Post by harfamilyof3 on Feb 5, 2017 16:15:06 GMT -5
When did you/are you going back to work? I went back to work two weeks ago- Nora was exactly 10 weeks.
What is one thing you're looking forward to about going back to work? I was looking forward to getting back into a routine before going back.
Anything that you are worried about or dreading? (Ha) I was worried about Nora taking a bottle and she still hasn't. I'm fortunate enough to be able to breastfeed her there. I have an administration meeting Friday though so she'll need to take at least one bottle while I'm out of the center.
STMs, do you feel it's easier leaving your LO the second time around? Any life hacks you have discovered along the way as a working mom? It was definitely easier this time then last, which is crazy because last time I took 5 months! We prep all DD1s snacks before bed the night before and always lay out both of their outfits and mine. I'm alone getting them ready and out the door in the morning since DH works the 4am shift.
FTMs, was your maternity leave everything you thought it would be?
When are you going back to work: End of May for the last few days of the school year. I have to go back to keep my benefits over the summer.
One thing you're looking forward to: getting into our real life routine. My first few days back will be a bit of a test run as she'll be with dh, we don't start day care until July.
Anything you are worried about: I really don't want to go back to current job next school year. I have a masters in a totally different field and I'd like to use it, or get a job in my district out of the classroom for a couple of years. We live in too expensive an area for me to not work, but I haven't liked my job in some time.
FTM: so far leave is good, but I know I will need to either a) go back to work for sanity sake or b) find stuff for us to do if I were ever able to stay home. I think I will enjoy my leave more and have a better grasp on how I really feel once we have these feedings under control.
What is one thing you're looking forward to about going back to work? Looking fwd to eating meals without any kids.
Anything that you are worried about or dreading? (Ha) My stress level in the a.m. Rushing around trying to get to work on time.
STMs, do you feel it's easier leaving your LO the second time around? Any life hacks you have discovered along the way as a working mom? Showering at night unfortunately. I hate sleeping with my hair wet/damp but it does help. Although during the end of my pregnancy I could take 5 min showers. Also, I'd drop off my pumped milk at pick up. So, whatever I pumped at work that day I'd leave at DC that evening. No need to take it home.
FTMs, was your maternity leave everything you thought it would be?
When did you/are you going back to work? Sometime in April
What is one thing you're looking forward to about going back to work? Using the work part of my brain again.
Anything that you are worried about or dreading? (Ha) Mostly daycare. I'm already a worrier and I know I'll feel guilty that she's away from me for so long each week.
STMs, do you feel it's easier leaving your LO the second time around? Any life hacks you have discovered along the way as a working mom?
FTMs, was your maternity leave everything you thought it would be? It's good so far, but I'm getting less done than I hoped I would. She prefers to nap on me. I have to remind myself that the whole point of this is taking care of her, and that if I don't do anything else all day that's still okay.
lola I'm afraid to find out the work part of my brain is broken.
@cahistoryteacher oh I am jealous you have summer break to look fwd to. It sucks about your job. GL finding something you like.
harfamilyof3 my Leo also was stubborn about taking a bottle. He'd eat very little and wait to nurse. Hope your Nora comes around soon!
@kc295905 yes, those DC germs are no joke! Any one thing you'd like to do these final weeks? I'm going to get at least one batch of Alex's pictures printed and in his album. FX.
Post by requiressnacks on Feb 5, 2017 21:49:58 GMT -5
When did you/are you going back to work? March 1
What is one thing you're looking forward to about going back to work? Interaction with adults and not worrying about feeding babies every 3 hours. Oh, and not getting spit up on constantly.
Anything that you are worried about or dreading? (Ha) Missing the babies, worrying about if daycare is treating them well. I especially worry about DS who needs a lot of extra time and attention during his feeding sessions. I am also really nervous about requesting a flexible working arrangement and how my boss will react. I used to work 50+ hours/week in office and now I want to scale back to 40.
STMs, do you feel it's easier leaving your LO the second time around? Any life hacks you have discovered along the way as a working mom?
FTMs, was your maternity leave everything you thought it would be?
I basically accomplished nothing, aside from bonding with my babies and keeping them alive. I really thought I'd have more "me" time. (And now all the STMs can laugh at me haha) Honestly, I thought I would have enjoyed it more, but the first 8 weeks was fucking miserable. I wish I had another couple of months. The babies are just starting to get fun.
When did you/are you going back to work? I'm returning March 13.
What is one thing you're looking forward to about going back to work? Being able to socialize with adults more. Also, I just really like what I do for work.
Anything that you are worried about or dreading? (Ha) FI stays home with the kids, but he's just really not very good with infants, so I'm worried for him lol. I also need to figure out with HR where I'm going to be able to pump, and I have class on Tues/Thurs at 6, so I'll have to rush home on those days to be in class on time.
