The Nursing Baby - Q&A

Anu asks:

My baby is only a month old, and I have to leave to go out of town for 5 days, on account of my job . Thereafter, only need to be away from my baby 2 days at a time, once a week. My baby shall be only on powdered milk, for the entire 5 day period, that I am away. Will my baby return to my breast, on my return and then later will I still be able to breastfeed her as well, along with an outside feed.

You will dry up quite a bit if you don't pump or express your milk while you are gone. Your baby might not like the taste of the milk if it has gone over to "weaning" milk (a salty taste fairly objectionable). Your baby also may develop nipple preference for the bottle (and the ease of milk coming from a bottle), although that might not happen.

Sounds like a difficult employer if they expect a mother of a 4 week old to leave her new baby for 5 days. If you live in America and your company has more than 50 employees, then you qualify to take up to 12 weeks off (unpaid), and still have a job waiting for you.

I assume you meant powdered formula as opposed to plain powdered milk, which isn't appropriate for babies under a year. Many women combine formula feeding while gone with breastfeeding while together. It can be quite successful - just remember not to give formula yourself. If the baby still seems hungry, offer the breast more frequently, and she will keep up your milk supply.

Good luck to you & Happy Nursing!

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.