Going away for work, what to do about breastfed child

[Cliffordthbigreddog]

Hi,

Need a little advice please.

My DD is coming up to 20 months and she is breastfed. Whilst she does eat a little, she remains firmly attached to my breast at any opportunity and generally feeds all night long (I Co sleep).

I've now been told that I have to go away for 4 nights for work, and I'm stressed about how DD will manage without being latched on all night.

We (DH and I) were planning on weaning her off the breast by her 2nd birthday, but we haven't started yet.

DH thinks she'll just have to ride it out and not to overthink it, she can drink regular milk in a bottle, but I'm stressing out about it all.

Any advice/tips would be gratefully received. X

I had to do a few 3-5 day work trips abroad when breastfeeding dc. My dh and dc came with me (we covered the costs). I worked during the day and attended the work dinners etc but spent the nights with dh and dc. My manager was fully aware and very supportive.
I suggest seeing what policies are like at your workplace and discussing options with your manager.
If you end up travelling alone, bring a breastpump. Once dh and dc flew back a day early for dh work and I was in absolute agony.

I went away for two 5 day work trips when my breastfed and boob obsessed child was 16-18 months. I think the first night away was rough but his dad just got on with it and didn’t let me worry, and everyone was totally fine. I pumped whilst away and then we resumed his routines as normal when I got back. I think they do adjust to whoever is looking after them, like at nursery. I’d also echo your DH about not overthinking it. But definitely take a pump!

I managed work trips at this point and whilst it wasn’t ideal, Dad got through it and they were back on the boob afterwards.