Back to Work Check-in

[saraml13]

I haven't seen one of these on PB, so I figured I would start one.

1. When did/will you start back at work.

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.

3. Challenges or frustrations

4. Tips or questions for other working moms

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.

[saraml13]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
Jan 5

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
I was worried about where I could pump at work and being able to pump as much as DS eats at daycare. HR arranged for me to use a really nice empty office to pump and I've been able to pump plenty of milk. I usually have extra to add to my freezer stash each day.

3. Challenges or frustrations
The mornings are a hassle. If I'm lucky, DS sleeps in until I wake him up to get ready for daycare and I'm able to get myself ready while he sleeps. But recently he has been waking up as I'm starting to get ready and it's harder to juggle him and prepare for the day.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
I've found it useful to have a standard "formula" for my work outfits. Pre-baby, I used to rotate through all different types if outfits (dressed, skirts, pants, different types of tops). Now I stick to slacks, a loose shell or dressy tank top that I can just pull up for pumping, and a sweater. That way I don't have to worry about things like taking a dress on and off for pumping. And I DS spits up on me in the morning, it is easy to swap out one aspect of my outfit (as opposed to if he were to spit up on an outfit where a skirt only went with a particular top).

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
Male co-worker: welcome back!
Me: Thanks!
Cw: Who's taking care of the baby?
Me: He's at daycare
Cw: Daycare?! How old is he, 5 months?
Me: 3 months
CW: So young to be in daycare! Must be rough for him

[cnj]

1. When did you start back at work.
Dec 29.

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
I'm using the accountant's office to pump instead of the bathroom like I had to do when I went back after my DD.

3. Challenges or frustrations
My commute is annoying. Drop off and pickup of the kiddos adds an hour + to my drive time each day.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
Prepping things (dinner for the next day, clothes, diaper bag) at night really helps my morning go smoother.
5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
One guy busted into the office while I was pumping, totally ignoring the privacy sign on the door.

[CutieCruz]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
January 19th

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
certain areas of my department fell apart with out me. The new girl in my company kept trying to show me up before I went out (sneaky girl, I hear lots of people had same issue ). So they gave her the service call portion of my job while I was out (my assistant took over rest). A new program miss know-it-all put in place. Service has been a nightmare since I left. they are so excited I came back. The first 2 days I watched the vhanges, got caught up on everything and the other 3 days, already running more efficiently. The boss has noticed.

3. Challenges or frustrations
Pulling myself away from him in the morning, like my csection incision,every day it got better but still sore as hell.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
lol no tips to give yet. I am FTM still trying to figure it out!

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
I get a 1/2 hour for lunch. My job is stressful so I don't talk work at lunch. The guy I work directly with keeps coming into lunch room to bother me l, I tell him I'm at lunch and continues to make the same joke "you've been at lunch for 4 months". So annoying.

[erawka]

1. When did/will you start back at work.

Went back 12/8

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.

I'm surprised how quickly I got back into the swing of things. Part of that is because I've been so busy I basically had no choice but to jump right in.

3. Challenges or frustrations

The nanny/DH are working on paced bottle feeding because DD hasn't been nursing well. I kinda flipped on DH today because he gave her 4.5 ounces tonight!!! "Because she was still hungry." So I'm trying to teach him that fussy does not equal hungry. I've seen him do a good paced feeding in the past so I know he can do it. I get that it's hard but he'll just have to learn.

Another challenge is that our nanny (who is great) brings her 15-mo daughter during their days, and I worry that she's getting overwhelmed. We have a NannyCam, so I've seen her be wonderful with the girls, but her DD gives her a hard time whenever she puts V down for a nap (which is challenging on its own).

Unfortunately, I don't relieve her (DH does), so I don't get to check in with her at the end of the day, but I plan on sending her an email to see how she's managing and to ask if there's any way we can help.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms

Nothing really. Just high fives for keeping it together, ladies.

5. Most annoying thing -workers have said or done related to your return.

I work in a pedi office, so most people get it. I love my coworkers.

[maggie6424]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
Jan 19th

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
Everyone is so thankful I'm back. I kick ass at my job/company, and even though there were major changes while I was gone, I fell right back into my groove.

