[baileyann3]

hi everyone

I'm going back to work part time. My daughter is 11 months old. I work in a restaurant so nights from 3:30 until around midnight. The days will change but mostly Saturday and Sunday and maybe a weeknight. Her dad will be home with her

What do you think she should drink while I'm gone? Dp thinks some raw cow milk and solids will be fine. I thought I would pump but don't get enough pumped put to be enough (like an ounce a session)

And selfishly I'd like to not start a whole pumping regime this late in the game. One of the many reasons I took a year off was to avoid pumping, I hate it.

Unless, of course, she is still too young to go without bm.

We also considered supplementing with some formula.

: we are thinking it will only we 6 feedings per week

We are currently bfing on demand all day and night, we cosleep. So, what do you think? Oh, I start tomorrow! And I was just told last night. I don't have a freezer stash

Also, anyone else bartend? What do you about pumping? I am the only bartender and it's a very busy restaurant. I usually don't have a moment to breathe, let alone pump. How will this work? Will it affect my supply? Will I NEED to pump?

Thanks so much, I'm alittle nervous if you can't tell. I'm leaving my little girl for so long! I just want to do what's best for her.

 

[somelady]

I have no advice on what she should be eating.... but I would say whether or not *you* need to pump would depend on how much/often she usually eats during that period. Missing one feeding you probably won't get that uncomfortable I bet. Though if you're a leaker you'll want to consider that too. If it were everyday I'd imagine your body would get used to it, but going back and forth is more difficult.

 

[baileyann3]

Yeah I was thinking it would be uncomfortable. But I don't mind uncomfortable if it won't mess with supply.

Will not nursing 8 hours one day make less milk for the next day?

 

[MeepyCat]

Going an 8.5 hour shift with no pumping break was how I got mastitis, so I don't recommend it. If your daughter typically nurses heavily during the time you are gone, yeah, you should expect your supply to be affected.

On the upside, though, pumping after being away from the baby for a few hours is likely to be much more productive than pumping in the middle of time you spend with the (probably nursing) baby.

I totally understand about how much pumping sucks. I'm sorry you have to consider it. But I would bring the pump just to make sure you can stay comfortable, and avoid engorgement and plugged ducts.