I am unfortunately having to return to work soon as a teacher so I spoke to the health worker about the transition to formula to which she looked at me mouth wide open. Then came the barrage of questions...
- Why are you returning to work so soon?
- Can you not take more time off?
- Where is baby going to be?
- How far away is the nursery?
- Can you come out of work to breastfeed your baby?
- Can you express then take that to the baby?
Aaarggghhhh!
Now baby LG is going to a nursery fairly close by my work but anyone who is a teacher knows that you don't get a break! All through my pregnancy I worked 6.30am until 5.30pm without a break. If I intend to shorten my hours and leave early to collect LG I will definitely need my lunch break for marking and staying on top of things.
I do hope to continue some breastfeeding and I've been told that just swapping some feeds from breast to formula will reduce my supply. I've been told if I do this gradually I shouldn't have any breast pain (we shall see!). As baby has had expressed milk she is used to the bottle and therefore for her the transition won't be too bad.
The health worker really tried to convince me not to make the move to formula and made me feel like a bad mother. We all have different circumstances and have to do what is right for our baby and ourselves. I wish I could stay home and breastfeed my child until they were at least 1 year old but this can't be the case (unless I am lucky enough to win the lottery!). I would love to have the time - and the flow - to express the milk that she requires throughout her nursery day but again this wouldn't work. For once I'd like someone to understand my situation and be positive so I can feel like I am doing a good job.