3. Challenges or frustrations
The company eliminated us working a 4-10 schedule, so I have to work another day which adds almost 2 hours a week of driving. I have to pump in different offices each day since I'm in a cube. Depends on whoever is off. I also have to pump while driving, which sucks ass.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
Nada

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
That I got a vacation. Uhh, no..

[keelyd]

[. When did/will you start back at work.
Jan 5

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
Getting back intimate classroom has been easier than I expected -- I remembered (most) kids names, I've been doing a pretty good job of planning, and it's nice to feel like I'm using my brain again.

3. Challenges or frustrations
Grading -- I just can't figure out how to get it done. I'm on my own with DS most nights, my limited off time at work is spent pumping, and the hour and a half I now spend commuting/doing daycare pick-up/drop-of fracy way really limits what I have the time/energy to do.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
They've all been pretty good.

[puppyspit]

1. March 9th

2-4. ??

5. My counterpart gave his notice because his wife is expecting again. I mean WTF... Quit a job with 100% travel just because you will have 3U5 in your home?? I kid... I kid
I totally get it
I'm just afraid to see who they bring in to replace him and DAMN him for leaving me!!

[jellykat2]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
Jan 5th. Went back to finish up the rest of my clinicals. I had 10 weeks total left....3 down, 7 to go.


2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
It's been nice getting back into some routine. Also, my first clinical back has been at an OB/GYN office, so they are super understanding and good about me pumping.


3. Challenges or frustrations
I have to come home and study after clinic. I'm struggling to find that balance between clinic/family/study, and sleep. I know it's short term, but I'm still struggling. Right now studying is being put on the back burner. Not good.


4. Tips or questions for other working moms
Does anyone know ways to make coffee work better?? Sometimes I think it doesn't work?


5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
Since I'm in an OB/GYN clinic, nothing thankfully.

[dearie149]

1. Started back January 15th.

2. Aspects of work that have gone well: I thought it would be much harder to get students back to my "expectations" but it's taking less time than I expected. They know I mean business. My colleagues all seem happy to have me back too, which is nice.

3. Challenges: getting all my planning/prep done in addition to pumping. I've been doing as much as I can at home and getting to school 2 hours early to get all my coping, emails, etc. done before school starts, but I leave as soon as my last class is over so DH can get to work.

4. I don't feel like I've been back at work long enough to have any tips! Maybe that Trader Joes has yummy oatmeal with Flax seed (and no crappy stuff in it) that I've been eating every morning while pumping.

5. Most annoying thing: nothing -they've all been great

[ashleyvictoria]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
I start back one week from today. Eek!

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
I found out that there is a mother's room in my building. It has a refrigerator and a pump and the company is going to provide me with pump parts kit (don't know what kind of pump it is, but hoping it's medela because I have 3 sets of parts so I could have an extra on hand and not worry about forgetting them if I took them home to wash, etc).

3. Challenges or frustrations
I EBF and am trying to increasingly replace nursing sessions with pumping and bottle feedings over the next week, so I will have enough milk pumped on Sunday and DS will be used to getting multiple bottles in one day. I worry that I won't be able to pump enough and I have a very very small freezer stash.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
I'm worried about the amount of time our morning routine is going to take. I take a while to get ready myself and it's way more time consuming with DS. My commute and daycare dropoff will probably take at least an hour and 15 minutes, so I really need to streamline my morning routine in order to avoid waking up 5 hours before I have to be at work. What are the best ways you've found to streamline or shorten your morning routine?

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
I'm not back yet, so I haven't really spoken to any co-workers.

[jellykat2]

Jan 26, 2015 22:59:22 GMT -5 ashleyvictoria said:

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
I'm worried about the amount of time our morning routine is going to take. I take a while to get ready myself and it's way more time consuming with DS. My commute and daycare dropoff will probably take at least an hour and 15 minutes, so I really need to streamline my morning routine in order to avoid waking up 5 hours before I have to be at work. What are the best ways you've found to streamline or shorten your morning routine?

The biggest thing for me is making sure I have as much done the night before as I can. I make sure I have all my pump supplies clean and ready to go. I have my outfit picked out, and other stuff all packed up and by the door. 

Also, while it doesn't work out every morning, if I can get a shower and makeup done before dd wakes up, it's really helpful. I don't have to get her ready for daycare, since DH is staying home with her until I finish school, but imagine the above would all make it easier to get out of the house if it included taking her to daycare too. 

