will she wean herself?

[bbinm]

I will have to leave my 5.5 month old for 4.5 days at the end of this month. I'm not happy about it, but know that she will be well cared for and loved - She will be staying with her dad/my husband.

I've banked lots of milk - and plan to overnight some home. I've left on shorter biz trips and she has taken to the bottle with no problem. Upon returning, she has gone back to the breast happily. This time, I'm worried that she will wean herself because we will be apart for so long. Does anyone have any experience or wisdom about this?

THANKS

[PatioGardener]

if she refuses breast when you return, it will ne a nursing strike: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...to-breast.html

this may help too, for your dh: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bottle-feeding.html

good luck!

[bbinm]

thank you so much!

[isabchi]

Sorry to say this, I don't want to offend you, but by apart for 4.5 days and then you maybe found she may refuse to nurse after that is simple a technique of weaning. If she refuse the breast after you returned , you may have tu use some more skin to skin contact, more time to cuddle and kisses, bath together, and babywearing time.
Another idea is that maybe your husband can offer your breast milk in a cup when she may no ready for sleep or nap, and offer the bottle just for sleep time and naps. I know that is very stressfull for you already, but probably after all both of you going to be fine.
I wish you the best luck.