https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:37:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793231 Fri, 22 Dec 2017 12:27:08 +0000 cake2017 2793231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: Thank you! and congratulations to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793229 Fri, 22 Dec 2017 12:15:22 +0000 looch 2793229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the most important thing for me was allowing myself a period of time to just let things get back to normal. I thought I had the routine down, but it required some tweaking and I found support in a bunch of moms around me. That first year was tough on my son regarding sickness, so I talked about it and wouldn't you know, it seemed like every other mom had a nebulizer too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793227 Fri, 22 Dec 2017 12:08:23 +0000 LBee 2793227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: I'll wall you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793217 Fri, 22 Dec 2017 11:19:49 +0000 periwinklebee 2793217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: Not to thread jack, but I'd *love* to hear more about your pumping storage, etc regimen...</p> <p>@cake2017: I don't have a lot of insight since I'm expecting my first in a few weeks, but want to wish you all the best in returning to work. It's awesome that you can leave your LO with your mom - I'm definitely jealous of that, as someone who doesn't have family nearby! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793186 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 23:09:54 +0000 SweetiePie 2793186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cake2017: re missing milestones, someone told me once that you should ask your childcare provider (in this case your mom) to not share milestones with you. Like first crawl or first “mama”, for example, if they happen on her watch. Like she shouldn’t even mention them. That way when you see or hear it, it’s exciting and as if it’s happening for the first time.<br /> (I haven’t actually done this, but it makes sense to me). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793181 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 21:46:35 +0000 cake2017 2793181@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@petitenoisette: I’m glad to hear it was a smooth transition for you! I’m hoping the same! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793177 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 20:50:20 +0000 cake2017 2793177@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Raspberry: I thought about “missing the milestones” but I truly think it will work out! I will eventually see him do all the great things. I’m happy my. i’m gets to be blessed by it too!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793169 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 20:24:54 +0000 Raspberry 2793169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I cried the night before my first day back at work and probably for another two nights after that. I was so sad thinking about missing all his milestones.</p> <p>But gosh, it was so nice to have a hot lunch again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793166 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 19:36:18 +0000 petitenoisette 2793166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also went back to work when my first was 6 months old. It really wasn’t that bad, I was ready I think. I was anxious about the baby for a few days, my parents had her two days and daycare the other 3 - but just needed some updates and to know her day was going ok. </p> <p>I found going back at 6 months meant pumping wasn’t too bad, I pumped briefly 3 times a day (once in am before leaving) and was able to quickly drop down to 2 and then eventually one a few months later. I pumped longer than I think most would bc my baby couldn’t drink cows milk. </p> <p>Good luck, I think that actually liking your job is the most important part in feeling good about going back! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793157 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 18:00:40 +0000 cake2017 2793157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I had a meeting last week and it was nice to chat with adults haha... I will miss him but I’m glad my schedule worked out where i’m home much earlier and 3 day weekends so I’m mentally holding on to that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793156 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 17:58:30 +0000 cake2017 2793156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: Good points! I agree with getting dress! I’ve always set out everything the night before so i know that will continue. I’m going to pump and transfer into freezer bags and I have ice packs and a lunchbox. I plan to also get a mini fridge for my cubicle. Pumping is flexible where I work so that helps a lot. </p> <p>Sounds like you got it down! Thank you for sharing as well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793155 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 17:55:46 +0000 cake2017 2793155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Becky: Thank you! As I mentioned pictures are a must!!!! I have hubby and the pup up! I know LOs pics will be all over as well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793145 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 17:00:21 +0000 snowjewelz 2793145@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took a 12 week maternity leave twice in 2 years. With my first, I was super nervous just feeling like no one would know how to take care of her haha, plus she wasn't a big fan of the bottle. So DH stayed home with her on my first day to help me feel better. And she didn't go to daycare till 10 months so it was all family that watched her. Then I was also anxious about pumping and all that... </p> <p>With DD2, I was much more relaxed, but I definitely missed being home! I never cried, cause it was nice to get dressed and talk to adults and do adult things, haha. And since it's my 2nd time pumping I was able to get into a groove much quicker. </p> <p>Hope it goes well :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793140 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 16:53:15 +0000 Autumnmama79 2793140@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cake2017: I returned to work 3 days a week in September following 15 months at home with LO2. The first two weeks were HARD. I missed baby tons and I also felt like a fish out of water!