Weekend Away Without Breastfeeding

by Mel
(Ohio)

Weekend Away Breastfeeding

Visitor Question: My baby is 3 months old and I am breastfeeding. I work full time, so I pump twice during the day at work and once in the morning before work.

My husband and I are considering going away for a weekend w/out the baby.

Will I need to pump as often as I would pump/feed the baby normally, or can I go longer? I don't want to risk my milk supply being decreased. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Breastfeeding Magazine Response: Unfortunately, you not only will want to pump as often as she would eat, you may need to try to pump more than usual to keep up your supply and also try to use an herb like fenugreek to stimulate milk production.

However, even if you successfully maintain your supply, she might not be willing to resume nursing when you return.

If you really want to continue to breastfeed, you may want to postpone your vacation until she is a little older and you would not be as disappointed if you could no longer breastfeed after that.

You may also want to try just an overnight away at first. (Enough for you and the hubby to reconnect, but not too long to risk your nursing relationship with your daughter.)

No matter what you choose, we wish you luck!