I have an 18mo. old daughter named Morgann. I have an opportunity to go out of town on business with a female co-worker for two days. I am very nervous about leaving my daughter for two days and I am looking for some encouragement that she will be fine without me.

She will be with my husband during the day, like normal; she will be in daycare for the afternoon, like normal; and then her grandparents (my husband’s parents) will pick her up from daycare and have her for the evening until my husband gets out of work at 10pm.

I am still breastfeeding and have decided to pump and dump while am away to keep the milk flowing, but while I am away we have decided not to give my daughter any breast milk. I was very happy the day I stopped pumping and storing at work and really don't want to do that again, at least until the next one.

Also, I am the only one who puts my daughter to bed. My husband works nights and even on his days off I still put her to bed; I typically still breastfeed her before bed time. I think it is good my daughter will be at her grandparents instead of at home for bed time; removing her from her home environment might help her to break our routine. But I am still worried that putting her to sleep could be ruff.

When I went back to work after having my daughter I was terrified she was going to think I abandoned her because I had never left her side since she was born. Of course, she was fine and always very happy to see me when I got home. But there is know way to explain to an 18mo. old that Mommy is going away for a couple of days. Is she going to think I left her? I know in my heart she will be fine but part of me is worried; any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry this post is so long. Thank you in advance to anyone who takes the time to read this and respond.

Sincerely,

A worried Mommy

It will be okay. I remember feeling nervous when my son spent the night away from me for the first time. I had to have a colonoscopy and my stepsister and her husband kept him over night and all the next day. I was a little worried, too, because I was breastfeeding and I was wondering how he would do without me and how he would do at night going to sleep. He had just turned a year old a few days earlier, and I had been giving him whole milk for a week or so, so that worked out good; in fact, it was after this that we cut down to just the one feeding a day before weaning him 3 months later. Anyway, it turned out just fine; and he did well with them. My husband and I are going out of town for our anniversary next Saturday so he will be spending the night with them again, but I think he will be fine. I think your daughter will be fine, too; she is going to be staying with people she is used to so that will be good. Try to relax and enjoy your two days. You said your daughter is 18 months old; when is her birthday? My son is 18 months, too; his birthday is Nov. 8th.

Thank you for your encouraging words. It helps to here someone elses experience. My daughters Birthday is November 17th.

I think it won't be a problem, Cariann. Your husband will wake up and eventually get used to the routine you've established. Even though it is only for two days, it's good for him to be prepared for future times you won't be home. Maybe you could call his parents if you feel nervous or when you want to check in, or you could give them and your husband the number to your hotel or where they can reach you. It's all good, Cariann. She'll be okay.

She'll be just fine. She has family taking care of her. I remember my first full night away from my son. I ended up crying like crazy that night cause I missed him so much. When I finally got to go pick him up the next day they told me he did just fine without me. Too bad mommy was a nervous wreak. lol She'll be fine.

Well, I went on my trip and I am back; and of course my daughter is fine. I talked to her twice a day on the phone while I was gone. My husband said she asked for me a little and would sometimes get sad after talking to me on the phone, but for the most part she was perfectly fine.

Thanks again for all the encouraging words.

Sincerely,

Cariann