last month of maternity leave...any recommendations?

JJ1973 · October 2010

I'm going back to work full time in a month. For those of you who have already done so, do you have any recommendations for things I should be doing during (practically as well as psychologically) this last month to a) prepare LO for full time daycare, and b) prepare myself for returning to work? He will be 3 months when he enters daycare and I breastfeed, so will be doing the pumping at work thing. I'm going to start building a freezer stash but have been holding off, given I'm treating a case of thrush right now (yuck). I'm also trying to get LO to nap in a crib (he's been using his rock-n-play primarily, but won't be able to use it in daycare obviously) and am also trying to systematically fade the swaddle (not going so well).

slukd79 · October 2010

Just wanted to wish you good luck. Obviously, enjoy it as much as you can. It is such a special time that I look back on fondly. Know that everything will work out (napping at childcare, making it through your first day.)

MelH926 · October 2010

I don't BF, so I can't give you any advice on that. But I'm currently on leave for my 2nd child, so I know a little more of what to expect when bringing her to daycare and going back to work FT, since I went through it with my 1st. My 1st has been only going to daycare/preschool 2 days/week while I've been home. The last week of my leave I'll be starting DD#2 on those days as well, so I can get through bringing her for for the 1st time before I go back to work the following week. It will also give me some time to myself to get my wardrobe together (I still have 25 lbs to lose so I will need to buy some bigger clothes)

I know how hard it is to bring LO to daycare for the 1st time, and everyone will say this but it's really true - it gets easier over time. Maybe you want to spend some time at the daycare and getting to know the staff and their schedules while you're still home. Or if you can, maybe look into leaving LO for some half days at daycare before going back? I had a hard time bringing DD#1, and I think this time will be a little easier because I know the staff (DD#2 still goes there, she's just in the preschool class). I know more of what to expect so maybe you will feel better after spending some time with them.

shrinkedink · October 2010

The only recommendation I can give you is that I started pumping the same schedule I had at work and not breastfeeding at the times I would be at work. This will get your body used to pumping so you don't get engorged because you will be used to the pumping schedule. Also, it will get you used to how much supplies you will need to pump at work. HTH

kmh2201 · October 2010

One thing I did the week before I went back was take DS to daycare. I started out with a half day, and then worked up to almost a full day. It was really hard to miss out on that time with him, but it was good for him to get used to daycare and for me to get used to being without him, and also gave me time to get ready to go back to work.

Other than that, I just tried to enjoy all the time I had with him!

Mjmksb04 · October 2010

I would just enjoy it. Maybe the week or two before you go back, I would start setting my alarm and "practice" juggling the getting ready and caring for your LO so that when the time comes when you need to get out the door, you will have ironed out all of the kinks.

cc62406 · October 2010

If you feel up to maybe make some meals and freeze them. That was really nice to have those first few weeks as I made the adjustment. I had a lasagna, baked ziti, chicken and rice casserole, a few different soups and various shredded meats that I could make into quick meals.

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last month of maternity leave...any recommendations?

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