How to cope with being back at work?

oughtonk

I haven't been on here for a while, we had our twins the end of June and my leave came and went far to quick.  I started work again yesterday and am having a hard time coping.  First I'm exhausted, they are still waking up during the night and secondly I'm so emotional; I miss them like crazy and am already missing spending my days curled up with them.  How did you ladies cope with going back to work? Both the physical and mental aspects? Thanks in advanced!

jenn43

It is tough.  I was back at work for a solid month before I actually began to enjoy it again.  I think part of it is knowing that it will get better, and your emotions will stabilize, and you will get into a routine.  Hang in there!

mommaoftrips

This is a super hard time. The way my DH and I did it with the triplets was to carve out some dedicated sleep time. He did the first part of the evenings (for 3-4 hours - sometimes our LOs stayed a sleep a little longer so my stretch was longer than that, sometimes not) but than the nights were mine on my own.
If you have the means, you could also try getting someone to come in for a few hours at night (say 12-4?) again, to let you both sleep.
It's difficult the first few days but I promise, you will find your groove. GL and hugs.

ErinO21

Coffee in the mornings, wine at night.

But really, LO was born in December and it took me until about June to get a handle on things. Which worked out since that's when DH broke his foot. Take everything day by day. I didn't have a set schedule for the first month or so and even now LO throws me curve balls. The cleaning can wait, take out is a life saver and don't be afraid to ask for help from your husband and family. Also, do something for yourself. I tend to go crazy when I spend every single waking moment taking care of DH, LO, the dog, the house, work and all of its problems. Carve out some me time when you can.

djm31012

DS is 19 mos old and I still have days where it is hard. Here is how I do it...when I am at work, I keep busy...I try to enjoy drinking hot coffee, eating meals without having to share or get up, reading a book on my commute etc. If I am out at night with clients, we facetime.  When I get home, we have 2 hours together (used to be 1 until he got older) and my time is all about him. No cell phone, no laundry, no dishes....he gets 100% of me, and whatever else I need to do happens btwn 8-930 at night, and what doesnt get done happens on the weekends.  Today..today I am exhaused with DS battling an ear infection and up every hour the last 3 nights. But its not always like that, like PP said eventually they sleep thru the night. Dont look too far ahead and DONT make any rash decisions in the first 6 weeks. Give everyone time to adjust and lean on your DH, make sure he is partnering with you.

NYMOM101511

My daughter is 18 months and I'm pregnant with number two, and it's still hard.  It takes time to get into a routine, but you will.  It may take 6 months.  It's important that your significant other helps you. Remember to take one day at a time, that is all you can truly do.  Eventually you will feel good having the best of both worlds, but you will always have your harder days and easier days.  Try to always stay positive. 

[Deleted User]

ErinO21 said:

Coffee in the mornings, wine at night.

I need this cross stitched onto a pillow.

sdlaura

Lurker here - but I agree with PPs that the first several months back at work are just going to be hard, but you'll get through it.  Give yourself some flexibility with everything that isn't important for work or being with your kids.  I had my kids 17 months apart and my second child is almost 8 months.  I've been back at work since he was 16 weeks and it's only been very recent that I feel like things are getting easier.  Hang in there!