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Advice on going back to work?

Psychward18Psychward18 member
in Babies: 0 - 3 Months
I'm a FTM returning to work tomorrow. My little girl will be 10 weeks old tomorrow. A few weeks ago I felt more than ready to go back and actually looked forward to it. Now that it's here, I am a mess! How did you all cope with going back to work for the first time and taking your baby to the babysitter?
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Re: Advice on going back to work?

  • dglvrk2dglvrk2 member
    I am a STM. 
    I remember dreading the day I would return to work when I finished my first ML during days leading up to it.  Honestly, once I got to work, things fell into place and it wasn't bad at all.  My DCP had dealt with many FTMs (and dads) on the first day back to work.  She insisted that I drop DD (#1) off a few minutes early.  She sent me a few texts or emails (I forget which) during the day.  

    I go back to work next Monday. Here's what I suggest/will do:
    Have everything ready to go the night before - clothes for everyone set out, diaper bag packed, work bag packed, bottles ready, and my lunch packed.  Double check everything.
    Plan ahead.  Consider everything you will need to do that morning the night before - getting ready yourself, breakfast, feeding baby etc.  Give yourself plenty of time.  I'm giving myself an extra 15-20 minutes.  You can always spend a little extra time with your baby in the morning everything goes smoothly.
    If you have an SO who is available, ask for help.  Once DH had specific jobs with DD #1 (he's always gotten her dressed in the morning) my mornings were easier. 
    Arrive at the sitter a little early.  Just stay in the car if you're too early/the DC hasn't opened yet etc.  
    At work, just do what you need to do your first day.  Cut yourself some slack.  
    Get as much rest as you can tomorrow night.  You'll likely be quite tired by the end of the week.  
    It gets easier.  Yes, you will have those days when you really miss your LO.  My oldest is 2 and 1/2 and I still miss her sometimes. 

    Good Luck!!

    ;)
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  • cagoldicagoldi member
    edited March 2014
    FTM and I've been back at work a little over 4 weeks now. It's gotten much easier as time goes on, although he's already had 2 colds.

    I agree with PP about getting everything ready ahead of time. I get all the bottles and burp cloths ready and into his bag the night before.

    I set out his outfits for the week Sunday night. I check the weather and put 5 stacks of clothes on the bottom shelf of his changing table so during the week I'm not worrying about doing his laundry and figuring out how I want to dress him.

    We do a fair amount of cooking on Sunday. I'll make a big batch of fried rice, carnitas or beef barbacoa, chili, shrimp orzo and breakfast burritos. Stuff like that re-heats well and then I'm not scrambling to make dinner.

    The house isn't in great shape and meals are completely unremarkable most nights because I spend the afternoon and evenings snuggling the baby. I'm fine with that.
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  • deeemkaydeeemkay member
    I also am having trouble with this. I have been back to work for a month and a half but I still am having the hardest time leaving her. My hours suck 11 am - 8 pm) so i get about 3 hours with my LO in the morning and shes usually in bed when I get home. I make good money and we cant afford to have me stay at home, but I would love it if i could. I think my biggest issue is I am her mom and I want to be the one to teach her everything. I find myself getting upset because my babysitter tells me she has started reading to her or practicing mama or dada. I know im probably over reacting but im so upset about it. I want to be there for her first word and her first step. Any pointers on how to get over this jealousy?
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  • alexpierce88alexpierce88 member
    Im a FTM and went back when he was 10 weeks as well. It was so hard and I was a complete wreck for the first few days (like uncontrollable crying, convincing myself I was sick so I didn't have to go to the office type of wreck..). I did not think I would ever get through it! After the first week i felt comfortable with our nanny and things have fallen into a routine. All of the prep and planning can't get you ready for it... just time. But I promise it gets better!
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