Going back to work HELP

ariellmae

Im going back to work in two days and the panic has fully set in. I can't even look at my LO without fighting back tears. I keep thinking he's going to be crying for me and I'm
not going to be there for him.

Has anyone found anyting that makes it a little more manageable? Any tips on pumping in the office? TIA

stephanie123456

Today is my first day back so I'm also navigating how my routine will go with a baby in the mix. Right now I'm nursing him and dreading walking out that door in an hour and a half. I definitely want to have our time in the mornings before I go and he usually wakes up around 6, which is perfect so I still have enough time to pump and get ready. I'm very lucky that DH will be watching him until mid January so he can send pictures, FaceTime, and bring him to see me but it's still not the same as being there with my LO.

I think creating a special time whether in the morning before you leave or when you get home (or both) will help a little. I also keep telling myself that if my mom could do it, I can too (and she had twins!) and that I grew up to be a strong, independent individual and so will my LO.

doglover31

It's so hard especially the first day. Last Monday was my first day back and I cried all day. But DS was fine. He was more clingy in the evenings though. And he didn't sleep well the first few nights. But I made sure I spent some one on one time with him on the evening. As far as pumping goes, I'm still working on that so don't really have any tips yet. Good luck your LO will be ok! Just take it one day at a time!

Stasi

No advice, just a big hug. It gets easier and you can do it!!!

ConversationFear

I had the same thing - only I cried from the moment he was born because I want so desperately to be a SAHM, but we just cannot afford it.

The first week I was back was Thanksgiving week, so I only had 3 days and my mom stayed with him in our home. The next week when he went to the babysitter's for the first time, I was more ok with it than I thought I would be. I don't know if the transition of my mom keeping him the first week helped or what. It was definitely worth it to see our little guy smiling in the evening when he got home. (It was the first time since forever that he didn't have any colic spells all week.) He didn't sleep worth a crap all week, but we will see what this week holds.

My heart goes out to you - I know there are a million thoughts going through your head, like you feel like you are abandoning your baby, or even worse, that they won't know you're Mommy. They know. They definitely know - I promise. It will get better.

lmimms87

I went back to work last week and the first day was really hard. I found if I kept myself really busy I made it through the day just fine, but by 5pm I was aching to have DD back in my arms. I'm better this week and I know she's in good hands. I worked out a plan with my boss to let me work 9 hour days so I can have 1 day off every other week to have LO all to myself. Hopefully that will help too. You'll get used to it eventually.

Ivorytower2

I posted about this earlier this week, and I was really upset too, but it was so much better than I was expecting. Your LO will be so happy to see you when you get home and it's really the best feeling in the world. Having someone send pics and updates through the day really helps a lot. I agree with PP in that I fed my daughter before I left and put her back to sleep. That made me feel a lot better because I didn't have to leave when she was crying or upset. It also helped because I didn't have to pump for a few hours once I got to work.

For pumping tips- if you can throw everything in a little cooler and store in fridge you will only have to wash pump parts every other time. The medela pump wipes are also awesome because they sanitize without needing water, so can be used anywhere.

for me, my LO was less fussy at night because I think she was happy to see me, and she slept really well too.

I was also a lot less grumpy for MOTN feedings than usual, because I got to cuddle her.

You will be ok, but sending hugs and best wishes!

squish143

No advice here but today was my first day back as well. I'm missing ds like crazy and can't wait to see him when I get home. I'm sure our lo's miss us just as much

Soogerplum

I was the exact same way...it horrified me. Every day got a little easier. You'll settle into a routine and every day after work when you see LO, you will be so happy so see them. I stopped dreading dropping her off after the first few days.