Going back to work/Temperamental baby

[blynncollins]

I am breastfeeding and I am going back to work in two weeks (my son will be exactly 3 mos), leaving him with my mother. Of course I plan to pump and my milk supply is fantastic, so I am not worried about that too much.

My main concern is that my son gets really worked up sometimes and the only thing that calms him is my breast. We dance him, play with him, adjust/change his diaper, anything...but most of the time he just wants my breast. He has no problem drinking from a bottle, but he will not take a pacifier to calm him or put him to sleep.

What do I do? Have I spoiled him? Will he be okay for 8 hours while I am gone? I am afraid that he will cry hysterically while I am at work and stress himself (and my mom) out.

[amyamy1973]

My first was like this and I worried so much about her being able to be comforted by others. But it turned out that when I wasn't around she could easily be comforted by others. But if I was in the room it was all mama all the time. It's like if I was gone she knew breastfeeding wasn't an option. Don't worry about it. He'll be fine with his grandma - give them a chance to work out their own special little routines. He'll probably be all over you when you get home, but you want that anyway, right?

BTW - you can not spoil a baby in anyway. It's not possible.

[jodyvo]

it is funny what they will do when we are around. Your son will do great. Out of sight out of mind.
I had alot of the same anxieties. I have been back to work for 3 weeks and it s alot better. Mira is also doing great
Good luck
Jody

[ima062002]

YOu have most certainly NOT spoiled him. Comforting your baby in a way that works is never spoiling.

Your mother and son will learn how to calm/calm down each other. When I am around my 4 yo and my 17 mo want to nurse before going to bed; my 17 mo old nurses to sleep. On the rare night I wasn't available my dh found HIS way to put the kids to bed.

Your mom can use her finger and see if he was willing to suck on that. Or she can humm to him, hugging him and walk around or whatever she did with you or she can think of. Something will work. He knows that she is not you :).

Try not to worry momma. I know that is easier said than done...

[madelsmama]

Oh, you have NOT spoiled him. He just loves his mom.

I'll save myself some typing by saying that I agree with Ima. Your mom and baby will figure out one another. I have/had one of those types of babies, except that she wouldn't take a bottle either. Things were fine after her sitter figured out what worked best for her. Now, at 11 months old, she naps better for her than she does me!

[Stephanie]

Not spoiled at all.

And I agree with Ima and Madelsmama. They will figure each other out.

[SingingMom]

You can't spoil a baby by giving him what he needs.

You can teach him that nobody cares about his needs by not meeting them.

Your baby and his grandma will figure each other out. You are doing great and the baby won't expect anybody else to be you.