[Pocket79]

Hi all,

My DS is 14mo and I still breastfeed him at least twice a day (morning and night, plus once before his nap if I'm at home with him). About 6 weeks ago I went back to work 3 days a week and DS is in childcare. Since then it seems as if either he or I has been for the whole 6 weeks and I am just constantly feeling so run down as of course Im still doing lots of housework on the days when I'm not working and at night.

My question is, do you think I should wean DS completely so as to give my immune system a better chance of coping with this lifestyle? I am just worried that if I stop feeding him breastmilk I will take away some of his ability to fight off all of these illnesses.

I really love breastfeeding though, especially when he comes into bed with us in the morning for his feed and a snuggle, and when I give him his milk before he goes to bed at night as it is obviously so calming and relaxing for him...

Torn!

[MakeLoveNotBacon]

I wouldn't as your milk will give him some protection while at daycare, and especially as you both still love it. I don't think a couple of feeds a day will have much effect on your immune system and would probably try some extra healthy foods/vitamins, plenty of rest (hard one), relaxation. If you feel really run down, talk to your doctor about a blood test to see if you are low in anything - iron, etc.

[Pocket79]

Thanks MadameCatty, that is very good advice. Ive been taking the BF vitamins but I think I will go to the doctor and see if I need anything else.

This post has been edited by Pocket79: 27/03/2012, 12:47 PM

[deejie]

Judging on my experience when I went back to work, it won't make any difference to your health! Your son is going to child care and is exposed to new viruses constantly. He will bring them home, you will get sick. The first winter DS1 was in child care was dreadful, we were all sick. Breastfeeding him gave him a lot of comfort when he was sick and was a lovely way for us to wind down at the end of the day, to sooth him overnight, to wake up.

Going back to work is hard. You are probably feeling run down and stressed. I second going to your doctor to check everything is in order, but perhaps also talk to your DP/DH about increasing his share of the workload at home. You can't be superwoman!

[Gonewiththewind:...]

I also have a 14 month old little man who's still bfing (isn't it just the nicest age!)

My little one still feeds overnight but I don't think the feed in itself would have much impact on your immune system plus I think the lovely cuddles and bonding would have a positive effect (particularly after a day apart).

I'd probably have a blood test (I've been meaning to do this myself as I am still quite run down and tired) and perhaps look into a multivitamin etc.

I don't think weaning will make much difference and it could actually end up that he catches more bugs (and so kindly passes them on to you!)

[3_for_me]

I don't think weaning made any difference to me, it's been over a year since DD was breastfed and I still feel run down and crap. Have been tested for everything but nothing howed up so it seems it may simply be that I am working too hard

[Pocket79]

Thanks for the reassurance ladies, I want to keep feeding so I will.

My DH and I also had a talk on the wknd and drew up a list of who does what around the house to make sure it we share the chores so hopefully that will help!

[pratique]

You will only produce antibodies for pathogens you have been exposed to. If your DS is exposed at child care, he will not get immunity from you.

[Bel Rowley]

Like MadameCatty I would also suggesting getting your iron levels checked and see if that's contributing to you feeling rundown. As for weaning, only you can make that decision, if you want to keep feeding I'm sure you can make it work. I suspect most of what you are feeling is the normal strain of working and being a parent, it sucks but it's the way many of us feel all the time .

[Bluenomi]

You will only produce antibodies for pathogens you have been exposed to. If your DS is exposed at child care, he will not get immunity from you.

I've found I get more things from daycare than DD does so that isn't usually a problem! Last time gatro did the rounds she was fine and DH and I spend a few days with our heads in buckets

I weaned DD 3 months ago and it didn't make any difference to how crap I feel so I suspect breastfeeding has nothing to do with it. I weaned her at 21 months, we managed to keep feeding for 15 months while she was in full time daycare