Back to work gift?

[frozenpeas]

Hi all,

I learned so much from you at the other site--mostly reading, rarely posting. I hope it's ok that I followed you all over here.

A friend is going back to work next week after having her 2nd last Nov. She didn't work when her oldest was a baby, so this is all new to her. She's having a hard time - would rather stay home, is sad about daycare (a small in-home), & is worried about pumping enough to keep her supply up.

We're 500 miles apart, so I can't offer support in person. Any suggestions for what to go into a small care package to ease the transition or just brighten her day? What would you have appreciated when you were in her shoes? Bonus points if available on Amazon Prime.

I've done this twice myself in the past 2 1/2 yrs (my girls are about 2 1/2 yes & 1 yr old), but I am seriously drawing a blank.

Thank you!

[2chatter]

Or a drape/waterfall cardigan she can throw on while in the office to minimize the whole feeling of baby bloat while walking around in a blouse?

Love the idea of lactation cookies - I made my own and it was a beating - I felt like I had to keep up with both milk production an cookie production to keep the milk production going!

[sudokufan]

I second a digital picture frame. I'd love that.

[frozenpeas]

Such good ideas--thank you! I can't believe I didn't think of the cookies. I wish they were available on Prime so I can get them there this week, but it might actually be nicer for her to receive multiple packages. Looking into the frame right now, too. Thanks!

[supertrooper1]

I think the lactation cookies would be great! Or an e-book for when she's pumping. Or depending on your budget, one of those meal services, like Plated or Blue Apron.

[jess9802]

What about a spa gift certificate for a massage or mani/pedi? The week before I went back to work I got a haircut, got a massage, went shopping, and it was so nice to start feel human again after seven weeks of postpartum funk. A friend had given me the gift certificate when I was pregnant, and it was such a nice way to treat myself when so much attention had been on the baby for so long.

[frozenpeas]

Jan 27, 2015 15:31:28 GMT -5 jess9802 said:

What about a spa gift certificate for a massage or mani/pedi? The week before I went back to work I got a haircut, got a massage, went shopping, and it was so nice to start feel human again after seven weeks of postpartum funk. A friend had given me the gift certificate when I was pregnant, and it was such a nice way to treat myself when so much attention had been on the baby for so long.

*sorry, I think I'm stuck in the box.

I thought of this, but I'm a little torn. I think she's so sad about leaving the baby next week that she wants to spend every.single.moment this week together & won't want to leave her for an appointment. I kind of get that--I often treat my weekends the same way!

[jess9802]

Jan 27, 2015 15:42:04 GMT -5 frozenpeas said:

Jan 27, 2015 15:31:28 GMT -5 jess9802 said:

What about a spa gift certificate for a massage or mani/pedi? The week before I went back to work I got a haircut, got a massage, went shopping, and it was so nice to start feel human again after seven weeks of postpartum funk. A friend had given me the gift certificate when I was pregnant, and it was such a nice way to treat myself when so much attention had been on the baby for so long.

*sorry, I think I'm stuck in the box.

I thought of this, but I'm a little torn. I think she's so sad about leaving the baby next week that she wants to spend every.single.moment this week together & won't want to leave her for an appointment. I kind of get that--I often treat my weekends the same way!

I think that's normal - but she can tuck the gift card away for another couple of weeks, once she's into the routine of being back to work. FWIW, when I went back to work (and I give this advice to everyone), my first day back was a half-day on a Thursday. Then I went back for a half-day on Friday. And even though I was reluctant to leave DS a minute sooner than I had to, I did a trial run earlier that week for my massage/shopping/haircut, and it wasn't so bad. Going back to work is so much more manageable when you're only facing two or three half days right out of the gate.

[somebabiesmom]

Spare binkies and a binky leash. Toys that hang over the carseat. Love the sweater idea. Handsfree BPing bra. Medela wipes (for cleaning pumping stuff quickly). Extra nipples (I always appreciate extra nipples...). Extra tubing. Extra pumping stuff. A book she can read to LO about mommy going back to work (http://www.mommytracked.com/see-mom-work-books). And food. Probably chocolate.

What a great idea, btw, to send a care package!

[frozenpeas]

jess9802 - great advice, which I already gave her, but she isn't taking. She has reasons she feels she has to go back early in the week. I hope the long first week back doesn't set her up to hate the situation even more.

somebabiesmom - also great advice, which I've already taken! Over the weekend I sent her a battery pack for her pump, extra freezer bags, a Medela sterilizing bag, Medela wipes, and a couple nursing pads. I'm glad you think those are good ideas--I was feeling a little silly. But those were all (unopened) hand-me-downs, so I was thinking of maybe something new with this package.

Thanks again, everyone, for the good ideas.