Leaving DS with Grandma for the weekend

[GoMamaMel]

This weekend 15 mo DS will be staying with his G-ma (who he absolutely adores, possibly more even than me) and I will be out of town. He RARELY nurses during the day, mostly because he is so busy. He nurses before bed sometimes, in the middle of the night, and in the mornings, but none of these are consistent. For example some days he doesn't nurse before bed but will in the morning, some days he sleeps all night and doesn't nurse at all, some nights he nurses before bed, in the middle of the night, and in the morning.

My question is how do i make sure this goes as smoothly as possible? We did a trial run this past weekend where grandma came over and put him to bed and everything and he did great. DS goes to sleep in crib and then comes to bed with me if he wakes up in the middle of the night, or sometimes wakes up in his crib. Should I have my mom co sleep with him if he wakes up? Is there a chance that I will have no milk when I get home? any other tips/advice will be gladly accepted!

[Cynthia Mosher]

I doubt being away for two days will stop milk production altogether unless you are already struggling with your milk supply. 

Trust your mom's instincts about how to handle things. I'm sure it will be fine and she'll do the best thing for whatever situation arises. :)

[skycheattraffic]

You may find that for your comfort expressing a little milk in the morning might be helpful. If possible, I'd take along a hand pump if you have one or just be prepared to hand express a little. My DD is 16 months old but if she sleeps a long stretch at night I start getting lumpy and uncomfortable. I know if I did leave her, I would have to express for sure. Even if you don't have this problem, expressing a little each morning (shower is a great place to do so) is extra insurance to maintaining your supply.

I agree with PP to let grandma follow her instincts. I would explain to her your routine so she has an idea of what he might expect, but she will find her own way. For all you know, they might end up curling up on the couch or he might sleep on her lap or something. I know whenever my mom watches (still heavily nursing) DD, naptime is in the stroller or car of it's cold out since my LO nurses to sleep every time. Good luck and good for you :-). I would LOVE to get a night away but my nursling isn't ready for it.

[GoMamaMel]

Thanks for the advice mamas.

DS did great! He co-slept with grandma and she said when he would wake up he would look at her and wonder why she was there instead of me, but then went back to sleep. She assumed he missed nursing but he seemed to do just fine!

I didn't feel my breasts get full at all. It makes me wonder if i'm producing much milk at all, but either way he still is nursing now, and that was the goal. The very moment i walked in the door we curled up together for nursing and cuddles!