Working Momma Check In

Bunnyfer · November 2013

Its that time again...How are we all doing? Good week, bad week? What is your work schedule looking like for the upcoming holiday week? Lets hear it ladies...

Bunnyfer · November 2013

This past week was OK...nothing bad, nothing good. I am finally ahead of the pumping game...even was able to put some away in the freezer. I have 4 days off upcoming for the holiday....I work Sat-Mon this week....Looking forward to spending the days with LO and my in laws(I love mine) who will be visiting

catskitch · November 2013

I just completed my first week back. It's wasn't all that bad. They changed all the programs we use, now I have to relearn everything again. I was getting annoyed with my coworker because she was complaining about work as always. We had to transition all work back from the freelancer and she refused to touch anything until next Monday. I definitely did not miss her cackling laugh and her constant complaints.

I was concerned about not pumping enough during the day, but I made up for it during the motn and late night as well. I was able to freeze 24oz last night.

I have work m-w next week. I'm hoping they're announcing an early close on Wednesday.

PB102012 · November 2013

I don't have anything quite yet to contribute, but I am going back on December 2nd so I will see you ladies next week! I am lurking a bit

FeetFirst · November 2013

I go back to work on Monday.

I found out yesterday morning that they have direct placed me into a different department. It is a good thing, as I was ready for a change and it is in a position I have wanted for a while. My manager felt guilty when she called because she is doing this right when I come back, I will only have the short week next week to say goodbye to my old team of 3 years. But it was one of those things that if she hadn't jumped at it for me, who knows how long I would have waited for it to come up again.

I am more upset that I have to fight for time in the busier mothers rooms! Ugh! In my old building there was only one other mom, now there are 5 of us... And I of course am getting the crappy times left over... I do know one of the girls so maybe she will let me share the room with her occasionally if the need comes up. Just frustrating because I thought I had everything worked out

Also DD still refuses to take bottle

we are crossing our fingers that she is overcome with confusion at her new surroundings and just forgets she hate it lol.

PB102012 · November 2013

FeetFirst said:

I go back to work on Monday. I found out yesterday morning that they have direct placed me into a different department. It is a good thing, as I was ready for a change and it is in a position I have wanted for a while. My manager felt guilty when she called because she is doing this right when I come back, I will only have the short week next week to say goodbye to my old team of 3 years. But it was one of those things that if she hadn't jumped at it for me, who knows how long I would have waited for it to come up again. I am more upset that I have to fight for time in the busier mothers rooms! Ugh! In my old building there was only one other mom, now there are 5 of us... And I of course am getting the crappy times left over... I do know one of the girls so maybe she will let me share the room with her occasionally if the need comes up. Just frustrating because I thought I had everything worked out Also DD still refuses to take bottle we are crossing our fingers that she is overcome with confusion at her new surroundings and just forgets she hate it lol.

Good luck! I don't know how I would handle the mothering room in my building.... we have five floors and one room. It seems like they should have more. Good job on the department move! I moved back to one of my old departments a couple months before I went on maternity leave. I was previously working in a department where I loved most of the people and I had always dreamed of being a part of the team. However, I learned quickly that the management doesn't do well with micromanaging.... I don't need it, but two other people on my team did. A coworker and I ended up doing the job of four people, where the two others did nothing (I hope that makes sense). After fighting with myself for months I decided to go back to my old department. It was hard because I adored my supervisor and manager.... luckily they understood and still keep me in the loop and let me in to visit whenever I want.

alexkylee · November 2013

Work was good this week except LO's demand for BM. Her gastroenterologist wants me to increase her bottle size so she gets at least two more ounces a day. I was able to keep up with her until this point. I had to get into my freezer stash everyday

. I added in a pumping session at night and am finally able to keep up with her. Since I work in the same hospital as my lactation consultant I was able to talk to her several times this week. She even gave me some new tea (cuz Mother's Milk is nasty) and it seems to help. This week I work a late shift Monday (starting at 4pm) and work again Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. We have to take LO to a children's hospital for a special xray of her esophagus on Tuesday so it's not much of a day off. Daycare is closed on Black Friday so I have to use PTO because DH can't take off to watch LO.

