I have stayed home the first seven months with my son and now I am going back to work. He is breastfeed and just starting on solids. Is there anything I can do to make the tranistion as graceful as possible?
2006-11-17 08:07:38 · 16 answers · asked by Nickie N 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Is there any way you can NOT go back to work? I know when you're used to having two incomes it's hard to get by on just one, but when my son was little I found various jobs I could do at home (home day care, typing service, etc.) so that I could stay home with him. Yes, we had to economize and we couldn't afford any luxuries, but I think a mother's constant presence at home is worth the sacrifice.
Have you considered how much income you will actually have, after you subtract the cost of day care? It can get really expensive. And with the internet, there are so many more opportunities out there to work from home today - have you looked into any of them? I don't know what kind of work you normally do, but is there any possible way you could do it online?
Actually, even though my son is in college now, I am working from home doing medical transcription. I did work at a hospital while he was in high school, so that I could get some current experience, but now I'm back home and loving it.
Good luck to you, whatever you choose to do. I just wanted to give you another perspective - and maybe something to think about.
2006-11-17 14:09:55 · answer #1 · answered by dreamweaver.629ok 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Here's a few thoughts:
1. Start pumping now and get him used to taking breast milk in a bottle from another person. Pumping for 20 minutes after his first feeding of the morning should help.
2. Make sure you have a good supply of breastmilk stored in your freezer.
3. I know this might sound silly but do a "practice run" of how your first morning back to work will go. Pack the diaper bag up the night before, etc.
4. The book "So That's What They're For" has a great section on working and pumping.
5. The first few days back at work I worked part time to help ease me and my twins into my new schedule/seperation from them.
Hope this helps!
2006-11-17 08:45:58 · answer #2 · answered by Ali D 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I'd say get a good babysitter, from all the books
I read they say that boys should not start day care until they are 3 years old. Just have all his needs there for the babysitter . Have the sitter come over for a couple hours on a day when you are there too (before you
go back to work) show her your routine for the day & let your son get use to him/her .
Best of luck & great job w/ your son !
2006-11-17 13:00:01 · answer #3 · answered by start 6-22-06 summer time Mom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure he is used to taking expressed breastmilk from a bottle first! I'm sure you've already got him doing that, but just in case. It's going to be hard for both of you. Have you left him with babysitters at all? You should start doing that in small increments. You and DH should go out on a date or something. Gradually increase your time away. He needs to learn that you will come back.
2006-11-17 08:13:16 · answer #4 · answered by ACEmomof2 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had to go back to work after 7 weeks and I wanted to continue breastfeeding. What I think are the main things that made it easy to go back are 1. pumping for 12 months - it was time that I could relax and think about my baby 2. having daddy take his vacation time after I went to work so I was leaving her first with him instead of daycare 3. daddy goes to work later than I do so he drops her off at daycare and I pick her up - so, I don't ever have to "leave" her.
2006-11-17 14:54:33 · answer #5 · answered by JordanB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a GOOD babysitter and get him used to her before you go. Take some pictures of your son to place at your desk. Since you'll miss him during the day, plan fun things to do with him for quality time during evenings and weekends. And remember to save time for YOURSELF, since between work and child care, you need to take care of you as well.
2006-11-17 12:38:27 · answer #6 · answered by Rainfog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a great daycare provider. Get one that others have reccommended. **ASK HER what she does. Her answers will tell you if she knows what she is doing. She should suggest you express extra and send it frozen or fresh to be used (by itself or mixed with other milk/formula). She should also be able to tell you what she serves to babies that age. Pablum, jarred baby food, yogurt, crackers, toast, etc. If she doesn't know then find someone else.
Also to make it easier you should try expressing and have someone other than yourself give your baby your milk (how ever you are going to have it done at daycare) in a sippy cup. I don't suggest a bottle as it leads to confusion.
2006-11-17 12:15:55 · answer #7 · answered by Practical Suzy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Start pumping now and get him use to feeding from a bottle, also take him to a baby sitters house for a couple of hours so he gets use to you being gone. Be grate full you had 7 months with him. It will be more traumatizing for you then him, trust me!
2006-11-17 08:12:48 · answer #8 · answered by cajohnson667 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Music and a comfort food. Make sure you have your music available to you at all times so that you may go to the bathroom if need be and just sit and listen to a song.... this will help with stress as well, obviously. Also, take a food with you that you keep at home and while not eating too much of it (or anything for that matter) you will have it there and it does make you feel better....Just make sure it's not like a giant turkey or something (lol). There are books regarding this exact subject so a visit to barnes/noble may be appropo. Good Luck!
2006-11-17 08:12:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
Just think that you need to work so you can afford all the nice things you deserve! But remember... don't take crap from your boss unless it's a really good job!!!
2006-11-17 13:53:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