Nursing at night

» Arckitect - Breastfeeding at night.

Hello, I have become a recent father to Emma Grace. She is three months old and I have a question to ask everyone. My wife lets Emma nurse through the night. I don't have a problem with this except, she is planning on going out of town in about a month. She won't be gone but for a few days, but it will just be Emma and I. So far we have had little success getting her to sleep at night not being next to the breast. I am just concerned that once she leaves I won't be able to give her this when my wife is gone. We have also tried starting her on a breast milk bottle, but Emma prefers mom above all and is not taking to the bottle. She really hates pacifiers so I sorta confused on where any action needs to take place or if breast feeding though the night is not a bad thing, but something she will grow out of. I can and probably will travel with her out of town on business, but would rather spend my entire weekend at the house. Any suggestions on techniques or help on this matter would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks, M

-- posted by Arckitect

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» teresasmom - Re: Breastfeeding at night.

Hi

First I'll address breastfeeding at night. It is truly not a bad thing at all, but a wonderful thing! And it helps babies in many ways - it regulates their biorhythms, gives them nutrients, helps them feel safe. It is really something that is great to continue as long as is possible. This is especially important if the mother works, because studies have shown that babies try to get as much "mom time" as possible by nursing through the night. It is something that they eventually grow to not need any longer.

As for the separation, that could be hard. I wasn't sure if you meant that she would not take breastmilk bottles at night or ever. If she won't take them ever, that is a real concern. (For having mom go away for a few days) Who is giving the breast milk bottles to her when you try? Sometimes babies won't take bottles from mom (or even if mom is in the room) because they know that the "real thing" is right there. So you might try giving Emma a bottle with your wife not around.

If she still won't take a bottle, some babies can take breastmilk by spoonfeeding, and from sippy cups. (Even at 3 months) http://www.breastfeeding.com and http://www.lalecheleague.com would have lots of info on those 2 methods of feeding. Also http://www.askdrsears.com will also have more info on night nursing as well.

Although it will be harder, I'd still say that the best solution would be to go with your wife. At 3 months, being away from her mom for that length of time would be very hard on Emma. Plus, it could spell disaster for your wife's milk supply unless she was able to pump adequately. Especially since you say Emma won't take pacifiers, I'd say she would have trouble with missing mom overnight.

Hope this helped!

Shawna

-- posted by teresasmom

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