Breastfeeding and Work??? - Simi Valley,CA

definitely sounds like you want to continue to breastfeed. keep in mind it is so possible and with the right information and support, you can do it.

breastfeeding is very different from bottle feeding. the flow of the milk is different and the muscle mechanics that baby does is different too.

breastfeed your daughter as soon as you can when you get home from work and right before you leave.

find information on the risks of formula feeding and educate yourself and your boyfriend.

research the cost of formula feeding (anywhere from $1200-$2300 for the 1st year).

find other things that your daughter and her father can do to bond--dancing, bathing, singing, story time, cuddling skin to skin just to name a few.

if she decides to self wean, you can still give her pumped breastmilk. if milk supply is not an issue, you might want to consider pumping for a feeding and let daddy bottle feed. just be wary of how this effects your milk supply.

here are a couple of websites to look at.

drjacknewman.com (the site is currently under construction)

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/bf/worknursetips.asp

http://breastfeedingmadesimple.com/bms%20new%20home%20pag...

Keep trying don't get discouraged. If the Baby is hungry believe me she will eat regardless. Remember it's a transition but did you have your boyfriend bottle feed a month before you went back to work? I did that after reading on breastfeeding, so that baby won't all of a sudden be confused and have time to adjust. I had my husband bottle feed a few times throughout the day a month before I returned back to work even at nights and it worked out well.

Hi A.,

My husband was funny about breast feeding too. For some reason he felt that formula was easier. I really had a struggle getting milk flow in the beginning for a lot of reasons - so he had his evidence. I'm not crazy about nursing but I am really clear that I wanted my lil girl to have my immunities from nursing and all of the other positive benefits.

I fought my husband about nursing vs bottles, which was a drag, but he conceded after i explained my reasoning. Because i travel for business I still have to pump every day in the am and pm to keep a solid stash in my freezer. I have pumped in airplane bathrooms, airport bathrooms, corporate bathroom stalls, etc. It has not been easy and I can't wait to give away that pump!! I'm at the 6 month mark and am going to try for 9 months and then if I make it wrap it up at 12 months.

Do what YOU want to - your baby will be fine either way. I know it is really hard, especially with your boyfriend not being supportive. But you don't want to look back on your decision with regret.

Btw - my lil one had bottles very early on and never refused my breast - that may be unusual, but she was happy for any nipple when she was hungry as long as milk came out of it. Good luck!!!!

Hi A.,

I understand as I have also gone back to work when both of my kids were 2.5 months old. It is very tough for both you and the baby. The baby could be trying to instill her opinion by refusing you. If you are very committed to only breastfeed, as I am, then you only offer her the breast. She will get the hint and then start feeding, especially if she is hungery. It really helps if you and your boyfriend are on par together because then your daughter won't get confused. If one of you gives her the bottle, while you give her the breast, she will decide to go to the easier thing (probably the bottle). My husband and I worked together and he supported us lots and would even hold her off until I could come home or he could come to me with her. Good luck. Once you are able to feed her solids, it starts to get easier, but you need to be convinced as to what you are going to do and stick with it.

S. M.

Do YOU want to continue to breast feed you daughter? If so please continue as it's so much better for her, more convenient (especially for those night feedings) and cheaper. Are you allowed to pump at work? If so save the breast milk for her to have in a bottle at some later time. I had four children and breast fed them all for over a year and they were/are so healthy. And don't think she's not interested, when she's hungry she'll eat. When you experience "let down" your milk should flow quickly so it's not "easier to use a bottle." Plus there's nothing sweeter than cuddling your baby close to you while you BF. Is there some reason your boyfriend doesn't want you to breastfeed? Does he feel it takes time away from him? Let him know you love him and want to provide your baby with the best nutrition available and that it will help you get back into shape more quickly. Good luck A. and I hope you continue to actively breastfeed your angel.