Back to work :'(

StacyCardinal

I'm an elementary teacher that absolutely loves her job BUUUUUUT... I'm not looking forward to many things about going back to work next Monday. 

I'm having a hard time thinking that

1. I'll be leaving my precious baby at daycare for 9.5 hours a day!
2. My milk supply might possibly be effected by stress/missing pumping sessions due to the crazy schedule/demands of an elementary teacher.
3. (The thing I'm really worried about is our schedule) we've really been in the groove right now and I'm afraid things are going to go haywire once I go back.  They say infants don't get on a schedule but for about three weeks now, my (now) 7 week old sleeps like a champ at night!  She's really been such a happy/easy baby and I'm hoping that this huge change doesn't stress her out and change her temperment.  Obviously, we'll love her even if she turns into Ms. Cranky-Pants... but things have just been so amazing so far. 

Anyone else completely freaking out about returning to the work force and beginning the double-duty hat of Mom/employee?  Anyone already go back and have any words of wisdom?

twister22

I'm back to work and I'll be honest - it's hard. You miss your baby like crazy. But, you do what you have to do. With pumping I would really try not to miss feedings - family care laws protect you that you should be allowed to pump. I would work out with the school now to have an aide or someone who can come in to be with your students so you can pump. 

StacyCardinal

Thanks for the response Twister.

I'm pretty fortunate with my schedule this year that I have scheduled time throughout my day I'll be able to pump... recess from 10:10-10:31, lunch from 11:30-12:10, and a special for a half hour around 2:30 Monday through Thursday.  I'll have to work something out for Fridays but I'm concerned about all the other things I have to get accomplished throughout the day... that I usually do during that time... run copies, prep for the next lesson/project, collaborate with other teachers/principal, do small group activities with students, call parents, etc. most of which will be impossible while I'm strapped down to a chair near an outlet (probably in the room next to the library).  I'm going to have to cram it all in before or after school which means possibly more time away from my LO.   So sad...

MinaE01

I teach 6th grade, and I've been back at work for a little over a week now. It's rough! I'm still figuring it all out. I'm also stressed about trying to balance work and school. I miss my little guy more than I ever imagined I would, although I do stay pretty busy at work. I know he's in good hands, so I don't worry too much. I'm hoping that over the next few weeks I'll get more and more adjusted to the working mom life and feel less stressed.

As far as pumping at school goes, it sucks. I know what you mean about it taking up your valuable prep time. I can only pump twice during the school day, the first time being as soon as I get there in the morning. I pump in my room and it's not the most relaxing place. Students have knocked on the door before . My supply is terrible to begin with, so I'm currently weaning off. I think it's the right thing for my sanity at this point!

Good luck! You and your baby will get used to the change, even if it takes a few weeks. It'll be hard to leave her but you're being a good mom by providing for your family!

LittleFish1

I teach middle school; Friday was my first day back. I was woried about what you listed ... and my LO is not on a schedule and that I'd be overwhelmed. Set up for intermitent leave will see how goes. Worked 1 day first week, 2 days the second week, etc. Have realized that although it has bought me more time with LO as she's younger, could mess up milk supply. Fortunately my sub is on board and she made that first day back super easy for me with all copies made and the plan already up on the board, etc. Not sure if would have been better to do a reduced daily schedule where worked half days. Luckily, I live close enough that I came home on my prep to feed; lunch isnt long enough to do that though. Not sure how I'll swing it later with before or afterschool meetings or when I need to be planning and preping ... esp for lab activities ... could go home and come back to classroom with my LO after later pm feeding and work while she naps in carseat.

aelhunt

I'm a teacher and dreading this too. I teach high school so it's the early mornings to get us ready that has me worried. I have to have her at the sitters at 6am. I'm also just worried about all the things that could go wrong. I'm planning a trial run this week to talk with the sitter and let them bond for a couple hours. GL! I know I'll need it!

StacyCardinal

aelhunt:

I'm a teacher and dreading this too. I teach high school so it's the early mornings to get us ready that has me worried. I have to have her at the sitters at 6am. I'm also just worried about all the things that could go wrong. I'm planning a trial run this week to talk with the sitter and let them bond for a couple hours. GL! I know I'll need it!

 

Wow, 6am is so early... ugh, this is so hard, isn't it!?  Good luck to you too!!  My LO is going to be at daycare from 7-4:30.. just seems so long.  We also did a trial... more for me than anything!  It was a four hour period while I had my 6 week OB appointment.  Obviously the last thing you want to hear when you walk in to pick your LO up is their cry... and yep, that's what happend   She was screaming bloody murder.  Of course, she had just gotten up & was due for a feeding and they had a bottle in the warmer for her.  But still!  lol  That isn't making this whole going back to work thing any easier.