BF'ing question for moms

[raysnkaysmom]

Just curious if I'm the only one who does this...

I didn't want to give up breastfeeding when I went back to work, and with my past 2 babies, I was never able to pump, so I didn't even try with Ella.
My work schedule rotates days and evenings, so eventually I wasn't able to BF as needed even when I was home. Now, for the past 6 weeks or so, I've only been feeding her at night. So basically, the 11-midnight feeding I do...and usually once thru the night, somewhere between 5am-8am. We both seem to have adjusted well... I'm just curious if anyone else has done this... sometimes I can go a full 24 hrs and we're both fine.

Then..I got to thinking (here comes the dumb question)... it doesnt go bad in there, does it?? LOL

Just clarifying....OF COURSE she has formula all the other times

 

[Serena]

No, it doesn't.

 

[teskak]

It does not go bad - but you stop making as much so that you only stay 'comfortable' and not in pain while waiting for a chance to express.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

It does not go bad - but you stop making as much so that you only stay 'comfortable' and not in pain while waiting for a chance to express.

yeah...I'm never to the point of saying "OMG where is baby!" lol. I'm amazed how well it has worked out for us... I've just never heard of anyone else only doing it once or twice a day at bedtime, so was curious if anyone has.

And...I didnt' 'really' think it went bad....was just making sure

 

[MrsPete]

Just curious if I'm the only one who does this...

I didn't want to give up breastfeeding when I went back to work, and with my past 2 babies, I was never able to pump, so I didn't even try with Ella.
My work schedule rotates days and evenings, so eventually I wasn't able to BF as needed even when I was home. Now, for the past 6 weeks or so, I've only been feeding her at night. So basically, the 11-midnight feeding I do...and usually once thru the night, somewhere between 5am-8am. We both seem to have adjusted well... I'm just curious if anyone else has done this... sometimes I can go a full 24 hrs and we're both fine.

Then..I got to thinking (here comes the dumb question)... it doesnt go bad in there, does it?? LOL

Just clarifying....OF COURSE she has formula all the other times

Yes, I did "part time breastfeeding" for quite some time with each of my children. I went back to teaching when one was 5 months old and when the other was 7 months old (I returned at the start of a semester each time). My oldest nursed 'til she was two years old; the youngest lost interest in nursing because she loved solid foods so much, but I pushed her to nurse as long as I could, but I didn't continue quite as long as I did with the oldest.

I'd breastfeed as soon as they woke up in the morning, then again as soon as I picked them up from daycare (which was 3:00 -3:30ish). Then they'd nurse again at bedtime. We kept this schedule going for quite some time, and it was worthwhile.

Breastfeeding really is an amazing thing. My body stopped making milk all day long, but plenty was available at the times of day when I continued to use it. It was a little harder to maintain my "supply" after a year -- probably because it's exhausting working and taking care of infants -- and a couple times I noticed my milk dwindling. Each time it was at a time when I'd allowed myself to get a bit run-down and I'd started to neglect my own nutrition. You can't give what you don't have. Each time I'd make a point to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of healthy liquids, and within a day I'd see an increase.

 

[minkydog]

No, as long as the milk stays in the "container" it will be good. Actually, I breastfed my youngest in a similar fashion. When he was about 4 months old it became apparent to everyone that he was a "failure to thrive" baby--not growing properly. He was unable to suck properly and therefore needed some high-calorie special formula "slushie" and special bottles. He had to be fed bolt upright--no nuzzling around in my arms. I really thought that would be the beginning of the end. All my La Leche friends threw up their hands and pronounced it the END of NURSING.

I continued nursing my son just like always, but I had to make peace with the fact that he was not going to get all his nutrition from me. But that was okay, because I loved just being able to hold him and cuddle him close. In spite of the challenges (he turned out to have a lot of other stuff, like "silent aspiration" and severe developmental delays) we all managed to make it through the year still as a nursing triad.

I hope you are successful with part-time nursing. I don't see why you would not. Nurse as long as you're both enjoying it. There is nothing wrong with giving both formula and the breast. I know a lot of hard-line breastfeeders will differ with that, but all I can say is it worked well for me.

 

[disfan07]

I kow a lot of mothers whos kids are at our daycare do that. They breastfeed before they come to daycare and at night but they get formula while at daycare.

 

[JVL1018]

yeah...I'm never to the point of saying "OMG where is baby!" lol. I'm amazed how well it has worked out for us... I've just never heard of anyone else only doing it once or twice a day at bedtime, so was curious if anyone has.

And...I didnt' 'really' think it went bad....was just making sure

I did the opposite-I didn't do the night time feedings.
I did for the first couple of weeks or so, but I was so exhausted I would literally sit there and cry as they nursed.
My fabulous husband would wake up with the babies at night and feed them formula.
I never had any trouble with my supply nor did I have any pain when I stopped. The body makes what's used.
Neither one of my kids had any issues going from formula to breastmilk at feedings, even though they started with both right in the hospital.

 

[HelenePA]

DS is still nursing every 2-3 hrs around the clock (I just keep reminding myself it will pass.. I mean its got to right?). One time he slept for 4 hours and I woke up in PAIN! I am envious of you who can go so long with out feeling like they are going to explode!!

 

[raysnkaysmom]

DS is still nursing every 2-3 hrs around the clock (I just keep reminding myself it will pass.. I mean its got to right?). One time he slept for 4 hours and I woke up in PAIN! I am envious of you who can go so long with out feeling like they are going to explode!!

I went through that initially...but as I pushed it another hour each day... it became what it is today.. generally about 15-18 hrs between. On occassion, it has been 11-12 hrs...and even 24 hrs once...
But... We are hoping to go out of town without the babies in October, so I'll be stopping sometime last Sept, early Oct. That's 6 months old.. not too bad
My DS only BF until he was about 7 weeks, and I had to stop due to work...
I never BF with my first...and my second DD stopped at 8 months because I went out of town for 3 days....