Date Night -- too many hours between feedings??

[Frankie'sMom]

Just curious --

My husband and I are going out today while grandma watches our 5 MO. (yaaaaay!!) I think that I'm probably going to go for about six hours between breastfeedings. We'll leave the house at about 2:00, then food and a movie (that I know is over 2 1/2 hours long, with previews, etc). I imagine we'll get home aroud 8:00. Is this going to affect my milk supply?? Besides having full, sore boobs, is there going to be any lasting damage??

[tanyam926]

IME doing what you described one time, or very rarely, will most likely not have a lasting impact on your milk supply, especially since your milk supply is well established at 5 mo PP.

However, it could lead to blocked ducts and mastitis so I would at least pump once during that time. Plus, it would be REALLY uncomfortable.

Have fun on your date night!

[GAjenn]

I'm a leaker, so I just find some time to hang em' over the toilet and leak/hand express a little to get through. I soooooo jealous, my DD is 17 months and we have only been out 3 times and never for diner AND a movie! Have Fun!!!

[mamadelbosque]

You should be fine. My DS occasionally goes as much as 6 hours between feedings at night, and I wouldn't worry in the least as long as I had nursed/pumped right before leaving. But, I don't tend to leak and have never had plugged ducts/mastitis

[Baby_Cakes]

Once, no. I don't think you'll do any damage to your supply. You'll probably be really uncomfortable though, so I 2nd the hand expressing in the ladies room. I went to a wedding when DD was like 7 or 8 months and was gone for about that length of time. I just went into a stall w/some paper towels and went to town!

Nurse or pump before you go, and nurse when you get back. You should be fine. And HAVE FUN!! Date nights are the best and it's so important to focus on your relationship!!!

[sunshynbaby]

Personally, I would nurse before I leave, pump once halfway through the date, and nurse as soon as I get home. The baby would need one feeding during that time, and I would need some relief (and to replace the milk I used from my stash for the feeding).