I've heard others say make sure you do a practice run! I agree! Makes the first day that much less stressful. GL!

[puppyspit]

Jan 26, 2015 22:55:31 GMT -5 jellykat2 said:

1. When did/will you start back at work.
Jan 5th. Went back to finish up the rest of my clinicals. I had 10 weeks total left....3 down, 7 to go.


2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
It's been nice getting back into some routine. Also, my first clinical back has been at an OB/GYN office, so they are super understanding and good about me pumping.


3. Challenges or frustrations
I have to come home and study after clinic. I'm struggling to find that balance between clinic/family/study, and sleep. I know it's short term, but I'm still struggling. Right now studying is being put on the back burner. Not good.


4. Tips or questions for other working moms
Does anyone know ways to make coffee work better?? Sometimes I think it doesn't work?


5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
Since I'm in an OB/GYN clinic, nothing thankfully.

Pop a sublingual B12 about the same time

[mrsc928]

When: January 12th

Gone Well: I was able to set up my own pumping room with a comfy arm chair. I'm also surprised at how quickly I'm getting back into the swing of things. My anxiety prior to starting work was awful, but now it's gone.

Challenges: The store fell apart a little bit while I was away. ( I'm a retail manager) I need to rebuild a large part of my staff and "light a fire" under my existing team.

Tips: like PP said, PLAN AHEAD! I prep my pump bag, bottles, clothes, lunch, and baby bag all the night before. I also give myself an extra hour in the morning in case there is a poopsplosion or I just want extra cuddle time. I also put a post it note on the door listing the stuff I need to take with me. So far this has given me peace of mind and made mornings run smoothly.

Annoying: nothing really, they have all been very supportive

[lindseyione]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
December 31.

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
My co workers are happy that I am back. Apparently the woman who replaced me was not as quick as I am and could not get near as much done

3. Challenges or frustrations
Just the typical challenges at work. I often think it's not worth leaving the kids to go to work but quickly remind myself that I need the money and need to just suck it up.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
Give yourself more time than you think you will need in the morning... And add 15 minutes to that!
Maybe it's because I have 2u2 but I have the hardest time getting everything done and getting out the door at the time I tell myself I need to.

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
A couple of people said that since I had a c section I should have been able to come back sooner. They assume you are healed after your stitches are taken out.

[spurp13]

1. When did/will you start back at work. January 5th

2. Aspects of work that have gone well. Mostly everything. I'm glad to be back, people said they missed me. I fell right back into where I was when I left. My transition was seamless.

3. Challenges or frustrations: Now that I've been back a while, I remember the bitchiness. People talking behind people's backs. I stood up for myself in a certain situation (I have been wanting to bring it up in the randoms), and now I'm on the outs. Last week, everyone loved me, and OMG we are so glad you are back! and now the whispers. I really didn't miss that. I love my work and my coworkers. But, the shit that happens in an office setting is so fucking petty. I don't want to be a part of it anymore. I don't care about whispering to others, and I certainly don't want people talking about me. I have more important shit at home. Just do your job.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms: Give yourself an extra 15 minutes in the morning, because the baby will poop. And if the baby does not poop, you get 15 extra minutes to sit in your car in the parking lot crying before you go into work?

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return. I don't know if people remember my situation, but I sincerely apologized to this kid, when I truly think I'm the one who deserved an apology, and my coworker said it wasn't good enough of an apology, even though now the kid and I are fine. So, now the coworker hates me. I went from the kid hating me to the coworker hating me.

[spurp13]

Jan 26, 2015 22:55:31 GMT -5 jellykat2 said:

1. When did/will you start back at work.
Jan 5th. Went back to finish up the rest of my clinicals. I had 10 weeks total left....3 down, 7 to go.


2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
It's been nice getting back into some routine. Also, my first clinical back has been at an OB/GYN office, so they are super understanding and good about me pumping.


3. Challenges or frustrations
I have to come home and study after clinic. I'm struggling to find that balance between clinic/family/study, and sleep. I know it's short term, but I'm still struggling. Right now studying is being put on the back burner. Not good.


4. Tips or questions for other working moms
Does anyone know ways to make coffee work better?? Sometimes I think it doesn't work?


5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
Since I'm in an OB/GYN clinic, nothing thankfully.

Some people, myself included, get no effects at all from caffeine. You might be in that percentage of people (I think it's 25%?). 

