returning to work, milk advice please!

[foreverawake]

Hi,

I'll be returning to work when my dd will be 8 months. I was hoping to give the childminder expressed milk as well as food, for the day. My childminder has said not to worry about expressing and that a varied diet will be sufficient. I'll be away from my child for 9 hours, and will continue to breastfeed at all other times.

Will this be ok? Or should my dd be having more regular milk?

There are a few factors to consider:
How many days a week will you be working?
How many feeds would you still be able to do before/after work?
Would you mind if she fed more during the night to make up her feeds?(ie reverse cycling)

I would have thought she would need some form of milk during this time. However that also could come from other sources - yoghurt, cheese etc.

I went back to work when dd was 11 mo and expressed a 4oz feed for her. I was worried that my supply might reduce if I didn't express, although I understand it's pretty robust by this time.

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, my childminder has suggested that other milk products are used whilst I'm at work, yet I was worried it'll be too long between feeds. I will express instead. Thanks.