Breastfeeding and baby led weaning airline crew returning to work - help!!

[neenewps]

I have to return to work before my DS is 12 months old. I am returning when he is 9 months which is in 2 months.

I am desperately trying to think how I am going to keep up breastfeeding while I am at work. As I am airline crew I can be away from home for up to 4 nights! My DS still wakes in the night and I normally give him a quick feed and he settles back off.

I can express while I am away to keep up supply but I think I have no option but to give him formula while I am away as I simply won't be able to express enough to keep him going, the days that I'm not here?

I'm wondering if anyone else has been through this? Also as he is EBF at the moment, is it best to give him milk in a cup rather than a bottle? I am just thinking of the fact that he will have his last feed from his Dad when I'm away and my DS really enjoys snuggling into my arms at this feed. Not sure it would be the same with a cup?

Have included the baby led weaning fact in the subject as felt this was important to note as he is still very much learning to self feed although does eat a fair amount for his age.

The thought of giving up feeding is making me very sad and I'm becoming increasingly stressed about going back to work.

I tried my DS on formula for the first time today with him taking it from a Dr Brown's bottle and he only took 2oz's and then demanded boob!

Have also posted this same post in the breastfeeding section. Sorry for the duplicate posts!

No major advice, but I wanted to say I'm in a similar position preparing to return to work in 6 weeks when my dd is 8 months. I do irregular shifts including nightshifts (not as difficult as your conundrum but stressing me out anyway).

My dd has always refused a bottle of ebm so we are trying for milk out of a cup instead, but if your ds will take a bottle I think it seems more comforting for him. My dd will flat out refuse anything other than bf if I'm in the house (even if in another room) but if I go for a walk will take milk reluctantly from dp. I also have found that in the last month her ability to wait to eat until she sees me has increased a lot (though obviously doesn't help if you'll be away for days).

Babies are remarkably adaptable, your ds will not starve. He'll also change a lot in the next 2 months, is likely to be eating more and needing less milk. We blw as well, and dd is just starting to eat a proper quantity of food now at 8 and a bit months. Try not to worry too much (I will try not to worry too).

Try not to worry. At nine months he will be fine with mixed feeding and he will take a bottle off of someone else much easier than he will off of you - he associates you with breastfeeding and wants that, he wont do that with someone else.

BLW - he will soon be eating well, 2 months is a long time when you are only 7 months! :)

Thanks to you both. Makes me feel much better to know others are in similar situations.

Am going to see a BFC on Tuesday to see if there is any further advice from them.

Will try not to worry too much!

Good :)