Worried about traveling for work and BF

[JessieBird]

Hi everyone - Though it's still a few months away, I am very worried about being away from my baby for 4-5 days in April.

DS is currently 12.5 mos old and will be about 16 mos old then. I have to travel for work quite far away and it is highly unlikely that I will be able to bring him with me (though that is my first choice). DS currently eats solids but I'd guess that still about 75% of his intake comes from BF. He loves nursing and I am happy to oblige. It is very important to our bond and I love our nursing relationship.

I'm not worried about his nutrition because he always eats more solids when I'm not around and I'm sure that he'll eat well for DH. And I can pump to keep up my supply and prevent engorgement. What I'm worried about is whether or not he'll come back to nursing when I return or will this end up as a forced weaning? That would break my heart and I'm sure it would be hard on him to.

Has anyone had to suddenly stop BF for several days and had the nursing relationship resume afterwards? If it matters, DS won't drink BM from any other source such as a cup or bottle.

I realize that everything could be very different in a few months but I'm going to worry about it till then so any advice you can offer now would be very helpful. Thanks!

[honeybunmom]

Every baby is different, too. I'm trying to recall the longest I was away from my first nursling. At least 2 days for work and she always resumed nursing when I returned. She ultimately nursed for 34 mos. If your son also nurses for comfort, to reconnect with you after you've been gone at work, or as part of your night time routine, I doubt he'll wean from that 4 day break.