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if you need the money, then i would go back to work. you can always supplement with formula and give your baby some breastmilk. they will still get almost all the benefits! it's not all or nothing.

Depends on the age... I know your daughter is about 8 weeks now, so she obviously eats ever 3ish hours still. But my son is 4.5 mos and he can go up to 4 hours without eating. Last night I went to a bachelorette party for a friend; I fed DS at 4pm, and since I was so busy the whole time I forgot to pump! I got home at 11pm, but he was sleeping, so I went to bed - and he woke up to eat at 1:30am. So I went 9+ hours without pumping and though I was engorged, it all worked out. Then when I DO pump I can usually pump 6+oz as opposed to just 3-4oz. So it all evens out. If you just keep drinking water, your supply should stay the same. And make sure you are pumping that extra bit if you got 6+ hours.

I think you could totally do it!!!

Personally, I wouldn't give up BF'ing before a year for a job unless we really couldn't make ends meet.
We are definitely struggling now (there is literally nothing leftover, even to save) - but I know I couldn't make enough to pay for childcare and especially if I had to give up BF'ing.

I guess I would question, if you were alone in the shop, what happens if you need to use the restroom? Surely you step away for a minute or two.

Also, what about if the shop is empty? Could you just put on a nursing cover and pump, watching for any approaching customers? I strategically wear clothing that is easy to pull down to pump, so if I could see someone coming, I could easily stop, put the pump down, and pull my shirt back up within about 5 seconds. Ideal, no, but could be done if needed.

@Mrsdaredevil: I wouldn't give up breastfeeding for a job, but I don't think you have to either. If you want to work, I think it's totally doable to pump before and after and alter your supply so that you still get the same amount. You may need to add in an extra pump when you're home, either in the morning or evening, but it should even out eventually and adjust to your schedule.

I would take the job. You said you enjoy it AND you guys need some money. Like what MrsBee said, it's not all or nothing. You could breastfeed while you're home and supplement during the day.

I go longer than 6 hours without pumping quite often and it hasnt really affected my supply that much. So you never know. If you wanted you could pump whenever you get the chance and then supplement with formula so that way you get some breastmilk rather than none at all

Have you thought of pumping in advance of going back to work to build up a freezer stock so that your LO can continue to have bresatmilk while you are back at work if your supply diminishes?

FWIW, I've gone 6 hours w/o pumping a few times (in the night usually) and my supply is fine - when that happens I will get in a few extra pumps during the day (go 2 hrs between instead of 3). I produce more than enough for DS still.

That's great your job wants you back! Good luck w/ whatever decision you make!

I would go back to work and supplement with formula. The extra cash will be very helpful for what ifs and rainy days

I would say that it depends on the age of your LO. If your LO is an infant (like 3 months and under), I would say to keep breastfeeding! No amount of money can replace good health. But once you're past the infant stage, I think mixing formula + breastmilk would still provide many benefits for your baby. Plus having the extra money would suuuure come in handy!