Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Breastfeeding and working

I'm less than a month from going back to work and well, I'm not looking forward to it. It's not because I don't like my job -- in fact, I love my job. I'm going back to a new manager and new staff and less work meaning I can concentrate more on projects instead of trying to do everything. It's all I've wanted for the past year is to concentrate on doing a better job.

Why am I not looking forward to it? Well, why do you think? I love my kid. I will miss him. I don't want to miss out on his life and things he discovers. I cried when he went to bed at 7 p.m. the other night because the reality is that his bedtime is more and more looking like 7 p.m. He is smiling more and more. He knows me when I go in to feed him at night. He will be crying over the monitor and when he sees me, he is quiet and smiles. I like to think he's thinking "yea, you can hear me!"

I was talking to the daycare provider about his sleep schedule and eating. As much as I would like to run over and feed him, it's not going to happen and I'm afraid he will start to wean himself off breastfeeding as it's happened to friends of mine. That would be really sad. I know 3 a.m. feedings sound like a pain but generally after I shake off the sleep, I enjoy our cuddly time.

So, I'm going to use the power of positive thoughts. I hope he can handle the bottle and the boob until he's at least 6 months old.

4 comments:

Nicole said...

Blessings to you. It's so hard when maternity leave ends. If you can stand pumping it will give him some more time on the breast milk, even if he's not so interested in the breast. And congrats on the new baby, he's adorable.

Unknown said...

My little one did both for quite awhile. It can be done!

Brenda said...

I went back to work when my little girl was 2 months old and she nursed until almost 21 months! Granted, the amount that she nursed did wane over time, but she was always interested in da boob. At 27 months almost, she's STILL wanting to nurse sometimes even though she can't now because of meds mom is on. Don't give up hope! And definitely pump if at all possible!

Little Things said...

I went back to work wihen Zippy was all of 4 weeks old, and she nursed until she was 15 months, along with drinking my pumped milk, and, once she'd reached a year, cow's milk. There were a few times where we used formula, but mostly not.

Whatever works for you will be the best thing for you, in any case!!