[SqueakInCanada]

Having said that, I probably could convince my boss that this would be an exceptional circumstance and to relax the policy BUT THEN the thought of 24+ hours in economy with a wriggly 15 month old vs 24 hours of lying down peace and quiet on my own....even though I love my son very, very much...you know the rest.

Oh yes, I can definitely understand!! In the very near future I'm facing a 24 hr flight with my 11month old, and I know which one I'd prefer

[lucky 2]

I think there is a possibility that he will wean with a separation of one week but there is a possibility that he wont. You will only know after you return, he may jump into your arms and try to get under your top or he may not. Or he may look for your breast at any other time. He may associate you with your breasts and want them back.
You may need to consider taking a pump or being prepared to hand express even if you are not "good" at it. Your breast may be unimpressed with no bfing and may become uncomfortable.
I found warm packs and leaning forward a bit helped me to let down as quickly as possible. And deep breathing, calming me down.
All the best.

[chillibean]

You could just see how it goes, as lucky2 said above. It may or may not be the end of BFing. I would still go in the trip though, and not take your son. I hated the babyjetlag and I Woul
Be worried about leaving my baby with a stranger.

I weaned DD1 for my own selfish reasons at 15 months. By that time she was down to 1-2 feeds per day, and was having cows milk in a bottle (she had some formula when I returned to work at 9 months). She would normally feed morning and night, sometimes skipping the morning. I just gave her a bottle instead and gradually stopped offering the breast. I felt a little sad, but also nice to have my body "back" and feel
more myself again....

[hunter4]

It sounds like you're leaning in the opposite direction at the moment but I just thought I'd add my two cents worth in.

When DD was 16 months old my DH was sent on a work trip to Paris for 1 week. No way was I letting DH go to Paris without me so DD and I decided to tag along (I was also 5 months pregnant at the time). We didn't have quite as far to go as we were in North America (with stop overs a 12 hour trip) we all flew economy as thats all DH's company was paying for. What we did was leave the Friday before, spent the weekend in Paris as a family then during the week I spent the morning exploring the city, naps in the hotel in the afternoon and then met up with DH after work and we'd go out again have dinner out etc. we then added another 2 weeks holiday on the end but if you didn't have the time available maybe you could just do the extra weekend, make a holiday out of it!

For us it was a great experience and I'd definitely do it again, but obviously it depends on whether you're DH WANTED to go with you, could you get a few extra days off on one end to make a holiday out of it etc. Just wanted to let you know that it is doable (and fun for the other half) if that's what you end up wanting to do.

Otherwise as PPs have said you can alway try expressing as much as possible whilst away and hope he's willing to take the boob when you get back - even if your supply does dwindle whilst your away it's possible to get it back up again if you want and you (and bubs) are willing. Otherwise 15 months is a good whack and well done for getting so far.
.....and for the record, I wouldn't even contemplate not going - it sounds like too good an oportunity to miss!

This post has been edited by hunter4: 24/04/2012, 08:32 AM

[Spiritosa]

Thanks for all the additional replies everybody. Its nice to have a 'sounding board' for all these feelings.

I have considered not weaning and seeing how things are when I get back but I am mainly worried about the 'shock' to my son of no boobs and no mum. Finding time and privacy to express on the road might also be tricky but not insurmountable. I think I'll make an appointment to speak to my GP about options.

Hunter4 - sounds like an amazing holiday! We have considered doing something similar but we don't have the ability to extend our stay in Europe (and it is peak season so everything is expensive at that time) but my husband and I also used to live in Stockholm (where I am headed) so, whilst he will be able to entertain himself, the 'newness' is not there so much and we'd probably rather spend money on a holiday to somewhere new (as much as we love Stockholm).

Thanks again for all the advice ladies. Its so nice to have help from such a supportive bunch!