Back to Work: Keep Nursing or?

Question

I need to go back to work soon. 😭 My husband has given my 6 week old bottles as “practice” and he does fine taking them. The problem seems to be him switching back to the breast after having a bottle. I’m wondering what other working moms do…pump and give a bottle or teach your baby to adjust to having both? I really love the bond that nursing my baby has given me. I don’t want to lose it but the peace of mind knowing he is fed and full means the most to me. Thoughts?? Tips?!

Answer

For me, I only gave my babies the boob, and let others (daycare, hubby, etc) give the bottle. I found that after I get home from work,y baby would look to reconnect with me via boob and closeness, and I was glad to give the boob. Additionally, the couple of times that I did try to give any of my babies a bottle while I was BF, they looked at me like I was crazy and was like, “where the boob at woman￼￼ and why you trippin with this bottle?” They gave me major side eye 🤪

Answer

I’m going back in a month I’ll probably do a mix of both. I’ve mostly pumped since my son was born and I love the freedom it gives me but he literally just started taking to nursing well so I have a nice lil stash built up so that I won’t have to supplement when he’s at daycare.

Answer

I pump when I am away from baby and he gets the bottle until I get back home. I got him used to it right off the bat though so he would get used to it and not struggle. I found a bottle that he likes. He doesn't know better so he does great while being breastfeed and on a bottle. If you are looking for a bottle, look into the Herobility ones. They are shaped to mimic the sandwich breast shape when they are breastfeed. Good luck mom.

Answer

My baby was fine with both. Just use the newborn nipples and baby should be fine.

Answer

Paced feeding helps. Babies are smart, and they sometimes figure out which way gives them milk fastest. Pacing the bottle feedings mimics your flow better

Answer

If breastfeeding is well established you should be fine. My little ones struggled with a bottle at first but they learned it just fine at daycare. I never had a problem going back to the boob at night and mornings and weekends. At work I just pump at the same time baby normally eats and my supply did dip at 6 months but that is common when solids are introduced, and in my case my period came back and it always dips when I’m on my period. You might have to try a few bottles to see what baby likes best. My first two used Dr browns but so far this guy likes another kind better. Each baby is different and has different preferences. Good luck!

Answer

When I went back to work with my first I pumped at work and he took a bottle when I was gone.  I was still able to breastfeed when I got home and for night time and morning.  Whatever works for you and the baby

Back to Work: Keep Nursing or?

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