MommyKristin88 · November 2013

Everything feels back to normal now. I went back Oct 14, so I'm back in my groove. I still hate that I have to work and can't be home with my kids. I suspect that's going to be an issue for a while though...

I had to take my kids pictures off my desk. My milk kept letting down when I would look at my son's pics. I just keep them in the bag with my pump, and on my phone, of course.

My job is closed Thanksgiving and the day after, so just a 3 day week!!! I am very excited about that!

FeetFirst · November 2013

christy32685 said:

FeetFirst said:

I go back to work on Monday.

I found out yesterday morning that they have direct placed me into a different department. It is a good thing, as I was ready for a change and it is in a position I have wanted for a while. My manager felt guilty when she called because she is doing this right when I come back, I will only have the short week next week to say goodbye to my old team of 3 years. But it was one of those things that if she hadn't jumped at it for me, who knows how long I would have waited for it to come up again.

I am more upset that I have to fight for time in the busier mothers rooms! Ugh! In my old building there was only one other mom, now there are 5 of us... And I of course am getting the crappy times left over... I do know one of the girls so maybe she will let me share the room with her occasionally if the need comes up. Just frustrating because I thought I had everything worked out

Also DD still refuses to take bottle we are crossing our fingers that she is overcome with confusion at her new surroundings and just forgets she hate it lol.

Good luck! I don't know how I would handle the mothering room in my building.... we have five floors and one room. It seems like they should have more. Good job on the department move! I moved back to one of my old departments a couple months before I went on maternity leave. I was previously working in a department where I loved most of the people and I had always dreamed of being a part of the team. However, I learned quickly that the management doesn't do well with micromanaging.... I don't need it, but two other people on my team did. A coworker and I ended up doing the job of four people, where the two others did nothing (I hope that makes sense). After fighting with myself for months I decided to go back to my old department. It was hard because I adored my supervisor and manager.... luckily they understood and still keep me in the loop and let me in to visit whenever I want.

Yeah I am leaving a group I really love, but I have been supporting manufacturing for 3 years and now I will get to support engineering. It is like a whole new world.

The mothering rooms at work are a joke. We have 40,000 ppl at my location so you have to assume we might need more than 4 rooms in the entire factory. My old building was so new and had an awesome room. Isn't it silly that is what I am focusing on and not a new job? Lol

Sam38 · November 2013

christy32685 said:
I don't have anything quite yet to contribute, but I am going back on December 2nd so I will see you ladies next week! I am lurking a bit

Me too! Any advice from pumping teachers????

rissa06 · November 2013

This week was stressful. I only worked part time on Friday the rest of the week was full time. The day I was in the office, I didn't get to pump ounce. E had three dr. Appointments this week with all his allergy/intolerance. Found out he has a staph infection. I wish I didn't go back, bc it's a lot easier dealing with everything, if I didn't have to deal with all lo's stuff as well.

catskitch · November 2013

Oh, the wellness room we have is a joke too. it used to be nicer, but they converted it into a kitchen. now it's a small room like 3'x7' with a mini fridge that isn't even plugged in, 2 chairs and a table. this week, I've already encountered 3 people there using it for phone calls when I got there, one of which told me it was an important call and locked the door behind him. Twice, someone tried to get in while in the middle of pumping.

I asked office services to make a room on our floor, especially since there's 9 new/pregnant mothers!

LJUTCMommy · November 2013

My first week was fabulous. Eating lunch at my desk, in total peace, was a moment of Zen. I went in the office 3 days and WFH 2 days.

I am pumping *exactly* what DD consumes while with our sitter. I hope I can start to produce a little more to add to my stash, but I’m happy for now that I’m keeping up with her needs.

I really liked going back. I enjoyed solving problems unrelated to child-rearing, interacting with adults, and going to the bathroom alone.

