First (and only!) night away from bf baby -express or ff

[loop]

DS (3y) is having surgery (tonsils and adenoids out) and will have to stay over night. Originally DP was going to stay with him and I was to take DD 8mths home. She is bf and wakes for a feed 2-3 times. Now the problem seems, DS is more and more mummy's boy and we are worried he won't settle with DP in a strange and uncomfortable situation like hospital, especially when in pain/unwell. DP also hates hospital and quite frankly won't cope well himself on fold out bed, nurses coming in ect.
I think I should really stay with DS, but have never been away from DD. DP reckons he can cope with her crying for hours if need be, he will offer her a feed of course and cuddles and as a last resort drive in the car. Now I really hate and have trouble expressing and was thinking for that one night she could have formula. Who has had to be away from a bf baby overnight and what did you do?? How did it go? Should I grit my teeth and pump? Was going to use a sippy cup, don't have any bottles... Is that ok?
This is going to be a sh&t night, I can't bear to be away from DD yet, but also desperately want to be with DS to comfort him

[mum2twinboys]

Can you ask for DD to be a boarder at the hospital with you and DS? I did this when DS1 was in hospital for a week and I was bf both DS1 & DS2. You won't get much sleep but it means you won't need to express or ff. DH would need to be there while your DS has the op so that one of you is with DS and the other is with DD during recovery etc

[Californication]

Different situation, but we spent a couple of weeks in hospital earlier this year. I think your DS would be fine with your DH. My DS was nearly 3 and usually wants me when he is upset, but as long as someone was there with him, he was ok. DD was only 5mo at the time and it was horrible trying to be there for him and be with her and she is FF!!!

So if it was me, we'd all go, I'd stay as late as I could (they won't kick you out, at least they didn't when we were in), get DS asleep and settled and then take Bubs home and leave DH there for the night (he's a big boy, he'll cope. Mine did and he hates hospitals too) and head in early in the morning.

[Busy-Bee]

If you need to be away from your baby then I would definitely express and feed EBM. I didn't read all the post but some BF babies don't take well to formula. The last time I gave my DD formula she vomited it back up (not a spit up, a proper vomit). If they wake every 2 to 3 hours then I would express as much as you can and keep it organised in small bottles. You'll already have the stress of being with you other child, you don't need the stress of worrying about what's going on with your baby.

[HarvestMoon]

Can you ask for DD to be a boarder at the hospital with you and DS?

I would do this if possible. My DS was breastfed and refused formula the few times it was offered. He wasn't a fan of bottles either so way still incredibly difficult with EBM as well.