[mrssarahrenee]

Jan 26, 2015 22:06:48 GMT -5 keelyd said:

[. When did/will you start back at work.
Jan 5

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
Getting back intimate classroom has been easier than I expected -- I remembered (most) kids names, I've been doing a pretty good job of planning, and it's nice to feel like I'm using my brain again.

3. Challenges or frustrations
Grading -- I just can't figure out how to get it done. I'm on my own with DS most nights, my limited off time at work is spent pumping, and the hour and a half I now spend commuting/doing daycare pick-up/drop-of fracy way really limits what I have the time/energy to do.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
They've all been pretty good.

Solidarity love tit for grading woes!!

[sweetsurprise]

1. Jan. 19
2. I like being intellectually stimulated and interacting with adults. I have received a really warm welcome back from my staff. I also feel empowered in my role and that's a nice feeling to have.
3. I hate dropping LO off at day care. He got a cold during his first week there. I also hate the stress of work and feeling that I should stay later to get things done but wanting to run home to LO.
4. Pretty much what the others have said. Also, getting DH to take on more responsibility so you don't feel overwhelmed.
5. My first day back I walked into an 8 am meeting and someone asked me 'was it just so hard to drop your baby off at day care?'

[bazingabee]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
December 8

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
I haven't forgotten how to do anything (even the complicated coding stuff I only do once a year).

3. Challenges or frustrations
The person that covered for my on my maternity leave was a temp and is staying on through mid-summer to help with other aspects of the office. Well she keeps trying to do my job and answer our office email, which makes me look dumb because 1. she doesn't have the right answers and 2. she's doing it at the same time I am so the person gets 2 emails within a matter of minutes and doesn't know which answer is right. I've told her to back off and I've spoken with my boss about the misinformation and it's not changed yet.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
Prepare prepare prepare.

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
Not relinquishing control...and not asking about my baby enough

[saraml13]

In terms of tips for getting out of the house in the morning. I agree with what everyone said about prepping the night before. A few other things I do that help:

Monday-Thursday when I pick DS up from daycare, I leave the milk I pumped that day at daycare to be used the next day. That way I don't need to worry about it the next morning. This works well for me because DS uses the Medela bottles and my typical pump is a good bottle size for him.

I have what seems like a million pump part and bottles so that I can rotate through sets in the dishwasher vs needing to hand wash them each day.

During the week I shower every other day. In the winter, this actually helps my hair not dry out to much. I take baths with DS a couple nights a week which helps me freshen up.

[rockynfrankie]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
Yesterday. Snow day today and HOPEFULLY tomorrow!

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
Bosses are continuing to kiss my ass. They let me leave early yesterday too!

3. Challenges or frustrations
Since yesterday was my first day back all I can say is I am thoroughly disgusted with the way my classroom looks. Dirty dishes on my desk, supplies thrown around, all my books are destroyed, etc. I seriously almost burst into tears.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
No tips because I'm not in the swing of things yet. But I do appreciate the tips others have offered!

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
Just leaving my classroom an absolute disaster. I also think its annoying when people try and tell me how great I look and how I am back to my pre pregnancy self. Nope I still have 30lbs to lose and my face is still breaking out like a 12y/o boy.

[windwithfingers]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
1/14

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
When I actually have things to do, it's time consuming and keeps my mind off of home. Pumping at work is going really well too because we're flexible with break times.

3. Challenges or frustrations
I hate pumping with the fire of a thousand suns. I also hate how it cuts into my lunch hour. Also, I'm tired since DS still wakes up 3-4 times a night.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
Basically what everyone else has said in these check-ins. Try to get things done the night before. I make bottles and wash pump parts right when I get home from work. I also try and bring lunches/snacks for the whole week on Monday. I set out clothes for DS and myself the night before also.

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.

Men asking if I'm breastfeeding, then getting uncomfortable about the breastmilk in the fridge.
Also, "your body has really bounced back!" Don't ever say this. Ever.

[starla487]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
I return to work on Feb 9th, but DD starts daycare on the 2nd.

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
N/A

3. Challenges or frustrations
I emailed both HR and my director asking for a place to pump and all the requirements I'll need in terms of my schedule. I haven't heard back from them, so I'm hoping SOMETHING is being worked out because I need that from day 1.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
I'll know more after next week since daycare starts then. However, I'm trying to figure out a wardrobe for pumping.

