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Breastfeeding...will I ever be able to get my hair done??

Just wondering if anyone else has had the same issues? My 5 month old is still feeding about every 3 hours during the day. I'm really keen to get a cut and colour but not sure if I can fit it in between feeds? I guess I could get the cut one day and colour another? She is not on a routine though, so her feeds can be at any time!

I also find it hard to go out in the evenings as I don't know what time she will be wanting to feed.

At least it is quite acceptable to breastfeed in public these days (not that I feel that comfortable doing it as my daughter is a fussy feeder so not very discreet!) It must have been so restricting in the past when breastfeeding in public was not so accepted.

But I guess what I am wondering, is when can I have my life back?! (I have an older daughter as well, but she was mainly bottle fed so I didn't have these issues.)

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Permalink Reply by Marie on March 12, 2010 at 11:02am: Hi about this age we were giving one bottle of expressed breastmilk so that I got some free time. Maybe you could try this to free you up once in a while. Soon after we started with one bottle of formula just because I was returning to work at 7 months and needed to drop my supply slightly during the day so my boobs would not explode at work.

Otherwise convince DH or a friend to have baby and maybe bring baby to you when it is time to feed. Nothing wrong with breastfeeding at a hairdressers I beat they would all love it and cluck about. I too had a fussy feeder that hoped on and off so just put a nappy/cloth over his head in public to stop the distractions and to hide my boob when he did get distracted. Most hair dressers have a colour area just out of public view this could be an option. Good luck. I have a lady that comes into the home and cuts and colours. She used to be my hairdresser but decided to start her own business on the road as such maybe have a look in the phone book there maybe someone available.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nicky P on March 12, 2010 at 2:14pm: Ditto! My bubs is 4 months and also an irregular feeder! My plan was to get a weekend appt and express so DH could look after him, but now am off to Melb this week and my mum has someone come to her apartment to cut her hair so am just doing that while I am there. Sooooo need a cut as off to old friends wedding and don't want to be the doudy old WAHM amongst all my glam friends.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by BumbleBat on March 12, 2010 at 3:34pm: Expressing is one good solution - (and its good to get her accepting a bottle every now and then anyhow). but otherwise, or as well... take her and another adult, with you! i did it when my son was about that age and i was feeling much as you are now. Especially if you are getting a color done, there is a lot of waiting around, and if you have another adult to take her for a walk and a cuddle when you are busy its pretty easy. my hairdresser was very understanding and helpful.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Angela L on March 12, 2010 at 4:39pm: I would suggest going to a hairdresser that works from her home, that way it's more private and you can attend to baby during the waiting times. Just ask when a really quiet day or time would be. If you give your daughter a feed as soon as you arrive at the hairdressers (or just before you leave home), she should be okay while you get the first bit of the appointment done at least.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sarah Walker on March 12, 2010 at 5:49pm: Yup, I had 2 irregular feeders too (or maybe I was the irregular one....still haven't put my finger on that one yet!) anyway, I would suggest taking baby and a friend or partner, then you can feed when you need to or perhaps the other suggestion of finding a stylist that can come to you! I have a friend who lives in eastish auckland who has a salon at her home too, that might be an option?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cassie on March 18, 2010 at 10:30am: Thanks so much for your replies everyone...yes I might express and try her on the bottle again. Although we had such trouble getting breastfeeding established, I am a bit hesitant to do anything that might compromise it. Also, I hate expressing...did it for 3 - 4 months with my first daughter as she wouldn't latch. So actually, maybe I'll try the option of someone who works from home or will come to me...I'm in Wellington Sarah, so eastish Auckland is not too handy...thanks anyway!; ▶ Reply to This