Breastfeeding but working away!
3 answers /
Last post: 13/03/2023 at 11:49 am
Heeeelp!
So I’ve taken a job which I just couldn’t refuse. We need the extra money which this provides and more. The job means I have to stay away for 1 or 2 nights once a month but the problem is my 14 month old has to be breastfed to sleep. He doesn’t settle for anyone but me. How do I deal with this?!
Has anyone else had a similar situation? How did you deal with it?
I feel so guilty and such a bad mum for taking it but we really need the money and I can’t find an opportunity like this closer to me.
Hi A.L,
We've moved your thread into our drop-in clinic - breastfeeding board, so you can get the advice and support you need
Hello A.L
Congratulations on this new job! You have done well and should be very proud of yourself.
There is nothing more powerful that Mum guilt !! However, this is something that you can work around and build up a plan. You have time to get used to it and so does your LO, so its OK :)
There are a couple of ways to approach this.
You can still feed your LO, but perhaps try to change their dependancy on the breast to fall asleep.
If you could help your baby to self settle without the need for the breast this would help a lot. We have some information to read about it here:
https://www.netmums.com/baby/self-soothing-or-settling
You could also begin to build up a store of expressed milk in the freezer so whoever will be caring for your LO can still give them your breast milk when you are away.
If you haven't done this already, you can find our advice here:
https://www.netmums.com/baby/expressing-breastmilk#:~:text=Once%20you 've%20found%20the,rhythm%20of%20compression%20and%20release.
This will also help you feel comfortable when you are away from home and unable to feed your LO.
I am sure other parents will come and share their experiences too, which will help.
If you need to chat more, we are here to help.
Best wishes
Tracey HV