January 2016 Moms

Going back to work

I'm a middle school teacher and luckily I had my first trimester over summer vacation. This was the first year I didn't take a grad class and just rested. Anytime my stomach hurt I took a nap. Next week I go back to work. I am used to being on my feet and walking around 90% of a 55 minute class. I know I am in the 2nd trimester and I am supposed to get my energy back but I am nervous about being on my feet too long or getting tired during class. Any helpful tips or advice?

Re: Going back to work

  • I taught kindergarten when I was pregnant with my first. Those were some long days.
    I made sure to use my lunch and prep time to sit.
    Especially toward the end, I had the kids do more. Instead of walking around to collect papers/supplies I had them being them to me. I didn't sit on the floor as much with them(though you probably aren't doing that in middle school. Lol)

    Honestly you will get more energy back and your body will adjust. I felt much better my first pregnancy being up and active at school then I did my 2nd when I was home. Good luck going back to school!!
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  • I waited tables full time at a very busy restaurant while pregnant with my first. It was intense at times. But it kept me in shape. And on days when I was exhausted, I still had to go to work. Most of the time just getting to work and getting started helped significantly with the exhaustion. I was lucky to have very thoughtful co-workers at the end.
  • I'm a hairdresser, and like pp I'm in my feet all day long, often with out a break scoffing food down quick I between clients. You know what, you will surprise yourself, you will just do what you have got to do, and then be tired later. I'm not saying it will be always easy. But you will be fine!!! Women who are athletes train hard during pregnancy because that is what there body is used to. Just like your body and brain are used to functioning in your job! Honestly. Keep a snack in your drawer, and you will be great!
  • Middle school teacher here too! I was a bump on a log for about a month and then had my grad school trip to Australia. It kicked my ass. I will be walking daily between now and school time. I think that's my best bet.
  • I'm a baker and am on my feet my whole shift. I would recommend compression stockings to help with blood flow in your legs and a maternity support belt. It will help your back and take some weight off of your pubic area. Try to sit down when you can, even if it's just for a couple of minutes

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  • Was a middle school teacher, now high school. If you haven't already assigned jobs to students, this is the year to start. Have kids do as much as they can (plus they usually love it) like a board eraser (even smart boards), materials collector, paper collector, desk straightener, note taker, etc. It will save you steps, stress and get kids more involved in the up keep of the classroom. You'll be especially thankful in December.
  • Middle school teacher here, too. The first few weeks are going to SUCK. I've accepted that. They always suck and they're so busy, but with being so tired all the time it's going to be much worse. I've been getting winded really easily when I talk a lot. I have a couple of things I'm planning on doing to make things easier. 1. Start giving jobs to the kids on day one. Like paper collector, lights person, door opener, even someone to sign agendas (our school makes us do it). 2. Have correlating videos ready to show if you really feel crappy at any point. Nothing wrong with that! 3. Have plenty of snacks that will give you energy. Half a coke really helps me. 4. Instead of eating lunch with my friends/coworkers every day, I'm probably going to use that time to relax in my room and maybe out my head down for a bit. I agree with a PP that walking every day up until you go back will help. It'll give your body a little heads up for the onset of more physical activity.
  • ^^^^ All of this. I started back this week (5th grade teacher) and began walking before. I wish I had started earlier. It's is amazing how you can go from complete exhaustion to a switch flipping in your brain and teacher mode is activated! That was how it was for me. I feel like these last months are going to go by soo quick.

    The only warning I have is to listen to your body. I didn't rest during lunches and came yesterday to the WORST hip pain I've ever had. I took it easy last night and slept in. I feel sooo much better. I hope you have a really great year!!!!!!!
  • I'm gearing up for the start of our year too. I teach kindergarten. With my first, I was so energetic it didn't seem to matter that I was pregnant. When the day ended, I would take a power nap before I could even drive home. I closed out that year and had a summer baby.

    I'm terrified with this pregnancy. I'm exhausted and have been spoiled by naps with my toddler. I see early bedtimes for us. I know that I will instantly switch into teacher mode. It's just what happens.

    I agree with pps, job assignments!! Kids love them and you'll love them even more:)
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  • I've been working the whole time (special education teacher) since I work summer school. I'm always on my feet and I just do it. At the end of the day I'm tired and promptly crash on the couch but I consider work my exercise so it's been fine. I also allow myself coffee. I get a medium iced coffee and sip it throughout the day.
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