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July 2016 Moms
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Working Moms Check-In

Brittnic531Brittnic531 member
in July 2016 Moms
This thread is for all of us working moms to support each other and talk about going back to the work after baby, daycare, pumping, and whatever else is on your mind! Let me know how often we want to have a new thread posted... Weekly or monthly! 
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Re: Working Moms Check-In

  • FTM53FTM53 member
    Not back to work yet, but LOVE this idea. 
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  • PootsDragonPootsDragon member
    I'm back September 29. Can't decide if I'm excited or terrified. Trying not to overthink and just relax while I can... 
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  • Brittnic531Brittnic531 member
    @setosh- I hope you know federal law says they can't stick you in a bathroom to pump! But 15 mins with a manual? Props to you!  Were you the one that started a new job too? Or was that someone else? I hope it went well going back either way!

    @ftm53- that's so awesome that you are set up so nicely and supported at work (when you go back). That's really important when you're dealing with the emotions of going back to work.
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  • Brittnic531Brittnic531 member
    Ugh, TB ate my post!  Anyway, this is starting week 3 of back to work for me.  I had to go back to work when S was only 5 weeks for various reasons.  It's been a tough transition back because it's a new job and I'm upset about my old job being eliminated.  Everything fell together for a 'smooth' transition of starting when my leave was up and having no lapse in insurance or pay but I've been struggling emotionally.  I think it'll get better when I get busier and develop a caseload.  I'm also pumping but because I struggle with low supply, I'm not sure how much longer I want or can keep it up.  S is really sensitive and reacts to different things and there doesn't seem to be a pattern, although she is better since I eliminated dairy.  It's heart breaking when she's in pain from reflux and gas and it's also depressing to pump such a little bit.  I wish I knew what the best thing to do was, but I'm going to keep it up for now.  

    @pootsdragon- The anticipation of going back to work is tough, I hope you can relax and enjoy this time! 

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  • setoshsetosh member
    Brittnic531 said:
    @setosh- I hope you know federal law says they can't stick you in a bathroom to pump! But 15 mins with a manual? Props to you!  Were you the one that started a new job too? Or was that someone else? I hope it went well going back either way!

    @ftm53- that's so awesome that you are set up so nicely and supported at work (when you go back). That's really important when you're dealing with the emotions of going back to work.
    Yes I started a new job! Thanks!! They did say I could use this office this other new mom uses but I didn't have a keycard yet so bathroom it was. I used the office today! 
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  • mnkennedmnkenned member
    Yay I love this. I'm starting a new job mid October. Was supposed to be right about now but my new boss insisted I take more time (!). I'm nervous about having a place to pump or even having time to since I typically can't take breaks, so we'll see what happens.

    Im also super nervous about finding childcare - anyone looking at nannies vs daycare? 

    I feel kind of bad, but I'm looking forward to going back. I like my job and I'm going to miss LO like crazy but I'm ready for some adult interaction and doing something I'm good at again. I also will make significantly more than DH and with a move, new house, and new baby we need some extra income stat.
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  • MamaBishMamaBish member
    This thread is a great idea!
    I've been back to work for a while with LO. It's... interesting. lol She's quite the attraction and it's hard to get stuff done with random people coming to visit. I like that she is so loved but standing awkwardly in my doorway without even talking for 5 minutes is so weird. That added on to making sure I take decent care of her and keep her entertained makes accomplishing projects tough. I sometimes shut my door but I feel isolated enough as it is (my regular desk was in an open concept area).
    I'm still working on breastfeeding but she just isn't very good at it so I still have to pump all the time. :/
    I'm not looking forward to not being able to bring her in a few months :( Wish i could just stay home.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    🌈  Preemie 2016  🌈
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  • joleri23joleri23 member
    I was surprised with how smooth my work transition was. The first day was hard to leave her, but as soon as I got to the office I was so busy I didn't even have time to think about her! It's a good thing.