Our sitter sends me pictures and texts throughout the day and she even caught DD doing her first unassisted roll over on Wednesday. She brings her toddler to work with her and she and Baby M are so cute when “playing” together.

The only issue I’m having is the lack of sleep, and feeling like I’m hitting a wall around 1pm. I may try to sneak in a nap at my desk. ;-) That, and getting ready to be out the door by 8am.

No tears were shed. I’m a happy working Mom.

LokiLahve · November 2013

I'm not sure how it went. It wasn't great and it wasn't horrible....I just feel numb, like I'm just going through the motions at work and at home.
By the time I get home I'm exhausted. I play with S but I don't feel like its good quality playing like we used to get. She is still passing out for the night around 6:30 due to not napping well at DC, so my time with her awake is very limited.
I am keeping up with pumping, so I'm glad I'm not stressing about that aspect the way I was my first week back. Other than pumping being a pita, i don't see it being an issue I have to deal with thankfully.
I'm trying to find a balance, but it's just not clicking. Working 40 hours a week just doesn't allow me time to be the parent I want to be. I plan to stay at it until the end of the year at least, possibly into January, to see if my outlook improves.

kaylababy5 · November 2013

Work was a little crazy this week. LO is still sick (now just a cold) so I was up A LOT in the MOTN. So excited for a short week this week! I really like the routine we are in now and I'm starting to shave time off of the morning preparations so I can sleep a little longer.

kmr333 · November 2013

I feel like I'm going through the motions, too. Still wishing I could cut back from 45+ hours per week, even to 35 per week. I'm pumping four times each day at the office as well as after LO goes to bed to keep up, but I'm not sure how long I'm going to be able to get away with four times at the office.

LokiLahve · November 2013

@kmr333 I found that if I cut out one of my pumping sessions I actually get about 2oz more each day. It seems opposite of all the advise you hear but it works for me. I noticed that by dropping that one session it allowed me to relax more during my other sessions...I don't feel so rushed to get back to the work piling up and perhaps that helps my let down? And looking at pics and videos of LO gives me more also...I've tested that theory and I get about 1/2 oz more out of each side when looking at her on my phone. Just food for thought

carrotcake06 · November 2013

My office is small and doesn't have a mother's / pumping room. I wish I had an office just for this reason - I share a large office w two other guys.

I use an empty office now, but it has the plotter and other large office equipment in it, plus people use it when visitng our main office from their satellite offices. When someone else is in there, I have to use the bathroom. It's such a pain in the ass.

Other than that, work is work. I don't have any desire to be a SAHM, so it is what it is.

No Longer ERL · November 2013

I am feeling so exhausted by the end of the week. I was in clinic seeing patients all but 5 hours this week. I am covering someone else for Maternity leave. I was worried she wasn't going to come back...she is coming back part time. I an hoping that we can work something out to help lessen my load. I am considering starting late 4 days a week vs. One day off every other week vs. Half day every week. I need something to balance out my life.
I am leaning towards the late starts.
Pumping is going well. I am producing way more this time.
Looking forward to a 4 day weekend!

PB102012 · November 2013

FeetFirst said:

christy32685 said:

FeetFirst said:

I go back to work on Monday.

I found out yesterday morning that they have direct placed me into a different department. It is a good thing, as I was ready for a change and it is in a position I have wanted for a while. My manager felt guilty when she called because she is doing this right when I come back, I will only have the short week next week to say goodbye to my old team of 3 years. But it was one of those things that if she hadn't jumped at it for me, who knows how long I would have waited for it to come up again.

I am more upset that I have to fight for time in the busier mothers rooms! Ugh! In my old building there was only one other mom, now there are 5 of us... And I of course am getting the crappy times left over... I do know one of the girls so maybe she will let me share the room with her occasionally if the need comes up. Just frustrating because I thought I had everything worked out

Also DD still refuses to take bottle we are crossing our fingers that she is overcome with confusion at her new surroundings and just forgets she hate it lol.

