralQuail]

My son is nearly 8 months old and is breastfed. I’m due to go back to work in the next few weeks and he will not have a bottle!

We’ve tried a few different bottles, a sippy cup & my husband been consistently trying to give him a bottle of my breastmilk.

Someone at a baby group said that with her eldest, they didn’t have any milk throughout the day at all. Just three feeds- before work, after and after nighttime feed.

I feel like that would solve the problem but worry because milk should still be their main source of nutrition?

would love to hear if you’ve been in a similar situation? What did you do? Any magic bottles?!

If you’re not going back for another few weeks then baby will be 9/9.5 months by then. Milk isn’t necessarily the “main” source, the ‘food before 1 is just for fun’ isn’t really viewed as the advice. By nearly 10 month the baby should be on 3 meals and a snack and by 12 months breastmilk or formula isn’t necessary.
I’m not saying anyone has to stop BFing by 12 months, but it’s a gradual decline from milk being the main source at 6 months and a move to their nutrients all coming from their solid diet by 12.
I wouldn’t worry about it basically, if they want it and they’re hungry enough for it they will likely take the milk when you’re gone, if not they are fine on solids and can have milk in the evening.

My baby was this age and solely bf. He fed in the morning and as soon as I got home then in the evening. He had water and porridge and yogurt in the day and was absolutely fine. Years later he’s a strapping rugby player!

I had this issue with my first child as she was exclusively breastfed. I felt at the time no one else could care for her.
I learned a healthy child will never starve themselves, and the first weeks might be rough and unsettled and baby might be clingy and wake more at night due to the change. But if you are consistent - stick to the same routine and the same same same everything. Eventually everything will settle into place.

My mistake with this was believing what I was doing wasn't working, so switch it up and try something new. We went through countless different teats and trials and of course none of it worked. Essentially I wasn't creating any consistency at all because I kept changing it!

Choose what you're going to do, and stick to it. It will be challenging but it will work.

Mine never took milk from a bottle either. And I couldn’t express.

I went back and breastfed three times a day. First thing, back from work, before bed. They both coped perfectly well. 💐

Can whoever is looking after them in the day give them porridge made with breastmilk as lunch? At least they will be getting some during the day. Your baby may come round to the idea of a bottle or cup over the coming weeks, so don't worry too much jut yet. Keep offering in different ways and see what happens.

Thanks all- feel much better about it x