i will be going back to work once school starts up again in 2 weeks. i will not be able to alter my hours or work part time or stay at home (wish i could). my dd is going to be 3 1/2 mo when i return. she is ebf, but we have been working very hard to get her to take at least 2 bottles of bm each day. thankfully we are having success (most days) with this. i am sooooo sad about having to leave her (even tho i know she will be with a very competent sitter and not have to be in daycare). i think she will be ok because she lets just about everyone hold her and she will be going to the sitters 2 days next week to help the transition. i think her biggest issue will be having to be on a bottle of bm from 7-3:30ish monday to friday. i am more sad for myself than i am for her. lol does anyone have any ideas on how to make this transition easier on both of us (lol...more me i guess)? i have not had ppd yet, but i am slightly afraid that this may cause it (i have heard about big changes like this triggering it in moms).
Hi MAMA
I went through the same thing twice when returning to work after my 2 kids.
A routine developes after a while and you will get used to it.
On a positive note,work is a way easier than being a stay at home Mum and your breasts will adjust to the change.
Sorry thats all I have for now as I am at work LOL
Good luck
B. k
You will likely feel sad & disappointed that you will be spending so little time with your baby after you return to work, but keep in mind that it's better to spend QUALITY time with her, rather than QUANTITY time....sounds like it's just not an option. So make the most of your evenings and weekends!
Good luck!
ditto what Bernie said...... (regarding your questions)
The one thing that made me really feel better was remembering how as a child I was also in childcare because both of my parents worked and I had a really good relationship with my parents - we spent a lot of time on the weekends doing activities, playing, etc.
I'm glad you have found someone you trust to leave your daughter with. I've had several new clients tell me "I really wanted to call and see how things are going, but I didn't want to disturb you". If you want to call, CALL!! I know I don't mind. I'll share with Mom what little Susie has done that morning and I think it just puts Mom's mind at ease that everything is truly OK. If I'm not able to come to the phone I'll call that person back as soon as I can, but I certainly don't mind a phone call checking on a little one. I have a lot of clients that just shoot me a quick e-mail also.
Good Luck.
M
I used to work with a girl who would have her babysitter bring her baby in during her lunch break, so that she could nurse her in person instead of having to do another bottle. I don't know if that is a possibility for you... or if you would actually be interested in doing it... but just a suggestion. :)
My biggest piece of advice is to start storing up as much milk as possible between now and then! Pump and freeze after every nursing session... I don't know if it's the norm, but when I went back to work my supply dropped a LOT. I wasn't able to pump enough to last the next day, even with pumping at work. Luckily, I had stored up about 3 weeks worth of milk in the freezer, and by the time we went through that my supply had leveled out again. :)
You'll both be fine. The first couple of days will be awful, but it will get easier. I also highly doubt that PPD will be triggered in this situation, but just keep track of your emotions. Remember that your baby will pick up on your emotions, so no freaking out in front of her!
She'll be fine with the bottle. It's very common for babies to resist taking a bottle when mommy (and her boobies) are around. If she's hungry, she will drink. Again, she may have a tough time the first couple of days, but drinking from a bottle is "easier" than BF, so be prepared for her to start resisting breast feeding. Don't take it personally- it's just easier for them to drink out of a bottle and they are self-centered little things!
As someone else mentioned, if you trust your sitter to drive the baby to you during the day, that is an option. It may be difficult if you are a teacher, but during your lunch and prep times it could work. Make sure you are pumping as often as you can and remember...
Your baby will be so excited to see you at the end of the day that you will be the MOST efficient person at your work just to get out of there on time each day!
Good luck!
