You do not mention how old the baby is. If the US had decent
maternity leave, say as in Canada, the baby would be over 6 months
old, and could be fed solids by spoon or hands, and could drink
liquids by cup.
However, I presume the baby takes only milk. In that case, I would
say give breastmilk first. Maybe the baby will be satisfied with the
breastmilk alone, and the question might not arise. Many babies will
drink little and wait for their mothers.
Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC