Going back to work tips?

kwentela

It's so hard for me to believe that I only have 2 weeks left of my maternity leave. I've gone to the daycare DS will be going to and everything is all set up for his first two weeks... Which luckily is only 3 days a week but I'm still trying to mentally prepare for my transition back into work and DS into daycare. Wondering if any of you STMs have any tips of how to make the transition easier. I will be attempting pumping at work as well. 

BarrettJ89

First thing, enjoy every second with your son that you can. Be selfish and hold him whenever you want now. It's not easy going back.
Talk to some of your friends at work, even before going back! Having adult interaction is pretty great after talking to a baby for so long. It was great to have actual conversations again. Hopefully, you have that one person at your job. That person you can go to for a hug, a rant, or just to cry to for a few minutes. It makes a difference. 
On your first day (or first week for me) get to work early. I sat in the parking lot and cried for a while before I worked up the guts to walk back through those doors. Wear waterproof mascara, and bring excess chocolate. 
Ask if you can call the daycare on your breaks to check on LO. If it's allowed, maybe they could even text you a picture of him! My parents watched my little guy and I would beg them to send me pictures so I could see that he was doing alright. 

I work at a school and after each day off or each school break, it's still hard. He was 9 months old at the beginning of this school year, and I still say in the car crying. I knew he would be fine! I'd been away from him plenty of times! Never easy. 

MissMheMhe

I don't have any advice as a mom, but I previously worked in childcare and have been on the other side of baby's first day of daycare. You should be able to call any time of day to check on your LO and I second asking about the ability to have pictures either texted or emailed to you. Do you work close to the school? If so, are you able to visit on your lunch break? 
We signed DS up for a school that is very close to my office. I can walk there in less than 15 minutes. I'm looking forward to midday feedings on my lunch break. The director also gives out her cell phone number so that I can just text her to check on him and she will text pictures to me. He will be starting there at the end of March.