Good luck! I don't know how I would handle the mothering room in my building.... we have five floors and one room. It seems like they should have more. Good job on the department move! I moved back to one of my old departments a couple months before I went on maternity leave. I was previously working in a department where I loved most of the people and I had always dreamed of being a part of the team. However, I learned quickly that the management doesn't do well with micromanaging.... I don't need it, but two other people on my team did. A coworker and I ended up doing the job of four people, where the two others did nothing (I hope that makes sense). After fighting with myself for months I decided to go back to my old department. It was hard because I adored my supervisor and manager.... luckily they understood and still keep me in the loop and let me in to visit whenever I want.

Yeah I am leaving a group I really love, but I have been supporting manufacturing for 3 years and now I will get to support engineering. It is like a whole new world.

The mothering rooms at work are a joke. We have 40,000 ppl at my location so you have to assume we might need more than 4 rooms in the entire factory. My old building was so new and had an awesome room. Isn't it silly that is what I am focusing on and not a new job? Lol

40,000 people and 4 rooms?! That's insane!

cinderin · November 2013

Can I join you? :-)

I will be going back to work FT on Monday 12/2.

I am sad to be leaving LO, even though I think I found him a great in-home daycare where he will receive a lot of attention.

I am looking forward to getting a good routine down for our family.

I am nervous about getting enough sleep, being able to pump enough milk and that DS will still want to BF after he has a bottle all day.

I am glad I have a job I like, that I am good at, at a place I want to work. Like some of the PP, I don't think I could be a SAHM, so back to work I go!

I do wish I could clone myself so that one of me would stay home with DS and one could go to work. That would be good!

FeetFirst · November 2013

@christy32685 yeah, it is a very large company. Of course many of that 40k are men and then women who don't need the room, and we do have more on site in each building, but where the majority of the workforce is in the factory, there are only 4 rooms. According to the shared calendars there are currently about 30-35 women trying to use them. Keep in mind that it is not a matter of being able to just run over to the other room, if the one near me doesn't have space it can be a 20 minute walk. (Think a factory big enough to build, oh I don't know...airplanes

) lol

ashleyamberRN · November 2013

Same ole same ole. This is my long weekend off so I'm spending all my time with LO. This week I'm off the night going into thanksgiving but I go in at 7 pm that night. It was a trade off so I work the night going into Christmas but don't have to go back in that night so as long as I don't sleep much, I'd rather be there for LO first Christmas instead.

MommyBolty · November 2013

The work week was OK I guess. I've been staying pretty busy at work. Training a new EC and staying on top my own events and pumping three times a day. The day goes pretty quickly. It was LOs first week at daycare. I cried Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. But she did so good and her teachers are so amazing. Even though I miss her like crazy... I'm thankful that she's doing well in the atmosphere and that she has wonderful people looking out for her.

PB102012 · November 2013

@FeetFirst that's nuts! And talk about getting your exercise if you have to go to another room....

RK125 · November 2013

This week is a two day week!! Yay! Work is crazy, but it's going well. Dd is doing well with formula during the day and breast at night. There is no time to pump at work/ no place to...long story. I've been back about a month and it's going well. I'm pumped for only a two day week!

HermansWife · November 2013

Sam38 said:

christy32685 said:
I don't have anything quite yet to contribute, but I am going back on December 2nd so I will see you ladies next week! I am lurking a bit
Me too! Any advice from pumping teachers????

You can PM me for more details if you want, but I pump before school, on my lunch, and right after school. It's approximately a 4 hour spread, but it seems to work.

