How many bf & ff for almost 1 year old?

[Frangipani]

Hi,

I just need some advise please. I'm returning to work in sadly in 2 weeks (boohoo) and need to sort out abit of a routine now with feeding my DS2 who will be 1 year old in 4 weeks. I currently bf with the occasional ff (mainly just once a week when i have some 'me' time 1 night a week). I never had this issue with DS1 cause he'd moved onto fully ff by the time i went back to work- but DS2 seems to still be keen on bf'ing- so will do my best to keep it up.

So I'll only be working 3 days a week at this stage- kinda 9-5 hours, Monday, Thursday & Friday's.

So how many feeds does he need during the day? I currently do a bf on wake up (about 7), then its been a little mixed over the last few weeks- sometimes he'll have one 11am'ish, then 2pm'ish, then maybe a top up 4pm'ish. Those 3 are usually upon wake ups- but most of the time 2 of those 3 would be super quick feeds- just little top ups really. Then he gets another feed before bed- 7pm'ish and lately we've cut back to 1 night feed.

So i was thinking of still doing feeds at wake up, bed time and during the night- and doing 1 formula around lunchtime...would that sound enough?

Also do you think i would then get away with still bf that day feed on non-work days...or will i dry up (don't have the time, patience and enough milk to express either)?

And last question...about a month or 2 after he turns 1 (in February) i will then give him cows milk for the day feed (don't think we'll have a problem as he gets little sips now and seems ok with it)- and continue to do bf morning, evening and night for as long as he wants to (though i may look at finishing up bf'ing at 18months if we get that far- but will cross that bridge if and when we get to it). So will those 3 bf's and a cows milk during the day suffice (loves his food- so also no issue there)?

Sorry if they are silly questions...just stressing about returning to work I think- though it will be nice to be with and talk to adults for 3 days a week! So gotta look on the bright side i guess.

Thanks in advance for you advice though.

[HotI]

Do you have somewhere at work where you can express if YOU need to? Just in case you are uncomfortable going all day without feeding bub.

[Barb Glare]

Going back to work - and the planning and change to routine.....and missing your little one can be daunting. But good news! She doesn't need formual at all. It's not recommended for babies over 1. She can just breastfeed when you are home, before and after work and on the days you are home, and when your at work she can have water. She will be fine. No need to worry about bottles or formula at all

[Frangipani]

Thanks for the replies Kate and Barb.

Kate- kind of- i work in a bank in a shopping centre so know there is parent rooms if need be- though don't think it'll be too much of a problem- i've a couple of non day feeds over the last few weeks and did not feel uncomfortable at all- think my supply is definitely dropping. But will keep it in mind though thanks.

Barb- yeah- it is daunting, though i don't have it as bad this time as i did with DS1...well yet anyway. Especially as my wonderful mum will be looking after both my boys 2 of the 3 days and DS2 all 3 days until a 1 day position becomes available at childcare - they love nana! Thanks for that info. I bought another tin of formula on the weekend and thought i wonder if this can be our last tin...looks like it will be. I'll just continue to do those morning, evening and night feeds and get mum to offer water...or possibly a little bit of cows milk in sippy cup during the day.

Now i feel a little more at ease with the milk thing...now to sort out sleep routine (think DS2 may be about ready to transition to 1 day sleep- so will have to fine tune times so its easy for my mum to put both boys down to sleep at the same time).