Breastfeeding, bottle refusal and 12 hour shifts!

[NattyRD]

I'm due to return to work at the start of Oct, DD refuses bottle/sippy cup and only takes about an 1oz from a doidy cup (although she wears most of it). I'll be doing 2 12 hour shifts per week (with travel time I'm out the house for nearly 16 hours) the OH will have her while I'm working but I'm really worried they won't cope. I've been BF DD 4hourly throughout the day with 3 solid feeds and 2- 3 night feeds. When I go back she'll only be BF at about 4.45 before I leave and then no milk until I'm home at about 21.30! The OH hasn't got the patience to persevere with the doidy cup either he gives up so easily and if she's fussing cause she's hungry then he's got no hope. I don't know what to do and it's really getting me down. DD will be 9months when I go back so she still needs to get her nutrition from milk. Anyone had a similar situation? What happened? Any tips?

I went back to work this week leaving a 7 month old bottle refuser at home.. In the end up she just continued to refuse to take milk in any receptacle for the 11 hours I was out the house, but she did eat a little bit and sometimes take a little water. I've just fed her around the the clock when I e been here. It sounds like she wasn't too bothered about not having milk, she still did naps ok and her mood was fine. I think by 9 months you'll be fine. Hopefully she'll be doing well with food by then and just keep trying with different cups and she might be using one happily. I'm a bit worried by little one isn't getting enough milk but all I can do is monitor her nappies and weight and hope it's fine. Sorry I know this post might not totally put your mind at rest but just wanted to say you're not alone!

My DD was 12 months, but in our case changing cups (Munchkin miracle 360 cup) and persisting paid off. DH stopped heating the milk and kept offering direct from the fridge on his days. Nursery ended up buying the same beaker as she refused the bottles, they gave small amounts slightly warmed and let her wander around drinking it. It took a good 6 weeks before she'd finish it though, if I hadn't had a frozen stock pile of EBF not sure I'd have persisted!

Chances are she may well use the cup when she’s thirsty and no alternative.
And at least at this age she’s on solids so not wholly reliant on milk. Like others say, you’ll probably find you’re feeding a lot more when you are home. I returned when ds was 12 weeks and ebf. Luckily I got him used to the bottle as well as breast but tbh he preferred a sippy cup and from a few months old would have his day time milk from that. The main thing is - they survive! You may find you have a chest like concrete the first few days though!

Thank you it is nice to know I'm not alone! I suppose I'm worrying prematurely, she might be fine while I'm away. Like you said I'll just have to keep an eye on her nappies and weight and feed feed feed when i am around! Thank you for your replys it has really helped to put my mind at ease

I was a childminder for a long time...often children (babies) will absolutely refuse the cup/bottle if you (mum) are anywhere near, but will take it (with a little perseverance) when you are not around. I think they just dont want plan B when plan A is so much nicer and nearby. Some children will refuse milk but increase their food intake. By 7 months she should be eating a pretty diverse range of food and drinking water or milk when she is thirsty.

Remember you need rest too and try not to feel guilty. We all have to provide for our family and make these compromises.