Denise, this is a frustrating problem. Many babies can get along with very little breastmilk during separations if they nurse at night. I assume since you said you don't want to be up all night nursing that you have difficulty nursing at night? There is a big difference, sleep-wise, between waking up to feed your baby who is in a different bed, and rolling over to feed your baby. If you haven't given it a try yet, now is the ideal time. A baby who just rolls over to night nurse should not be irritable the next morning either.
However, if that is not acceptable, please keep in mind that your baby will not starve herself when you aren't there. Eventually, she will accept the inevitable, whether she is given breastmilk in a bottle or cup or formula.
I do have some suggestions for feeding supplements. Many babies want to be fed close to the breast with their supplement. But some, for some reason, do not. My own son often preferred to be fed by my husband while he was lying on his back. Some colicky babies want a distinction between being fed at the breast and being fed a supplement (breastmilk or formula). Your husband can also try feeding your baby by walking her for several minutes (with lots of bounce!) and then introducing the bottle/sippy cup.
Denise, you can continue to breastfeed for just a few feeds a day, and supplement at other times if you so choose. The key is to be consistent at maintaining the breastfeeds. Many working mothers have been able to combine supplements and breastfeeding. There is a normal change in the breasts around 12 weeks and again at 9 months which makes them feel softer, however, that does not mean they have stopped producing milk. Good luck and combining mothering and nursing! It can definitely be a challenge to adjust to, but is well worth it!
| © 1999 Paula Bobbett Last Update: May 16, 1999 | |