returning to work - mixed feeding????

[joozi]

gday....I'm returning to work in November, just part time 5 shifts a fortnight (shift work as a nurse)...I'm wondering if there's anyone out there who has successfully managed to keep up their breastfeeding whilst also giving their bub EBM or formula and working? I'm happy to do mixed feeding (she already has some bottles every now and then), but wondering if she'll reject the boob if she's having more bottles. Any ideas or tips???

[k&Hmum]

i have recently started mixed feeding with 11month dd because i am working longer shifts and so far i have no probs. she isnt ready to give up the boob as yet so the bottle of formula keeps her going while im away. having said that tho i must also add that it was a real struggle to get her to take a bottle in the first place and thats probably why she is still on the boob rather then going fully onto the bottle.iykwim?

[cjb/jbvd]

no, she won't reject the boob, but you'll probably find you'll start making less milk unless you're planning on expressing. the first few weeks you'll probably leak alot and have sore boobs unless you express too.

what can i say. it went ok for me and DS and i went back full time when he was four months.

best of luck and hope it goes ok for you too.

[Natsmummy]

I have been comp feeding with formula since my son was 3 months old on the advice of my ECHC nurse in an effort to increase his weight and haven't had a problem. He still always prefers the breast to the bottle, but maybe I've just been lucky.