I didn't BF my first, so I don't really know this. I am planning to BF exclusively when she's a newborn, but I will have to go back to work after 12 weeks. I don't know if I will pump, how much time I will actually have in the work day to do it.But I still want to BF sometimes, as formula is so expensive, and I know it is healthier. So can she eat formula during the day and then BF at home mornings, evenings and weekends? Or do you need to be BF'ing longer and have a better established milk supply before you can switch. How does this work? Any advice about BFing while working or sgoing to school or whatever is appreciated!
Try pumping first. My best friend pumped one breast while the baby nursed the other during the first few weeks, and now she has a huge milk supply.
If you're like me, and your breasts clam up at the sight of a pump, you could supplement with formula. I had to do it with Tori because I went back to work when she was two weeks old. I was really lucky with her, because she never had nipple confusion. You should be okay though with a 12 week old. But anyway, in the mornings I would breastfeed her real good on both sides (I woke up really early), then during the day she would have bottles of formula (or my one lonely bottle of EBM), then the minute I got home she would nurse, and then pretty much stay latched on almost the entire evening. We also co-slept so who knows how much breastmilk she got at night.
Also, take a look at the stickies up at the top of the forum. There's some really great information on alternative ways to give babies formula or EBM other than bottles. I never tried any of them though, because the person who watched the babies while I worked never wanted to.
I worked and pumped once or twice a day.
My daughter only took half a bottle a day,and marathon nursed all night, we got used to it ,and it was only until she was ready for some solids,about 8 mo. She just wanted to wait for me!
I think co-sleeping is a great idea for working moms.