STMs, do you feel it's easier leaving your LO the second time around? Any life hacks you have discovered along the way as a working mom? Third time mom here; I don't think it's any easier this time around. I wish I could stay home with my kids, but I'm the breadwinner. My hacks that I've learned are definitely prep as much as you can the night before, including pumping supplies if you plan on pumping before or on the way to work. Also, remember to still take time for yourself, otherwise you start to burn out!
Post by catherineoctober on Feb 6, 2017 10:18:37 GMT -5
When did you/are you going back to work? Worked from home with Jane and friend Jan. 25th through Feb 1. First day of Daycare was Feb. 1. I still cried this morning dropping her off again.
What is one thing you're looking forward to about going back to work? Feeling productive. Connecting with my friends at work again. Helping out - while I was out it was the worst time at work for everyone else. I got to miss it and now I'm the hero because I'm taking clients off their plates.
Anything that you are worried about or dreading? (Ha) Jane has been so easy that I didn't really know what I was worried about. However, I did automatically hate daycare. It would have been any daycare I just don't want to take her, but that's the choice we made. I'll get better about it over time. In my planner on the first day I had to take her I wrote EFF Daycare. I think it's crazy that I have to pay for someone to take care of my girl when that's what I want to do. Also, we're down to one vehicle so I was concerned about all the driving, but it's working out really well and I get the truck all day. :-)
FTMs, was your maternity leave everything you thought it would be? I didn't know what to expect. My company didn't pay me right so that sucked and was stressful, but it's almost all fixed now (get makeup pay on Thursday). I was amazed at how happy I was just holding Jane. I could do that forever. I did think I would be more uptight about everything with her, but I've surprised myself and my family at how relaxed I am. I think it's because I'm still amazed that I'm a Mommy.
I love the advice of prepping the night before. I've been doing that and it really pays off. Jane had a tough night last night and she slept all morning, I had everything packed and just got myself ready and we were off. I could stop and feed her any time though because I have everything ready to go the night before. It rocks.
Post by babycowbell on Feb 6, 2017 12:28:57 GMT -5
When did you/are you going back to work? I'll go back mid-March when her spot in day care opens.
What is one thing you're looking forward to about going back to work? Eating without trying to plan around a baby. Having non-baby related things to think about and talk about.
Anything that you are worried about or dreading? (Ha) Her most enjoyable part of the day is mid-morning and evenings are her crankiest, so I worry about missing all the fun and just being there for the cranky part of the day. I also worry about her needing to take so much milk from a bottle, and I worry about making a schedule that works when I've typically worked long hours and that seems to be the expectation of the group. There aren't any other working parents on my team who actually try to split parenting 50/50 with their SO, they all have an SO who stays at home or works part-time. So I'll be trying to have a work-life balance that is different than everyone else.
STMs, do you feel it's easier leaving your LO the second time around? Any life hacks you have discovered along the way as a working mom?
FTMs, was your maternity leave everything you thought it would be? It's gone by really fast. Also, I thought I'd have a better handle on her naps by now.
After almost three years of TTC, IVF #1 = Menopur + Follistim + other stuff. Retrieved 14, 12 mature, 7 fertilized, only 1 (6AA) made it to day 5 blast. BFP! DD born 12-10-2016
When did you/are you going back to work? March 1st
What is one thing you're looking forward to about going back to work? Having to/being able to shower every day lol! Also, I bring my lunch so eating better and at more normal times. Being able to do something other then feed the twinkies and change diapers.
Anything that you are worried about or dreading? (Ha) Missing all the good stuff. Having DH home - I'm worried about the condition of our house when he's home all day with the boys.
STMs, do you feel it's easier leaving your LO the second time around? Any life hacks you have discovered along the way as a working mom?
FTMs, was your maternity leave everything you thought it would be? Yes and no. I thought it was going to be harder then it's actually been and I thought I'd enjoy it more than I have.
It's a serious problem. i need new pants that fit but can't find any 😩😩😩
I hesr ya! I bought new jeans the other day because I have my work post holiday party the weekend right after I go back but didn't even think about looking for work pants..ugh. I hate shopping for work pants.
Post by lastnamewithheld on Feb 11, 2017 9:01:20 GMT -5
When did you/are you going back to work? March 27th
What is one thing you're looking forward to about going back to work? Making some money. That's really it right now. It sounds like work has been a shit show since I've been out. Oops, that last part should have been under the next question lol
Anything that you are worried about or dreading? (Ha) dreading the state of the office when I return... and Daycare related illnesses. Ugh
STMs, do you feel it's easier leaving your LO the second time around? Any life hacks you have discovered along the way as a working mom?
FTMs, was your maternity leave everything you thought it would be? Yes!! I just want more time!! (Cries)
Ps all your tips and tricks are great! I'm stealing them all!!
