Preparing to Return to Full Time Work

Lauren5905

Hi Ladies. I am returning to work full time 2 weeks from how at a pretty stressful job with a long commute which will keep me away from my then 12 week old baby for at least 10 hours per day. He has been EBF and has gotten maybe 2 bottles per week when we're out and about. He takes bottles fine.

Is there anything you would recommend that I do to prepare myself or LO for this big change where I will be pumping a lot and he will be taking mostly bottles? I do pump a lot for my freezer stash already and have quite a lot frozen.

I appreciate your input!

vvvvvfee

my #1 tip would be- just go easy on yourself! it's a hard adjustment going back to work. it's going to seem overwhelming, but i promise it will get easier. it also takes a while to optimize your system of pumping/figuring out how much to send to DC. get take-out for the first week or so to give yourself one less thing to worry about. nurse your LO as soon as you get home. put your SO to work as much as possible- loading the dishwasher with your pump parts, prepping bottles, etc. make sure you have 2 sets of all pump parts and several days' worth of bottles so you can throw everything in the dishwasher each night and don't have to hand-wash parts.

it's great that you have a freezer stash and that your LO is already used to bottles. those are 2 big things checked off that you don't have to worry about.

as far as your LO, if you can, i would try to send him for a couple of partial days at his caregivers so he can get used to the new environment. although, at that age, it's a relatively easy transition for them.

chickii2008

Relax and take all the time you can with your baby. Make sure just to take it one day at a time.

MrsBigTime

I think the best advice I got when I returned to work was to remember what I am pumping for: it's not for my comfort or for my needs, but for my baby's needs. I thought this was reassuring for me, as it is so easy to want to plug away and work, work, work, but, really, my very top priority is my baby, and pumping in a manner that helps me provide what she needs is what is best for her.

Also, especially while you are just getting back into the swing of things, let your weekends be all about being with the baby. Try to let chores and non-essential commitments be on the back-burner and focus just on being together with your family.

Good luck!