breastfeeding - lots of questions

If she will not drink any or much milk or water then the best solution would be to offer plenty of foods with a high water content by spoon (fruit puree, thin yogurt, watermelon etc) You can add breastmilk or formula to these instead of water to get the nutrients in.

Hi Helping Hand :) I would try to get her to take some milk out of different styles of cups. Try a few different styles as some babies can be a bit picky (I know my daughter was.:)) There is no reason to give her formula if you don't want to. She is old enough to drink regular milk. I agree with JoannaS in introducing some other types of milk before you go away so that you can know what she like and tolerates well. If you find that she doesn't like or digest cows milk well (many babies and adults don't) then try goats milk or camel milk. They are often easier digested. If she decides not to take any milk at all that isn't a problem. She can get her calcium and nutrients from leafy green veggies, broccoli, cheese and yogurt. Here are some links that you might find helpful: http://www.askdrsears.com/content/does-my-toddler-need-cows-milk http://www.kidsdr.com/daily-dose/transitioning-to-whole-milk-or-toddlers-formula http://alphamom.com/parenting/toddler-parenting/toddler-formulas-vs-milk/ If you would like to keep her on breastmilk while you are away there is always the option of donated milk. You can go to the UAE chapter at www.facebook.com/hm4hbuae and find donated milk there. You can give the donated milk just in a regular cup or sippy also. If you are interested in weaning fully maybe you would want to start the process before you leave so that it isn't so quick for both you and your daughter. Le Leche League have a lot of information on different ways to wean. If you began the process before you left then you wouldn't have to pump while you were away and your daughter would be used to the idea of not nursing very often. Some links on weaning: http://www.llli.org/faq/weantoddler.html http://www.llli.org/nb/nbweaning.html But if you wanted to continue nursing there is very much the possibility that your daughter will continue to nurse. Many babies go on nursing strikes for weeks or self wean during pregnancy for months only to return to the breast full force later. So, if you aren't ready, don't think that this has to be the end of your nursing relationship. Some other mamas talk about their experience here: http://forums.llli.org/showthread.php?99856-Trip-away-from-nursing-toddler While you are away it is very much recommended that you pump to prevent engorgement, clogged ducts and mastitis. It isn't recommended to stop breastfeeding quickly. How often does your daughter nurse? You can start out by pumping about the same amount as she nurses and then drop a feed every couple of days. As JoannaS says, don't pump to get a lot of milk out but pump to the point of relief. Links on breastfeeding and travel: http://www.llli.org/nb/nbjulaug00p140.html If you do find yourself pumping while you are away and don't want to travel back with your stored milk (although it is very possible to travel with frozen milk) you can donate it to the local HM4HB where you are at. Most places have a chapter and you can find them here: http://www.hm4hb.net/communities.html Hope that helps. :)

Ladies, Am in a bit of a situation. My DD is 14 months old now and exclusively breastfed. In March 2012, I will be travelling for a about 6 nights without DD. What should I do to prepare her for my absence? She does have 3 small meals a day and 2 snacks. Will this suffice for her to carry on just in case she does not take to any other milk? Pumping and storing breastmilk is a tried/tested and failed option as she either feeds directly from me or nothing at all. Also, anything that I need to know/do avoid any breast problems for myself during my trip? Sorry for a whole lot of questions. Just seeking some help and advice. TIA Helping Hand, Is your DD drinking water from a sippy cup or a cup with a straw or a doidy cup? If so - you can give milk from the cup - no problems. If not - I would suggest to introduce it well in advance before your trip away. If you want to continue BF after your trip - keep expressing (more less) as often as you would BF your daughter - if not - express not as often and only to the point of relief. HTH

There is nothing to suggest that she would be weaned off you after 6 days. If there is any chance you want to continue breastfeeding or want to wait for her response when you return, then you should express. If you do not express and then wish to continue breastfeeding, there is a very good chance your milk supply may not be sufficient and this would lead to weaning anyway. If you are intending to wean anyway, then there would be no need to express. If you are intending to wean anyway, then introduce a toddler formula in place of the breastmilk (you can offer in a cup, it doesnt need to be a bottle). Hope this helps :)

Tough situation :) The standard advice would be to express your milk before you leave so that she can at least be offered it (can't force her to drink it, but it should be offered anyway). She would need to drink something in 6 days, and milk should be offered, in preference to water. Its possible in past times its been refused you've always been there to breastfeed so she hasnt got really thirsty enough to try out other means when she knows she will get the breast. Its natural to prefer the breast if its available :) Its unlikely she would refuse to drink in 6 days. If she doesnt drink from a bottle, it could be offered in a cup or even mixed in with her food. If you are unable to express enough milk for six days - get a good toddler formula to offer her in place of the breastmilk so that she has access to the nutrients. Are you planning to keep breastfeeding upon return? If so - make sure you express at around the same times that you usually would to keep up your supply. HTH While you are away