BFing and being away

[Jessie123]

I posted this on another forum, but no one answered. I have a 10 month old who refuses the bottle/cup. I have to be away from him from 10 am to midnight coming up -will that affect my milk supply if I can't nurse/pump?? It is only for one day. I know he'll take a bottle eventually, but I am more concerned about my supply.

[elizaMM]

yes, that may affect your supply, I think some women are more sensitive in that department than others. but you might be able to recover pretty easily too, if you go back to breastfeeding frequently the next day and stay that way for a few days. If it were me I'd be more worried about getting engorged and plugged ducts, etc. but I have small breasts and maybe that is more of a problem for me then most people...

[alegna]

I would get a pump for you or learn to hand express. I would have been in significant pain at that stage going all day without expressing milk and I would think most women would be in danger of at least plugged ducts after that long.

-Angela

[elliecee]

That is a long time to go without anything. Would you possibly be able to hand express?

Ultimately only you can answer this question. What's the longest you've ever been without baby/pumping? How were your breasts after that period- Like a pp, I would be concerned with plugged ducts and possibly leading to mastitis. Will you be able to empty yourself when you return home at midnight with a pump?

Good luck!

[Jessie123]

Thanks for the replies.

I have gone 4-5 hours before, and was at the point where he had to nurse whether he wanted to or not!! LOL! So, yeah, I was uncomfortable. I won't have the option of sitting down for any periods of time. I am shooting a wedding that will last that long, so no breaks for me - but I am hoping to be able to sneak away to the ladies room here and there and pump a little bit out each time. My main concern was my baby getting enough milk in the following days. I didn't know if that one day of not nursing would trigger my body to slow down production. I plan on nursing him as soon as I get at midnight.

[baileyann3]

I think after 10 months of consistent nursing your supply is very well established. I think it will take more than that to diminish it.

I believe your only concern is pain from engorgment or a possible blocked duct

[Heba]

What the others said. If you plan on a day or two with lots of baby time and nursing immediately after your return, any drop in supply (if there is one, which there may not be) should recover.

[KweenKrunch]

Is there any way you could split the job with an assistant or another photographer? 12 hours is a long time to be away from a nursling; especially if you're not expressing and he's not accustomed to taking nourishment from an alternative source.

[Jessie123]

No, there's no other photogs i feel comforatble/trust to help with the job. I have not committed to the job, and am now thinking it may be best to pass it up. Not only does my son not take anything but the breast, but he is very much a Momma's boy and streeses if he's away from me too long. I think that combo spells disaster.