Going back to work: nursing part time??

[diana_of_the_dunes]

I have to go back to work at the end of December. I work in law enforcement, so it would be really difficult, maybe impossible, to pump at work. I can build up a freezer stash to last a little while, but obviously not forever. I could request a desk job so I could pump when I need to, but then I would be on first shift and Ethan would have to go to daycare. If I go back to patrol, I'd be on seconds. DH works midnights, so he will get up and take care of Ethan once I go to work at 2 pm. I'd be home before he had to go to work at 11, so no babysitter or caretaker would be necessary.

Personally, I'd rather BF part-time (or even not at all!) than send Ethan to daycare.

He's 4 weeks old this week and we'd like to start introducing a bottle. We have thrush going between us, and I've read that you shouldn't pump and save during an infection. But everything I've read says that you should introduce a bottle between 4 and 6 weeks.

So I'm kind of at a loss for what to do now. Should I introduce a bottle with formula? Wait til the thrush is gone and introduce a bottle of pumped milk? When do I start replacing the 2 pm - 10 pm feedings with formula? Can I breastfeed part time without ruining my supply?

[sunshynbaby]

Kudos to you for doing your best to continue your breastfeeding relationship!!! Kellymom.com has lots of good resources that can help you. I imagine that if you go long periods of time without pumping, you will end up engorged, etc. Do you not have a meal break that you can pump durring, at the very least?

[kriket]

One option (totally not the easiest option) pump a bunch when you are home, I have to pump when I get home and at least 2x more at night to get enough for the day. And you have the weekends.

It really does feel like you are always pumping, but I do what I have to do

Also, if you are working more then 6ish hours your boobies are going to HURT!!! You are also risking mastitis and other nastyness. Even if you can just pump once during your shift you will be much better off. After a while you will reverse cycle. I don't get as full as I used to during the day, I think your body learns there are no babies at work and it waits to make a bunch of milk until you get home.

I would NOT introduce a bottle with formula at 4 weeks. I FF the first week DS was born (no milk+jaundice+crappy pedi ) it took us another 3 weeks to get over the poops and stomach cramps it caused.

Good luck! You may want to try Milkshare. I know I would donate to a police officer Thank you for what you do!