Alicia,

Has this mom tried having someone offer cup/bottle while she is out of the
house?  Most babies won't accept alternate feeding methods from mom
herself--sort of like being offered beer when a bottle of champagne is
sitting right there.  With my first, he would NEVER accept any other feeding
method if I was in the building!  This was true even if I made a big show of
leaving, then "snuck" back in through another door.  The little squirt KNEW
(smelled?) I was there even then.  When I was working nights, trying to sleep
a block of time on the weekends, my husband had to take him to the park or
somewhere to eat, if I wasn't willing to be waked.  This was true even as a
toddler (over 1 year old).  He might "snack" on crackers, etc., but would
drink NOTHING if I was anywhere around.

I understand what you mean about this woman feeling "trapped".  Perhaps
trying this technique of leaving for a feed would "open the door" for her to
leave for work, knowing her baby will be fed while she's gone.  Point out
that she can possibly continue to partial breastfeed, without pumping, by
supplementing with AIM while she's gone, and still nurse before/after work.
Many women find that with babies over 4-5 months they can maintain enough
supply to nurse this way.  Point out how much time this will save her, as
well as cost savings (since the $ issue seems important), and encourage her
to give it a try.

Good luck!

Carol, in sunny St. Louis, where for ONCE we are actually having Spring for
more than a day!