Unfortunately, it's not realistic to ask the carer to bring DS to me at work. She'd have to take the train and door-to-door it would be about an hour each way plus the time with me in the office. I think that's too hard on everyone including DS who needs to nap every 1.5 - 2 hours (and, he's a finicky one alright - he really prefers to nap in his cot).
Based on what people have been saying, sounds like my options are down to: sippy cup (or straw) with EBM when he's a bit older or trying formula in a bottle or sippy cup which I really, really didn't want to do as I have plenty of milk and wanted to keep it to breast milk so long as my supply is good but I guess a bottle or 2 of formula 2 days/week isn't so bad although it makes me sad for some reason.
buliej - here's a random thought for you - when giving your DS the bottle, is he just lying in someone's lap? I always BF my DD with her lying on a pillow across my lap (initially because I had a c/s and it was uncomfortable without a pillow, then we continued because she was used to it and so was I! If we're out though I BF without one). Anyway, if that's not something you've already tried, you could try lying him on a pillow and giving the bottle?
I know what you mean re the formula - I'm going back to work 3 days a week in a couple of months, and I had hoped to continue BFing. My theory was DD could have a feed before work and after work, and she could make do with water during the day (she'll be 11 mths at that point). But currently I'm having some BF problems as she has a cold and is only feeding once a day, and I am scared she is starting to self-wean I also feel funny about introducing formula, like you I don't know why but it does make me sad. I think because I LOVE the bond from BFing.
I've never tried giving DS the bottle myself - it's always someone else who tries and usually when I'm not at home. Even if he took it from me, though, it wouldn't be much help as I really need him to take it from someone else.
Loula - didn't see your post yesterday - he's not on solids yet - he's only 22 weeks (18 adjusted) - and shows ZERO interest in putting anything in his mouth but a boob - OH - or his hands. He occasionally will put a toy in his mouth but not that often and for not that long - he's not into exploring things with his mouth like some other babies I've seen - but then again, he's the youngest baby in my mothers' group so I expect he'll start soon. I feed him 3 hourly during the day and when left with someone else he only starts getting fussy around the 3 hour mark and that's when they try the bottle. My MIL has been great - she's tried all those distraction things you mentioned as has my husband - it does keep DS from going crazy (meaning stretching out the time until I get home but the longest it has been is an unplanned 4 hours). and he will not take a dummy...at all. He can go 7.5-8 hours at night without a feed (not all nights, but recently some nights) - but I try to keep him really well fed during the day.
Thanks Mrs P - hmm, I do use a pillow when I BF but a BF'ing pillow - DH has tried with a normal pillow but not quite the same position (I don't think I can get DH to put on the BF pillow )- he and MIL have both also tired with DS facing out sitting forward/ sitting back - basically every position.
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I also feel funny about introducing formula, like you I don't know why but it does make me sad. I think because I LOVE the bond from BFing.
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