Business owner returning to work with baby in tow—how would you handle this?
I’m returning to work soon and trying to figure out the best way to introduce a bottle to my exclusively breastfed 10 week old.
He’s never had a bottle before and has always nursed directly from the breast on demand, so I have no idea how many ounces he typically takes in a feeding.
I’m a small business owner, and thankfully I’ll be able to bring him to work with me.
The original plan was to continue breastfeeding on demand while at work, but my job is very service-based and customer-facing at times so I’m feeling a little nervous about how practical that will be. Because of that, I’m thinking that having one bottle of expressed breast milk available each day might make things a little easier when I’m busy with customers. However, I do live right above my store so my husband is able to jump in for whenever I need but I’d like him to focus on back-of-the-house care when I’m available so we don’t get behind!
My plan is to pump first thing in the morning around 6-7 AM. He usually only nurses on one side at that feed, so I would pump the other side and then give that milk in a bottle around 3-4 PM the same day.
For those who have been in a similar situation:
How many ounces would you start with for a first bottle?
Would you offer the milk cold, room temperature, or warmed?
Did your exclusively breastfed baby take a bottle easily, or did it take some practice?
I’m incredibly grateful that he’ll be able to be with me while I work, but I’m definitely anxious about making sure he’s fed while also being available to my customers. I’d love to hear any advice or experiences!
Thanks mommas!!!
ETA- my work hours will be 2pm-4/5/6pm depending on the day!