24 hours without breast!

[nefisher]

I'm going to a wedding and will be staying in a hotel overnight. I am currently breastfeeding my little 11 week old girl with a couple of bottles of formula a day. I will be away from her for about 24 hours and am hoping to express milk, however I have previously tried it without success. Do you think it would be a problem if formula is given to her and I breastfeed her once I collect her? I know my boobs will probably hurt so I will probably have to express whilst I'm at the wedding (well not whilst they are saying their vows......could be embarassing!! ). I'm also worried that she will like the bottle for 24 hours that she may not want breast again!! Has anyone been in this situation?

 

[Nicky_Jones]

Can't she go with you to the wedding? Sorry can't advise as I didn't leave Ellie with expressed bottles of milk until she was 5months old and I was leaving her in nursery. However I made sure that I expressed milk at the same times I would normally feed her to express her milk for the following day. I built up a stock of expressed milk in the freezer over 2 or so months before returning to work but I was only leaving her for 8hrs. So can't help much more than that I am afraid.

 

[Urchin]

Hiya
It sounds like you may just need more practice at expressing, you can start doing a small amount at a time, in the morning, and freeze it ready for when you go away. If you drink planty to try and increase your supply too you can build up a little stock ready.
If you give her solely formula for 24 hours you are right she may not take well to the breast when you return, and it would be terrible to lose your breastfeeding just so you could go to a wedding.
I would also take a pump with you and express while you're there, otherwise you could end up in pain or even with mastitus, and you milk may start to dry up as a result of the unused milk. Much better to just express a few oz instead.

 

[cloud9]

I was gonna suggst the same as urchin keep practising and storing before you go. I hated hand expressing when i first had him but now find it just as easy when adding to milk...maybe ask for advice from b/feeding adviser if you have one in your trust

 

[nefisher]

I gave expressing another go today and only got 2oz in 45 minutes! I suppose practice will make perfect. I have put this in the freezer and will try again tomorrow morning. Do you know whether I can mix milk which I have expressed and frozen once they are defrosted or should they be given in separate bottles?

 

[cloud9]

are you using a pump ...electric or hand?

freeze the milk in seprate bags but it can be defrosted together....

also morning is usually best time as you have most milk stored

 

[Redshoes]

I would suggest leaving clothes, a bra or even nipple pads (used ones-and thats if you use them?) in her cot/basket too, and I personally think she'll have no problem returning to your breast after 24hrs, I'm sure your warmth and heartbeat and all the other wonderful things you come with will be muchly welcomed back Incidently, have a lovely time at the wedding, and if it is too much of a worry, don't go to the wedding, I am sure they'll understand if you feel you need to be with your daughter, very best wishes

 

[Nicky_Jones]

You might find it helpful to read the expressing support thread above.

However as said morning is best. I used to express after Ellies morning feed. Though some people have had more success expressing of one breast while feeding your baby of the other as it helps stimulate your let down. Keep to the same time every morning, that way your body gets used to producing the extra needed. Also which breast pump are you using. Different people get on with different ones, presumebly because we are all different shapes. I started with the tommee tippee one but switch after a while to the Avent one, mainly because (after advise on this forum) it was a lot less pumping to get the same amount off.

 

[nefisher]

I'm using the Avent manual pump. I'm not sure if an electric one might be better, but I'm going to give it another go today and then I'll try tomorrow morning as I've heard that morning is better.

 

[Riley's Mommy]

ive got the avent manual and electric. the manual is less work, but i dont get an awful amount more off.

id take her with me tbh.