No pumping and No nursing for 3 days: Possible?

[LorenaAZ]

My daughter is 14 months old. She nurses a lot during the day and about 5 times during the night. I would LOVE to join a group of friends for a 3 day river trip in the grand canyon during the month of july. My daughter would stay with her dad for those 3 days/2 nights. Would not nursing and not pumping for 3 days and 2 nights kill my supply? Would I get mastitis? I've never been away from her for more than 5 hrs. Would she refuse the boob after that time?
Of course I wouldn't go if it means stopping our nursing relationship. I love it too much, and so does she.

Has anyone experienced this or gone through something similar? Advice?

[cheryllynn]

I think there would be problems, like engorgement and maybe plugged ducts. I also think three days might have an impact on supply.

Here's my suggestion. Get a manual, hand-operated pump and use to pump & dump. That way you keep the pressure down, milk supply up and won't be in discomfort or pain by suddenly stopping nursing.

[LorenaAZ]

Thanks Cheryllynn. I was hoping I would be able to go without bringing a pump (as I wouldn't be comfortable pumping in front of other people). I guess it just isn't time for me yet to be away from my little one. A friend of mine recommended some herbs but she knows they stop your supply completely, so I can't do that either. Oh well.....maybe next year.

[Bookworm?]

You would likely be incredibly uncomfortable by the first night. Your body can't just go from nursing 8 times a day to nothing. Hand expression is an option though.
Sounds like you realize you're not quite ready to be away so long. Maybe a day trip or one night outing would be a good way to get away though.

[TzippityDoulah]

it is likely that it will change both your supply and your relationship drastically. if you're not ready to wean I wouldn't bother doing this, honestly. can you wait til baby is older? or use it as a time to gently end your nursing relationship?