October 2015 Moms

Preparing for day care/going back to work

I'm nearly 8 weeks pp and going back to work in 4 weeks.

Any suggestions for easing into day care or ideas to help make day care life easier?

We just have to supply a change of clothes, diapers, and bottles/milk that are labeled. I got the dr Browns bands that go on the bottles as labels and we are working on finding a bottle she likes now. I've also built up a frozen breastmilk supply of over 300 ounces and will continue to pump at work and breastfeed her at daycare on my lunch break.

She will start the week before I go back to work (we are using part time day care). This is supposed to help both of us adjust. I'm going to use the time she's at day care while I'm still on leave to get a hair cut/massage/manicure/etc, catch up on house work, and plan my work outfits to make the first week as smooth as possible.

Additional suggestions welcomed and appeciated!!!

Re: Preparing for day care/going back to work

  • I'm nervous about this too. I work 12 hour shifts so get days off which helps. Im having my mom watch him at my house so we can set up a better routine before taking him to actual day care.
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  • My best advice is to prep as much as possible the night before!  Lay out your outfit (and baby's), get bottles prepped if necessary, pack your work bag/pump, and anything baby will need for the next day.  At our daycare, we don't really need to send her with much day to day...she has extra clothes, diapers, milk, bottles, etc...all stored there, which makes things easier.  I give myself plenty of time (read: wake up crazy early) in the mornings because I hate to feel rushed and be late.  So I try to time it that I can shower before the kids are up.  The transition will take some time but you will get the hang of it!!
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  • You have a really great plan now! The only thing I would add - which I'm going to start doing here soon is kind of practice the morning routine. I have a 19 mo old to get ready and out the door as well which adds to our chaos. I really need to start pumping a little more. I seem to only produce enough for one bottle though ... It's a little concerning. But will get something figured out.
  • If you can, start your work week on a Wednesday or Thursday. It gives you a chance to ease back in and get the timing of your routine without feeling overwhelmed. I did that with my first and it made me feel better not having a whole week of work. I was not mentally prepared to handle a week of work after months off. I didn't do it with my second, and that week was exhausting and emotional for me.
  • That's a good recommendation @ChariZae

    Thanks everyone! All great ideas!
  • ChariZae said:

    If you can, start your work week on a Wednesday or Thursday. It gives you a chance to ease back in and get the timing of your routine without feeling overwhelmed. I did that with my first and it made me feel better not having a whole week of work. I was not mentally prepared to handle a week of work after months off. I didn't do it with my second, and that week was exhausting and emotional for me.

    This is what I am going to do. I'm a teacher so I'm starting back the week of Thanksgiving so I'll have a two day week before going back full time the following week.
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