    My problem right now is a little complex. I was feeling burnt out before I left, and even though I've hit the ground running since I've returned, I'm still feeling like it may be time to move on. Compounding the problem is that I have a new boss, and my team has basically fallen apart since I left so everything is a shit-show right now. That's pretty typical with a leadership change, I guess. I work for an organization that I love, but I'm starting to look outside for other opportunities. I feel really conflicted about potentially leaving.

    I'm strongly considering going part-time. We could swing it financially, but it wouldn't let us get ahead as quickly. That's another reason I feel conflicted. I actually have a phone interview this afternoon for a PT position that is still in my career-driven scope. How often does that happen? Basically, if it worked out, I would get another PT job to supplement my income. My hope is that my mental health would be much better and I wouldn't be so stressed out all the time. I've only been back to work 3 days, and I'm already feeling tons of physical stress symptoms.

    I dunno... I'm just rambling. I guess I'll wait and see how today's interview goes!
    July BMB Siggy Challenge: Weird Hot Dog Situations
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  • LDSJM123LDSJM123 member
    @mnkenned we are going nanny route. Partially because of the hours we'll need someone and also for the 1:1. Thankfully we'll be using the same girl we've had for 5 years now with our oldest. She's part of the family now. It's always been worth the extra $$ to us. Although I'm not sure what daycare runs for an infant these days. 
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  • mgotay15mgotay15 member
    edited September 2016
    We are doing a combo. 2 days day care. 2 days sitter  (family) and 1 day I'll work from home!

    Doing the combo is saving us money.. and we get a combo of 1:1 care and some group based @mnkenned
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  • setoshsetosh member
    @LDSJM123 in my area (piedmont triad of nc) infant care runs about $250/wk for an infant. That's why BF works overnight and I work a midshift!
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  • rnyland1rnyland1 member
    So, I'm really freaking out about this going back to work thing (October 10th). We haven't made much headway with Charlie taking bottles (just ordered a Comotomo bottle to try) because he generally hates them. How are some of you doing the transition from breast to bottle before going back to work? Also, what are some of you packing for the day? He's going to daycare. Obviously diapers, wipes, desitin, two extra outfits, bottles, paci, is there something else I'm forgetting? I'll be gone from 6 am to 5 pm m-f including my commute. I have a feeling my first few months back at work are going to be a shitshow. :( how the heck are you other working moms doing it?
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  • setoshsetosh member
    @rnyland1 thankfully my LO took a bottle like a champ from hour 1... I don't have any experience with that,  but I hope the new bottle works! I don't put my LO in daycare either. That's a whole nother set of complications. I get no sleep. It's my first week back and I'm already tired of working. I miss my LO so so much. He was super giggly and smiley this morning. It broke my heart to leave him. He only turned 7 weeks when I came back. Way too soon in my book to go back to work but I didn't have a choice. Thankfully my new boss is letting me take a week vacation starting the 26th since my tickets were already bought. 
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  • sunshineandwhiskeysunshineandwhiskey member
    edited September 2016
    @rnyland1 Don't stress about the bottles! My LO refused any bottle but the Comotomo (love it) and would only take an ounce here or there when we tried. She mostly just screamed. She went to daycare this week and has been taking her bottles like a champ! LO still refuses to at home but we are still making sure to try once a day. They figure it out and the daycare people have dealt with it before!

    we sent diapers, wipes, desitin, clothes, and a blanket. No paci because she won't take one but the kids there had a clip for theirs so it's always hooked to them. We have to send pre made bottles too since it's breast milk. That is the hardest part. Filling them just enough that there isn't waste and LO gets enough. 

