leaving a 17 month old nursling for the first extended period

[blumooned]

DS is 17 months. He still nurses several times per day & a couple at night. He eats solids as well. I'm starting a job outside the home in a couple days & will be away from him for ~6.5 hours at a time. This will be the longest length I've ever been away.

Do I need to do anything special or can I just go? I think he'll be fine - he will eat food & drink water when he is hungry/thirsty. DP can get him to nap no problem without me or the BM. Will my breasts get engorged?

Any advice/tips will be helpful. Thanks!

[lifeguard]

You shouldn't need to do anything special. The fist couple days you could bring your pump with you (or be prepared to hand express) just in case you do get engorged but your body will adapt to the change pretty quickly.

[starling&diesel]

When I went back to work, I hand expressed for a few weeks, then stopped that too. I work 12+ hour shifts and our nursing relationship is as strong as ever, and the supply eventually works itself out to suit the decreased need.
Good luck!

[blumooned]

Thanks for the input!!

Today was my first day at work & everything went just fine. I nursed DS before I left & shortly after I returned. I was not engorged at all - full, but not uncomfortable. The rest of the day went on just as usual.