MynaBird · November 2013

I quit my job last week! Granted, it was because I was offered a different job, but still. It was satisfying. My agency is family-owned, poorly run and dominated by the founder/matriarch, who refuses to change with the times. In advertising. Plus she's a bully, but there's no path for recourse because she owns the joint. I'm tired of fighting with her (I'm the only employee who stands up to her), plus the whole operation is just poorly run, and they really jerked me around on mat leave. They granted my request to change from a regular work week to four longer days, but only temporarily, with no permanent commitment to the schedule. Two different opportunities came up; one, doing in-house corporate marketing, would have paid more but wouldn't accommodate a four-day schedule. And then an opportunity opened up in my old newsroom. It's a job I used to do, but now with fewer responsibilities, more pay, and a Wed-Sat schedule! Plus I can bring the baby to work if I want/need to, and a friend on staff with a baby already has a bassinet, play mat, etc., in the newsroom. It's a small pay cut from my current job, but so much better for my time with baby... Plus it cuts at least 25 minutes a day off my commute time! I'm feeling really fortunate to have such an opportunity come up. Of course, I gave notice on Thursday and my coworkers have not yet been told. You'd think they'd want to let people know so they can plan for any work they want me to touch before I go.

AACaHa13 · November 2013

This was my first week back and let me say hats off to you ladies who get lo and yourself ready before going into work! It is tough. It takes a few days to get that down. Work has been awesome! I am a personal assistant for a doctor....I basically take care of all services for their house, do laundry, dishes, errands and I love it! I get to make my own schedule that works with my mom so she can watch lo. It is nice getting out of the house for a few hours each day but then also able to spend the majority of my days with lo.

kmr333 · November 2013

Thanks for the tips,@LokiLahve. I'm concerned about my supply regulating down if I cut out a pumping session regularly, but maybe it would be okay if I have to cut back every once in a while. I'll also have to try out the pictures.

LJUTCMommy · November 2013

@MynaBird Congratulations on the new gig! That sounds like a really great way to have that work/life balance we all strive for.

LokiLahve · November 2013

kmr333 said:

Thanks for the tips,@LokiLahve. I'm concerned about my supply regulating down if I cut out a pumping session regularly, but maybe it would be okay if I have to cut back every once in a while. I'll also have to try out the pictures.

I should add the one that I cut out is very close to the end of the day. I race home and nurse right as dh gets home with LO. I hope you find something that helps

rooftop · November 2013

After my horrible experience going back the first time I took an extra week off and worked on establishing a daddy based routine so when I went back this week it went a bit smoother. Baby is still not taking a bottle but she sleeps for most of the time while I'm gone now. It has left me with less time for me to sleep so I'm exhausted but feel much better about leaving for work. Hopefully things will continue to improve.

FeetFirst · November 2013

Bags are packed, bottles defrosting( the ones she probably won't eat and I will have to waste 12oz of my freezer stash this first day. Ugh)

Anyone who can spare a positive thought, please wish us good luck with DD deciding bottles are not evil at daycare tomorrow

it is all I am stressing about.

MynaBird · November 2013

@LJUTCMommy Thanks! I'm thrilled about it. I think it's as close as I'm going to get to perfect at a FT job.

CaliforniaDream87 · November 2013

FeetFirst said:
Bags are packed, bottles defrosting( the ones she probably won't eat and I will have to waste 12oz of my freezer stash this first day. Ugh)

Anyone who can spare a positive thought, please wish us good luck with DD deciding bottles are not evil at daycare tomorrow it is all I am stressing about.

@feetfirst GL! Hoping your LO takes that bottle.

girlmama83 · November 2013

@feetfirst

Good luck today. I was really nervous because in the week leading up to me going back to work, my LO wouldn't take a bottle. I brought her over my aunts who watches her and when she wouldn't take a bottle from her, I was so nervous and didn't know what we were going to do.

She hasn't had a problem since I've gone back though. I kept telling myself that if she's hungry, she's going to eat. She takes 2-3 bottles everyday from my aunt now. I know she prefers the breast but I am thankful she will take the bottle as well when needed.

FeetFirst · November 2013

I just wanted to say thank you for your kind thoughts!

DD refused her first two bottle attempts today, but her teachers persisted and by 11 she ate a bottle, then again at 12:45 and 2:40! I had only sent 2oz size bottles, so it was not all she needed but it is better than nothing! I feel much better about her getting the hang if this now. And I pumped 13oz easy today. Besides the massive headache I am feeling very good about how it went.

Want a personalized experience?

Working Momma Check In

Re: Working Momma Check In

Choose Another Board

Search Boards