    Eta: it's been the hardest week of my life but the first day she was there they did so much with her - including finger painting! - and I know she is going to thrive because of that. you can do this!
    Me: 28 | Husband: 39
    Married March 2016
    DD: born 7.22.16
    DS EDD: 6.23.18
    BabyFruit Ticker
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  • SerpicaSerpica member
    Great thread! I've been back at work for about a month, and I'm exhausted... It doesn't help that I actually got a second job on the side to help pay for daycare. Hopefully I'll get used to it It's been great seeing how well my LO adapted to daycare though, and I'm lucky because it's at work so we can snuggle at lunchtime... Hugs to you all
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  • FTM53FTM53 member
    So happy. My pediatrician, who I adore, just told me that when she has kids, she'll be using our daycare. Such a vote of confidence. 
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  • HoneyBear40HoneyBear40 member
    3rd day in. No longer crying as soon as I pull in the lot to drop LO off but still crying when I walk out the door without her and most of the way to work. I've been getting pictures from one of the ladies at the center throughout the day and am able to go see her on my lunch break for a little bit so that has helped us (mostly me) get through it.
    Now my new struggle is dinner. I had been walking at least 2 miles every day at some point while on leave and making dinner for when DH got home. Now with working until 5, picking LO up at 5:15 and getting home a little before 6 it's hard to get a walk in and figure out dinner/make dinner before DH gets home at 6:15 and it gets dark at 7. As much as I love the fall season I'm not ready for the early sunsets! At my 6wk pp appointment I was on track with weight loss and I really don't want to see it go back the other way :(
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  • shaylalrshaylalr member
    Today is my first day back. I am only working two days a week (I don't know how you other ladies do it! You are amazing!) but I am already crying. I am going to miss her so much. 
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  • shaylalrshaylalr member
    Anybody have any pumping tips? I am not enjoying this. 
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  • adough27adough27 member
    This is my 3rd day back and I am handling it a lot better than I thought I would. I think its because I am busy at work and know I will be rewarded at the end of the day when I pick her up! 

    Getting a place to bump has been interesting and figuring out how long I should pump for and how many times to make sure my supply doesn't decrease. My boss has been super helpful and has even secured me my own office until January (then I guess we will figure out something else after then).

    @shaylalr I am with you, it is so uncomfortable, and I feel when I lock my door everyone knows what going on. My director keeps awkwardly trying to talk about pumping and I am like please stop!
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  • FTM53FTM53 member
    @shaylalr I'm making some lactation cookies and also pumping at least once a day while I'm still home to figure out what works. So far looking at my fave pics/videos of him help ALOT. 

    @adough27 so sorry you're going through that!! Happy that I'm in no way shy with my body. I'm one of those have my boob out in public and talk openly about all aspects of everything to anyone who asks type girl. If I didn't think it would offend my coworkers, I'd pump in our office or meetings. :smiley:
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  • Schmooie730Schmooie730 member
    I started work again on Monday and was actually really excited. I work in a child are center with 2 year olds and I missed my kiddos while I was gone. I definitely missed Aubrey but I did better than I thought...no tears. My husband is home for the next month so that helps. She did come to work with me today since Keith had a prior commitment. I was worried about how Aubrey would do but she had an awesome day. She's about 10 feet down the hall so I was able to check in on her.  It was helpful.
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  • winnie1122winnie1122 member
    Anyone else working from home? I'm finding it really hard to get anything done and take care of little dude if he's not sleeping. It took half the day just to make a flyer today....any good tips? I could probably get a grandma to take him a few hours every other day, but if it's possible to not have to do that I'd rather keep him with me. DH is in grad school, so I'm still primary caretaker even when he's home, because he has to study so much.
    Married 6/1/13
    BFP #1 7/2013 MMC 9/17/13
    BFP #2 5/2014 MC 6/15/14
    BFP #3 11/13/14 (Found in ER with ruptured cyst) Diagnosed MC 11/15/14
    BFP #4  4/2015 MC 7/1/15
    BFP #5 10/21/15  EDD 7/3/16 Praying for our rainbow! 
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  • setoshsetosh member
    edited September 2016
    shaylalr said:
    Anybody have any pumping tips? I am not enjoying this. 
    If you can go get work pump repeat! Tons of tips and tricks about pumping at work like storing your supplies in a bag in the fridge so you don't have to wash them, etc. 
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  • setoshsetosh member

