Tips for heading back to work

JulieSmiles

It seems like a lot of us are heading back to work soon or have already gone back. Does anyone have any tips to help make the transition easier on mama and baby? What kind of information did you give to the person watching your LO? Anything you gave them or put in a diaper bag that I wouldn't think of? How did you make sure you kept a strong bond with your baby?

If bf'ing, did going back to work hurt your supply? What did you do to keep it up? Any tips for pumping at work?

Thanks! This board has been the best resource ever for me! You are all amazing!

sumochik

I could def think of more, but two things I felt were super important were sending LO with a blanket or something else that smells like you. The other thing was putting a pic of LO on my desk and as the SS on my phone so I could look at it often throughout the day.

QT3.14

I haven't gone back yet but someone told me that looking at pictures or videos of your LO while pumping helps you get more milk. Another tip I heard was to refrigerate pump parts between pumping sessions so you don't have to wash them each time.

otter1103

sumochik said:

I could def think of more, but two things I felt were super important were sending LO with a blanket or something else that smells like you. The other thing was putting a pic of LO on my desk and as the SS on my phone so I could look at it often throughout the day.

Thanks for this thread! I was just wondering today if I shouldn't put one of her blankets in bed with me to pick up my scent. (that sounds really strange but...) Since she's been with me 95% off the time for the last 2 months, I like to hope a blanket that smells like me will comfort her.

sumochik

@otter1103‌ yes it totally works I did it with both of my girls and it was actually suggested to me by my SIL who was DD1's first caregiver. I think it speaks to our fear as mothers that baby will prefer their caregiver over us. I still think about this the third time around but don't worry NO ONE can replace you mama!!! So snuggle up on that blankie tonight

I agree with @mtgrizgirl‌ we got an update every day with our girls and it helps to feel like you know what they're doing all day. And as bad as it sounds I like when they fuss when you pick them up BC it's a reminder that they missed me as much as I missed them.

ricecakes1216

This gives me horrible anxiety. I'll be going back in a couple weeks, just part time. A good friends mom will be caring for C. I can see her house from the parking lot of my work. I can't imagine how hard it's going to be to leave him.

I really like the idea of leaving a blanket that smells like me. Is anyone else worried about missing things? It makes me sad to think I could miss his first laugh, crawling..things like that.

Brittnic531

ricecakes1216 said:

This gives me horrible anxiety. I'll be going back in a couple weeks, just part time. A good friends mom will be caring for C. I can see her house from the parking lot of my work. I can't imagine how hard it's going to be to leave him. I really like the idea of leaving a blanket that smells like me. Is anyone else worried about missing things? It makes me sad to think I could miss his first laugh, crawling..things like that.

I've been in tears for the past few weeks because LO starts daycare on Monday... I hate that I might miss her firsts.  I go back to work full time too. People keep telling me that we'll survive, and I know we will... doesn't mean we have to like it though!  I hope your transition goes smoothly and big, creepy internet hugs because I know exactly how you feel!  

ricecakes1216

@mtgrizgirl‌ I can't imagine deploying. H was in the Marine Corps, we had a friend that had to leave her baby it was the hardest thing to watch. You're brave!

whoberry

Haven't gone back yet but friends suggested doing a half day first and making your first week a short one if you can. I am going back on a Thursday for a half day.

catsinawindow

If you are EBF, start giving bottles once every day/other day so they can get used to it. Some babies have No issues switching from breast to bottle, others fight the bottle. My DS was super easy, this ones a fighter. Giving your LO some time to learn the bottle without the stress of you being away is a good idea.

SecondTimeinMSU

@ricecakes1216 As far as missing things I found that it was really hard with DS1 to even define his firsts, they were all a process. Take walking, was it when he first started cruising? or was it when he took one unsupported step and promptly sat down after I bribed him with a toy? or was it when he confidently started walking? At least with him it took time and work to hit each milestone it wasn't like I dropped him off one day and he started to crawl or started to walk. We worked on it in the evenings and DH and I were there cheering on every bit of new progress so I totally felt involved in hitting every milestone 

rachel8078

I'm a FTM and now a SAHM so not in the same position, but I have worked/volunteered in many infant day care rooms, so here are a few things I thought might be helpful...

1) any care provider worth their salt will not mention any firsts unless we know you've seen it first
2) the blanket/swaddlers from home work wonders and make nap times much easier for everyone, but most places don't let baby have personal items, other than binkies, during awake time
3) if they don't give you a sheet reviewing baby's day, I would consider finding a new place; you need to know what's going on and the care provider needs that chart as a reminder of when baby needs something... Even the best CP cannot keep up with 8 schedules without help
4) usually, the CP cares for your child like their own/as best they can, so let them know your preferences and/or concerns in a helpful (read not condescending) way... They want you and baby as happy as possible
5) they understand how hard it is to be away from baby, so know that they may gloss over rough days so you aren't as worried... I'm talking fussy days with hard naps, not sick and miserable days
6) almost every parent cries during drop off or even pick up, don't be embarrassed, it happens all the time and for longer than you'd think!

Hope that's helpful for someone... I truly admire those of you that choose/have to go back to work. Lots of prayers your way