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
My client is being really whiny. It's nice that I'm missed, but he makes it seem like my replacements completely screwed everything up. Which makes me nervous.

[ashes0219]

I haven't seen one of these on PB, so I figured I would start one.

1. When did/will you start back at work.
Jan 5

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
I've stopped crying! Also, taking on more responsibilities and learning new parts of my job has been encouraging and takes my mind off missing DD.

3. Challenges or frustrations
Not being able to pump enough for the next day.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
How long are you leaving LO and how many ounces of breast milk/formula are you leaving for daycare? If breastfeeding, are they pace feeding?

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
I can't complain, I have awesome co-workers who are very supportive!

[penny2103]

1. When did/will you start back at work.
Had a week back in December, but really started back Jaunary 1.

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
As much as I despise pumping, it has gone quite well. I have a room I can lock and strip down for pump time. It is a room that others need to use frequently, so that is annoying, but I just take the keys with me now!

3. Challenges or frustrations
I don't feel like I get enough time with LO. Everything at home feels like it's falling behind. Laundry, dinner, etc. We eat so much pizza now.

4. Tips or questions for other working moms
If you can, keep your pump at work and just carry the cooler back and forth. For some reason this has made a big difference to me. I love not carrying a giant tote everyday. It just comes home on weekends when I bring home my pump parts for a good clean (I just use the wipes during the week.) Also, have a hand pump at home if you are going to leave your electric at work.

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
Someone said something like this earlier, but the body comments have got to stop. Creepy and unnecessary. For the most part, co-workers have been supportive, but one lab mate did say she would never have a baby before she finished her PhD because she could never leave her baby at daycare. Ouch.

[mickeydoo]

1. When did/will you start back at work.

Started back on December 1

2. Aspects of work that have gone well.

I was able to just step right back into my work easily

3. Challenges or frustrations

I tend to take on the bulk of the workload and just yesterday they let someone in my department go so it's going to be tougher

4. Tips or questions for other working moms

Try to leave work at work and enjoy your home time as much as possible.

5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.

Nothing really. They figured out just how much I actually do and really welcomed me back

[saraml13]

ashes0219 DS is at daycare for 10 hours. I feed him right before and after. I leave 4 bottles of around 2.5 - 3 oz each. DS didn't eat a lot the first couple weeks, but now typically finishes all 4 bottles (about 11 oz total). Occasionally he will only eat 3 of the bottles.

[jellykat2]

Jan 27, 2015 6:24:46 GMT -5 spurp13 said:

Jan 26, 2015 22:55:31 GMT -5 jellykat2 said:

1. When did/will you start back at work.
Jan 5th. Went back to finish up the rest of my clinicals. I had 10 weeks total left....3 down, 7 to go.


2. Aspects of work that have gone well.
It's been nice getting back into some routine. Also, my first clinical back has been at an OB/GYN office, so they are super understanding and good about me pumping.


3. Challenges or frustrations
I have to come home and study after clinic. I'm struggling to find that balance between clinic/family/study, and sleep. I know it's short term, but I'm still struggling. Right now studying is being put on the back burner. Not good.


4. Tips or questions for other working moms
Does anyone know ways to make coffee work better?? Sometimes I think it doesn't work?


5. Most annoying thing co-workers have said or done related to your return.
Since I'm in an OB/GYN clinic, nothing thankfully.

Some people, myself included, get no effects at all from caffeine. You might be in that percentage of people (I think it's 25%?

What a horribly sad statistic. But I probably am, because I can drink coffee right before bed and have no problem falling or staying asleep. And its been that way for years.

[dani0329]

1. Jan 19

2. Getting out of the house has fine well, but I have a flexible start time (just effects my leave time). I just feed her when she wakes up between 545 and 630 then I get ready for work, start the car and have everything ready to go. I grab her, change her & leave.

3. I hate pumping. I hate the bulkiness, I hate the cleaning, and I hate the time it takes (added onto my day).

4. Tips- just keep treading water hard enough to keep your head above the water until it becomes easier... At least that's what I'm doing.

5. You're still breastfeeding? That's crazy I gave it up after a month. People telling me to put cereal in her bottles and stop breastfeeding bc that's why she doesn't STTN (it doesn't fill her up you know). Those of you who have seen pics of DD will know that's a lie!