breastfeeding in childcare

[juju]

Hi there

My 9mth old boy has recently started centre-based childcare 3 days/week and has gone on a hunger strike at the same time..not taking a bottle or cup and not being too interested in solids. This hasn't been a significant problem yet because he has only done half days but I'm worried about going back to work in Jan when he will start full days. So I'm changing daycare centres so he will be accross the street from my workplace and I thought I could just go over and breastfeed him in my lunch break or when unsettled etc. Has anyone tried this because I'm interested to hear your experience of this, as I am worried that bf him in my lunch break then leaving again may exacerbate the separation anxiety. I know having him close to me will make me feel better but is it necessarily the best thing for my boy? What do you think?

Steph
Mum to Sol

[draught]

Steph
As you know, I haven't done this, but I just wanted to say that what ever you do he will be fine because he knows that you love him. If it is part of his routine that you appear and leave at lunch everyday, he will accept it. Maybe talk to the carers at the centre about it too - I am sure they have been through it before and will have tips on how to deal with it for you.

If it is any consolation my niece who is a few months older than DD2 did the same thing when she started centre based care. My sister just kept up the bf at home and eventually she started eating and drinking more in care (and remained the large chubby baby that she always has been).

I will talk to you soon but if I don't in the next couple of days - Merry Christmas!

[nemosmum]

Hi,

I started back at work when Ds was about 8months old (2 days a week) and I BF him whenever he needed it as I work at the same centre (but different room)

My DS was excellent, he really wasnt fussed to see me come or go................he basically has never had seperation anxiety so w are both lucky I guess. Although I would secretly like to see a little emotion on his half LOL but the little rugrat couldnt care less!!!

Anyway it just depends on your bub, he may get really emotional and that can be really really hard on bub, you and the teachers caring for your child.

Try it out and see how it goes, it might be the best thing all round- bub gets BF and his mummy for a little period during the day, while you get peace of mind and a cuddle

Good luck and let us know how it works out!

[JanetF]

This is about bf and work and might have some hints for you.
http://breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/canwork.html

This is a caregivers' guide to looking after bf babies and ebm.
http://breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/caregivers.html

[Foxymoron]

When my DD was younger ( about 2 years old) I used to fed her at drop off time and again before I signed her out, which was about half a day so I could go to lectures. At first she did the hunger strike thing and I really had to think about whether she was old enough for care, but within a few weeks she would have bananas and cups of drink... which was unheard of at home being the little boob-a-holic she was! Best of luck whatever road you take, I'd go and feed during my lunch break... You can only try, if it causes him more stress then switch to plan b

[mumof2girls]

I work in a childcare centre and we have a couple of young ones that are still bf and it works out well and the children eat some of our food (depending on age) and none of them seem to have any separation anxiety, I say go for it and continue to bf as long as it is good for the both of you

[Goosie22]

This might change with the IR reforms, But look into your workplace breaks policies as most government agencies are supposed to provide Breastfeeding/expressing breaks and that is on top of your morning tea lunch and avo tea. If your baby is close by this might help you keep going? You could suggest it to your Boss if it is not currently offered I would ask why also. ( i will get the relevant IR info for you if you decide to go that way so you can show them, just let me know)