    shaylalr said:
    Today is my first day back. I am only working two days a week (I don't know how you other ladies do it! You are amazing!) but I am already crying. I am going to miss her so much
    I needed to hear this!! I work Monday thru Friday 11-8 and it's killing me. I miss my LO so so much. I almost cried today at work and it's my second week. He just turned 8 weeks a few days ago. Whenever I get home he smiles so big it kills me. 
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  • shaylalrshaylalr member
    @setosh I cried four times today! You aren't alone. My sister is watching her and she said she didn't smile much all day, just watched her cousins play. But when I came in the door she just couldn't stop smiling. I missed her so much I have even thought about waking her up extra tonight just so I can cuddle. 

    Thank you for the resource! I will look it up! I think my flange is wrong. I was bleeding after pumping today. 
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  • jjtrufflesjjtruffles member
    setosh said:
    I needed to hear this!! I work Monday thru Friday 11-8 and it's killing me. I miss my LO so so much. I almost cried today at work and it's my second week. He just turned 8 weeks a few days ago. Whenever I get home he smiles so big it kills me. 
    I think this is my favorite part of the day. His toothless little grin melts my heart & there is nothing better than seeing it when I pick him up from my parents after a long day.
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  • setoshsetosh member
    @shaylalr you're welcome! And ouch!! I've never heard of that happening. Maybe it's too small? I used a smaller size myself but it never hurt. Good luck! I hope your nipple isn't too hurt :neutral:
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  • shaylalrshaylalr member
    @setosh I tried the next size up and it is huge!! I am going to try the next size down now. The pump takes in my whole areola. 
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  • joleri23joleri23 member
    @winnie1122 My suggestion would be to have your DH take care of her when you need to get something done, but since that's not an option for you, maybe hire someone for a few hours here and there. 
    July BMB Siggy Challenge: Weird Hot Dog Situations
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  • addyplusoneaddyplusone member
    MamaBish said:
    This thread is a great idea!
    I've been back to work for a while with LO. It's... interesting. lol She's quite the attraction and it's hard to get stuff done with random people coming to visit. I like that she is so loved but standing awkwardly in my doorway without even talking for 5 minutes is so weird. That added on to making sure I take decent care of her and keep her entertained makes accomplishing projects tough. I sometimes shut my door but I feel isolated enough as it is (my regular desk was in an open concept area).
    I'm still working on breastfeeding but she just isn't very good at it so I still have to pump all the time. :/
    I'm not looking forward to not being able to bring her in a few months :( Wish i could just stay home.
    You take her to work with you? I take Koen with me! I love that I get to do this! But it will have to come to an end around the December time frame. 


    Addison (DD) born 6/10/12
    M/C 3/3/14 Due 10/8/14
    Rainbow Koen (DS) born 7/9/16


    Lfafer  you want to have in your playgroup  * Best Baker  * Sweetest Lfafer * Best NBR\GTKY Threads*  Most Supportive Lfafer *   Best Mom * Lfafer you want organizing your meal train after birth

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  • arhodes6arhodes6 member
    @winnie1122 I work from home too running my own marketing consulting business. I don't get much done during the day, I work at night when DH is home. I also will have my MIL come over if I have meetings or a project that needs to be done during the day. It sucks working at night and sometimes on the weekend, but at least I get stuff done. I hope you figure something out that works for you! 
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  • rnyland1rnyland1 member
    @honeybear40 for dinner I do quick stuff: frozen veggies, box rice, grilled meat on the foreman, microwaved baked potatoes, pasta, hotdogs, sloppy joes, etc. Or, fix up your crock pot before work and come home to dinner ready to eat. Also, utilize leftovers whenever possible. That is how I make dinner quickly these days.
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