Breast feeding but headed back to work, help!

[KelleyLitty]

I am so emotional about my return to work in two days. My husband was laid off 2 yrs ago and I am making the money these days. He is very under employed right now and is looking for something better. Meanwhile I have to tear myself away from my little angel for a 12 hour shift 3 days a week and pump, boo! It makes me nauseaus to think she has to take bottles while I am not here. I am so worried she will decide she likes bottles better. It is not in Gods plan for me to stay home with my children full time as much as I want to. I am just looking for some support and encouragement from those who know what I am feeling. There is nothing like breast feeding your child and you only get to do it for such a short time in their life. Any words to put a smile back on my face out there?

[DarlaHood]

Oh how I remember having to leave my babies and go back to work.  I would even go see them on my lunch hour, and I still cried all the way to work.  It's not natural for mommies to leave their babies, and it just doesn't feel good.  My heart really goes out to you.  If it's any consolitation, in my experience, babies ALWAYS prefer their momma's embrace, smell, sound, and feel to being bottle fed by someone else.  The bottle is the next best thing, and they know it just like you do.  No one and nothing can replace you.  I did co-sleep with my babies/toddlers for quite a long time because I missed the closeness during my work days, and it just felt good to have them near me at night.  Ultimately, we were both fine.  It's just nothing really makes this part easier. 

[justone_jen]

Going back to work is tough for the first week, and then it gets better. Relax, mama. :) Everything will be fine. Check out kellymom.com for information. You'll need 1 to 1.5 ounces per hour of separation, and baby should never take more than three ounces per feeding. Nipple preference shouldn't become an issue, if baby is only given bottles when you're not around.

Breathe. :)

[eykelley]

I hear ya momma. It's my fear too. I'm due 9/1 and I will be returning back to work at 8-12w after. :( makes me so sad. But, I know she has a loving daddy who will do his best w/ her while I'm gone. Just try and relax and call if u have to every so often to check on her. Take a pic w/ u to work so u can look at it while pumping.

[gdiamante]

If she ONLY gets the bottles when you're gone... and very scant bottles at that... she will never prefer them. Bottles should be famine... like munching a piece of dry wheat toast to just get you by till you can sit down for a real meal. 1 - 1.25 ounces per hour of separation, absolutely no more.

Your breast is the feast.

You're doing what's needed to be done and that's fine. For me, staying home was an awful bore for the three months I got to do it.

[KelleyLitty]

Thank you for the advice. I know she will be fine at home with daddy and big bro. It is just so unnatural to be separated from your baby and it hurts to be away. Oh economy please turn around soon so I can be at home with my babies! I am a nurse and am considering working two nights instead of three days. These are 12 hour shifts. I just wonder how that would change my milk supply/production. Just trying to figure out a way to make money and be home as much as possible.

[Kris_PBG]

If you have already established a bfing relationship, it is unlikely she will prefer bottles!!

Pumping at work is not fun, but TOTALLY do-able!!!

Plus, while 12 hour shifts are long, you are blessed to have 4 days still home with her every week!

Hang in there - you CAN do it!!!!!

[aehanrahan]

There are many moms here that work 12 hour overnight shifts and make it work.

Quoting KelleyLitty:

Thank you for the advice. I know she will be fine at home with daddy and big bro. It is just so unnatural to be separated from your baby and it hurts to be away. Oh economy please turn around soon so I can be at home with my babies! I am a nurse and am considering working two nights instead of three days. These are 12 hour shifts. I just wonder how that would change my milk supply/production. Just trying to figure out a way to make money and be home as much as possible.

[KelleyLitty]

I am thankful for 4 full days with my kids. I would be an absolute mess of I had to work 5 days a week and put them in daycare.