When to intro bottle/paci

[Ravin]

I'm going back to work when DS is 6 weeks old. Nursing is going beautifully, we haven't had any problems so far. I got a pump from WIC today, so I can start pumping whenever I'm ready.

My question is, when should we introduce the bottle and pacifier? I'll be working 4 4-hr shifts and 2 8-hr overnight shifts a week, assuming they put me back on my old schedule. I want to have a pacifier available for comfort to limit how much DS decides he needs to eat while I'm gone (hoping he'll reverse cycle). I didn't find anything on Kellymom or LLLI...I'd love feedback from experienced WOH nursing mamas.

[osker]

I don't have any experience here, but instinct is telling me that if you want him to reverse cycle you'll be better off offering him nursing more at night rather than trying to stop him during the day. With E we would offer her nursing every two hours during the day but then let her sleep at night as long as she wanted.. so you would do the opposite if you wanted him to eat more at night?

ETA: so, by saying this, I mean to say that I think it's still a bit early for the pacifier. E wanted to suck on something all the time at the beginning and we gave her a pinky instead of a pacifier.. then around six weeks we introduced the pacifier and she loved it.. til about 4 months when she got tired of it and hasn't looked back.  She had a few bottles of EBM in the hospital and did fine, then didn't bottle feed again until around six or eight weeks and she, even now, LOVES the bottle... Give it a try in a few weeks, see what your DS thinks.

[motherhendoula]

You can start at about 4 weeks with pacifier and occasional bottle - this time frame shouldnt interfere with supply or latch issues.  I would also start breaking out the pump at that point too - to get acquainted with it.  Breastfeeding and working with such a young baby is not always easy...i admire you for taking this on!

[Ravin]

I don't have much choice about it. Working is not optional for me at this point.

Thanks so much for the replies!