Not ready to go back to work

Jami90

So my DD is 5 weeks old today and I'm scheduled to return to work in 3-4 weeks. I don't want to leave her with anyone.  To top that off, my oldest child will be leaving for college in 2 weeks.  Does anyone have any tips that made returning to work easier?

Karla CS

She'll be so little when you go back, it won't be easy! Make sure you've got a kick ass daycare provider that you're 100% confident in.. That made it a lot easier for me.

DH also took 2 weeks off work when I went back, so for my first two weeks back, I got real time updates, photos, and he brought her to the office for me a couple of times, which made it immensely easier. If your circumstances allow, I'd plan something like that.

I've heard of a lot of people doing a trial run with the DCP provider, but this never occurred to me, plus I think I would have viewed it as wasted time that I could have spent with her... But you never know, it may be helpful in your circumstances! I was pretty useless my first few days back.. between trying to get back up to speed, figuring out a pumping schedule, and just missing the baby, give yourself some leeway. 

And bring a big box of tissues with you..

mariamaria

This may sound weird but with my DS1 I focused on how efficient I could be during the day so I could get out and home to him on time. That helped me keep my mind busy while making the day go faster. My goal was to get in, do a good job and leave to get home to him. Still hard though. I have two weeks of leave left with DS2 and it will be hard for sure! Good luck.

jnnfrrose6

Do you have childcare already arranged?  If not, can you look into one near work?  My LO is only 2 miles away from my office and I go to him every lunch break (still nursing, so that's my "excuse") and it made going back so much easier knowing I would see him in 4 hours instead of 8.  Plus I've gotten to know everyone at the DC and know they care for my child well.

syeqik

are you not able to take a full 12 week :-?

boo-bitz

I am nearing the end of a year off with my baby girl. To top it off my older daughter is starting kindergarten at the exact same week I go back to work.

My plan of attack is that I am only taking 2-3 shifts per week max to start. My sister is a SAHM so she will be watching Stella every second week - I am fortunate enough that my DH works one week on and one week off, so he will be home with her on his weeks off.

To be honest I am a weepy mess because I did not have to go back to work with my eldest until she was 2 1/2 due to being laid off and going back to school. She is also our last baby and I just want to be there for all her milestones like I was with Madison so this has been a love hate ordeal for me. But I have to work as Calgary is a super expensive city to live in and I don't have much choice. I am just hoping to be transferred to a pharmacy closer to home so I can spend less time away from my babies