I need a little emotional support right now. Our family got caught in the economic downturn and I've been looking to get back into the workplace after staying at home with my two little ones (2 1/2 & 9 mos) for the past 3 years. I am now a leading candidate for a job that I am a very good fit for - while the job is not mine yet, I have to deal with the fact that I could be heading into an 8-5 schedule rather than an eat, play, sleep schedule.
I'm a preparer by nature so I need to 1) get my mindset right because I'm having a hard time with the thought of leaving my 9 mo. old DD; 2) figure out what the best way to partially wean her; and 3) figure out how the best way to prepare the night before for a seamless schedule in the morning.
So #1, when my hubby and I made the decision to have kids, it was absolutely with the thought that they would be at home with me until preschool age. Even on the difficult days, I reconciled myself with that and had no intention of going back to work. Priorities being what they are, I just need the encouragement that I'll be okay. My baby has stranger anxiety but other than that, she's an angel.
With #2, she breastfeeds 5-6 times a day, upon waking with a little top-off right before naptime. She has never taken a bottle (absolutely refused it) but does a sippy cup real well. I believe I'll be able to pump at this job because of the environment. So my question is what experience does anyone have with weaning the number of nursings down to just morning and night in a short period of time. If I'm offered the job, I'll give them a week before I start.
On #3, I would love to hear how you Mamas organize yourselves in the evening to just get out the door in the morning. My dear, dear hubby has committed to getting the kiddos to the daycare in the morning and has a lot of flexibility since he's self-employed. But I'll still need to make sure the diaper bags are ready, etc.
Thanks in advance!!
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Sidenote update: Working out a budget to allow me to stay home is not an option. We have no income right now because our business is not doing well. Hubby is looking for other employment as well. So as much as I'd like to stay home, I can't. Thanks.
Hey K.! I know exactly how you feel in an opposite manner. I was working about 50 hours per week when my kids were born until the middle of March. The kids are now 4 & 2 1/2. I nursed my son for 7months and daughter just over a year while working these hours. My daughter never took a bottle even while I was working, she's very stubborn. Getting things together at night after the kids went to bed kept the mornings smoother. I am so thankful to have found a way to supplement our income and can now be at home with them. You and your husband always have an option it's just a matter of finding the one that works best for you. You're welcome to email if you want to talk more. ____@____.com. I wish you the best and stay strong!
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J.C.
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Casper
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I can offer some help on the weaing....if she is taking a sippy cup then use that for her "top-off" before she takes a nap. Instead of just handing her the cup and letting her walk off with it, get her special blanket find and chair and hold her while she drinks it. Make it so that she still has the bond with you, just without the breast. As far as the diaper bags go, make it a habit to go through them and see what is needed and replace it before you go to bed. I have watched some children on a long term basis and even suggested to the parents that they leave some items with me as to make it easier on me and their children if something is forgotten, like diapers, wipes, a favorite blanket/toy, sippy cups, an extra binki things like that. If you could leave some with your daycare provider and just ask that she/he give you a heads up when you are almost out of something---that would also ease the morning rush. It is hard to have to leave the babies, but know that you are doing it for them---you know what is best for your family and don't let anyone try and tell you otherwise.
Good luck.
J.
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K.D.
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I'm a big check list person. We have a checklist for meds. Names and boxes are printed and then the paper is laminated. We add the meds and dosing with wet erase markers and mark the dosing with dry erase at each time. I do the same for the diaper bag, except backwards. If something needs to be replaced, I put a check mark by it and erase it when I place it in the bag. We have a place to write extras that are needed, as well. I also keep extra diapers and wipes in the car, which has come in handy many times. Just a little travel box and two diapers. I stick anything that needs to be refrigerated in the refrigerator in an insulated bag, then all I have to do is through the bag in the diaper bag. It's well worth it for me on busy days to put a list of everything I need by the door just to double check myself. Doing it all at night is a huge help for us. I hope you get the job and it all works out well for you.
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M.B.
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Hi Kristen,
I don't want to question your decision to go to work, everyone has their own needs and differences, but it sounds like you want to be home? That said, have you absolutely looked at your budget with a fine tuned comb? Is there any way you might cut back just for a few years? With the cost of day care and taxes it might work for you to continue to be home.
That said, the Fly lady is great for establishing routines and planning to help your transition. Also, I watched a little girl for over a year and her mom sucessfully breast fed her for a year. She would feed her in the morning, pump once during the day and feed her at night before bed. That is actually really good she takes a sippy cup, you won't have to deal with weaning off a bottle. At 9 months she could be having more juice or water as well during the day, and snacks!
That is great our husband can take the kids, that is HUGE! That frees you up to get ready and lessens your stress! Good luck to you!
