I go back next week full time, and could use some encouraging stories! Those of you who have gone back, how did it go and was it easier than you thought? I'm especially worried because I EBF and even though DS seems to take bottles ok, I am worried about having to pump and him needing to take bottles all day long...Please tell me your story and at least make it sound like everything went smooth! LOL
Re: Speaking of going back to work...
This is my 3rd week back at work. It hasn't been that bad for me but that's partly because 1) I'm a teacher and there are only a few weeks left until summer vacation, and 2) my parents and DH's parents are all taking turns watching DS until school gets out for summer, so we won't need to put DS in day care until school starts back up in the fall.
I was worried about pumping at work too, but it's been fine. I've been able to pump pretty much exactly as much as DS needs each day... sometimes more. He's taking the bottles fine even though he prefers the boob.
GL! For me the first day was hardest. It does get easier!
Today was my first day back and LO did great at daycare. I was pleasantly surprised. She took all of her bottles. I was worried because sometimes we can't get her to take one at home, but the teachers there must know what they're doing! She took short naps and was pretty tired when we got home. Fell asleep by 8:30 without much fussing. We'll see what tonight brings!
Pumping is easy for me because I work from home. I feel like people give me the side eye when I say I work from home and my LO is in daycare, but I have a real 9-5 job with conference calls and deadlines and people depending on me. It makes it pretty easy on me though. I can literally pump while I'm working (hands free set up!), and do laundry, etc.
You'll be fine!
I just went back full time last week. I EBF and my co-workers set up my pumping room with pillows, blankets and lots of pictures of DD that they printed from my fb page which was really nice.
It's actually kinda nice to be back in the swing of work and talking with other adults. Plus being away makes me appreciate the time I have with them when I get home.
Good luck
Like everyone else said, it's nowhere near as bad as you're expecting it to be. It does take a little work and organization to get the milk or formula ready, making sure you've got everything packed etc, but it will eventully become routine.
Now with 2 I look forward to the days I work (I'm part-time). It's nice to have that break and get away for a little while, even if it is work!
This is what will make it worthwhile!!
Thanks for all the tips everyone- I will try the blanket tip mentioned too!
I'm also going back next week...I've done 2 trial runs at daycare and she does really well there. I feel a nervous gross feeling when I first drive away...and then it gets better. She eats,naps and sleeps in their arms. I'm glad to see they are holding her so much and not letting her cry. I have a hard time not doing that:) I don't get another adult with a pair of arms when I shower or try to eat!
I'm scared about pumping. I worry that my body won't produce for a pump like it would for my baby. I'm going to print some pics of her to put in my pumping bag and I've been trying deep breathing at home.
we'll get through it! I am also so nervous about working again. thankfully I'm going parttime and will be out of work by 3:30! woohoo