You certainly have a tough decision to make. If you leave the baby and don't wean, you're going to need to pump while you are apart. The longer you are apart from your baby, the more you will need to pump in order to maintain a good supply. If you are separated just a couple of days, maintaining a strong supply isn't so much an issue. If you don't plan on pumping often, bring along a head of cabbage and ibuprofen to deal with the initial engorgement and discomfort & inflammation. Place cabbage leaves in your bra and change as soon as they wilt, they seem to help cool down the warm sensation of engorgement and prevent some engorgement. If your milk supply drops while you are apart, it is possible to bring it back up again.
Sounds like there's an opportunity to have your husband along with the baby. This would be so ideal for you! You could nurse when available and your husband could give formula if necessary for long separations, assuming you don't have a back supply of expressed breastmilk.
Whether you are a nursing mother or a bottlefeeding mother, any separation from your infant is going to be extremely difficult for you. However, most 4 month olds are not separation sensitive yet, and I believe your baby will be fine no matter what your decision. But mothers forced to leave their babies at such a young age are often faced with guilt and anguish over the separation. I think you'll feel good deciding to bring husband and baby along if at all possible, despite the extra work.
I wish you luck making this difficult decision, and I hope your trip proves to be exciting and fulfilling!
| © 1999 Paula Bobbett Last Update: January 30, 1999 | |