IVF+ICSI March 2016 (6R/5M/5F - 3 embryos on ice) 4/7/16: first ever BFP! EDD: 12/17/16 DS Arrived via C-Section 12/19/16! FET #1 June 2019 - 1 embryo didn't survive thaw & the one that did didn't stick around. BFN FET #2 September 2019 - last embryo didn't survive thaw.
I'm resurrecting this thread for purely selfish reasons. I'm back at work in two weeks, and I'm trying to make sure my bases are covered. I have the list for daycare (need to buy a few things) and my pumping bag. What else did you do before going back? Anything you wish you'd done or would do differently?
Post by littlelion on Mar 28, 2017 14:46:45 GMT -5
lola I like having a 2nd pump that I can leave at home. 1 less bag to lug back and forth Frid/Mon. I also have a 2nd set of pump parts clean and in a ziploc bag for those times I forget to clean the one I use. I had a water bottle that was handy but just added more weight to my bag and was 1 more thing to remember.
lola I like having a 2nd pump that I can leave at home. 1 less bag to lug back and forth Frid/Mon. I also have a 2nd set of pump parts clean and in a ziploc bag for those times I forget to clean the one I use. I had a water bottle that was handy but just added more weight to my bag and was 1 more thing to remember.
Thank you! I'm going to order more pump parts and leave the actual pump at work. I'll have the manual pump at home, just in case.
I'm resurrecting this thread for purely selfish reasons. I'm back at work in two weeks, and I'm trying to make sure my bases are covered. I have the list for daycare (need to buy a few things) and my pumping bag. What else did you do before going back? Anything you wish you'd done or would do differently?
A few things that went well for me - although these may not be possible/applicable for you!
1. The babies started daycare on a day I didn't have to work. Basically, I was a giant, sobbing, hot mess on their first day of daycare and I'm really happy I didn't have to go to work that day. 2. I started back to work on a Wednesday. It was nice to not have work a full week. 3. Figure out some quick and easy meals. I think you have flexible hours, but the evenings are kind of a shit show in my house because I'm alone with 2 cranky babies. I like to cook ahead some meals on Sundays or have a few meals in my back pocket that come together in less than 30 minutes.
I'm resurrecting this thread for purely selfish reasons. I'm back at work in two weeks, and I'm trying to make sure my bases are covered. I have the list for daycare (need to buy a few things) and my pumping bag. What else did you do before going back? Anything you wish you'd done or would do differently?
A few things that went well for me - although these may not be possible/applicable for you!
1. The babies started daycare on a day I didn't have to work. Basically, I was a giant, sobbing, hot mess on their first day of daycare and I'm really happy I didn't have to go to work that day. 2. I started back to work on a Wednesday. It was nice to not have work a full week. 3. Figure out some quick and easy meals. I think you have flexible hours, but the evenings are kind of a shit show in my house because I'm alone with 2 cranky babies. I like to cook ahead some meals on Sundays or have a few meals in my back pocket that come together in less than 30 minutes.
Definitely need to figure out a meal situation, but I think MH is going to be in charge of assembly/cooking (he likes to cook, but I have to do the panning).
So my first week of work, my mom is coming into town to watch her. The next week, I'm working from home Monday because she has her 4 month appointment. My husband is going to watch her on Tuesday. Then she'll start daycare on Wednesday. Hoping this approach helps me ease back in, but I'll still be a mess I'm sure.
I stop at home after work each day before getting the kids for about 30-45 minutes. It gives me time to fold laundry/sweep/pay bills/etc..without needing to stop every 5 seconds to take care of them. It also gives me a little "alone time" each day. This way once we all get home I can spend uninterrupted time with them. I also have been buying a lot of pre-chopped veggies and prepared meals when I go grocery shopping- it does cost a little more, but has been a huge time saver.
Meal times, housework, H time and bath time are what I'm struggling with right now. I plan meals every weekend but we rarely stick to it bc 1, we are gone too long for slow cooker meals. (I need a programmable one but then isn't the food just sitting out room temp?! Ew), and 2 we don't have time or energy to cook when I don't get home til 630 and N goes to bed at 715. I don't like relying so much on frozen meals but it is what it is and I'm just going to add more easy meals during the week (cereal, sandwiches, salads).
Housework ugh. I try to catch up on wed/fri/weekends but I'd rather spend QT with my kids.
I try to make bathtime for N a priority to help his eczema, I shoot for every other day but it's more like every 2 days.
Just keep your expectations low and you'll be good lola haha
I stop at home after work each day before getting the kids for about 30-45 minutes. It gives me time to fold laundry/sweep/pay bills/etc..without needing to stop every 5 seconds to take care of them. It also gives me a little "alone time" each day. This way once we all get home I can spend uninterrupted time with them. I also have been buying a lot of pre-chopped veggies and prepared meals when I go grocery shopping- it does cost a little more, but has been a huge time saver.
That totally makes sense. I'm all about creating more uninterrupted time, even if it does cost slightly more. And I totally get it on the alone time thing.
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