</p> <p>DS goes to daycare for those three days and he cries every single morning at drop off, until I'm out of sight. That makes every morning a little sad but I try and remind myself - he'll never remember! Wearing proper clothes and putting myself together those work mornings really perked me up at first and eventually as we settled into our new routine it all felt normal. I really enjoy being back at work - its a nice balance :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793139 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 16:49:13 +0000 LBee 2793139@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I go back to work at 8 weeks so my experience is a little different. My recommendation would be to do a dry run and figure out how much time you need in the morning. This allows you to identify things that you can move to night time. Streamline whatever you can, but don't cut out things that make you happy. I often read about people saying they just don't spend time picking out outfits and wear the same thing every day - that's not a good fit for me - I enjoy picking out outfits in the morning as well as it takes all of 2 minutes. In my 60 minute morning those 2 minutes aren't that important. </p> <p>In terms of pumping, I highly recommend buying a second pump if that is financially feasible for you. I leave it at work and all I have to worry about is getting the bottles together. I have a pumping bag that gets refilled and emptied immediately upon getting home from work. I also wash pump parts in between and store them in the fridge in between sessions. A hands free pumping bra is a MUST. I'm currently writing this while I pump (is that weird to admit?). I've developed a pretty intense pumping regimen (storage, etc) that I'd be happy to share. </p> <p>ETA: Also, buy all the bottles. Pumping bottles, bottles to eat... go nuts. Post on your local mom's group for bottles and pump parts. I have over 20 pumping bottles and I use 8 a day... this means that I can skip a day of wash or have milk in the fridge and not feel pressured if I'm exhausted to get bottles washed. </p> <p>It's tough, but I will say the second time has been easier as I can look at my son and know that, despite going back at 8 weeks, we are still incredibly bonded. I think bottom line that's your initial fear at first (I actually made a post about it, but it's gold) - that they won't love you as much or will forget you. I can assure you that will not be the case. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793138 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 16:46:16 +0000 Becky 2793138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve done it twice now! The second time I enjoyed the work I was going back to and it made all the difference. So did being confident in our child care situation. I didn’t have any breakdowns at work with DD1, and felt working helped me enjoy and savor the time I spent with her more. Pumping with her was also a breeze which made a huge difference. In short: going back to work was pretty easy! And managing full time work with 1 little is a breeze. </p> <p>While initially going back after DD2 was much easier, in the long run it has been harder because DH and I are working more and have 2 kids to take care of now. </p> <p>I have lots of pictures of my kids in my office and look at them all the time. Now that DD2 is older she gives me drawings to hang up too. 😊 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793137 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 16:46:10 +0000 cake2017 2793137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: Yes! Pictures will help! I’ve pumped before and he takes a bottle. My mom has watched him before as well. </p> <p>I’m glad you didn’t have to worry. i think it’s very comforting that our moms can help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793135 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 16:44:23 +0000 cake2017 2793135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: I understand! I will be pumping at work as well! I agree.. I guess it will take sometime and I have to be comfortable with that!!! Thanks for sharing! Good luck! Enjoy the time with baby! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793133 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 16:41:21 +0000 agold 2793133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cake2017: I returned to work after 3 months and also left my baby with my mom. I found that while I missed her, I did not worry about her well-being. My mom would send me pictures during the day and it all really worked out as well as it could. I had started pumping a bit before I returned to work, so that wasn't an issue. It sounds like you have a great attitude towards your career and that should help you get through this tough time. Best of luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793129 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 16:08:55 +0000 Mae 2793129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>following! I'm going back to work in 5 weeks, when my LO will be 4 months. She'll also be staying with my mom. I'm really nervous to be honest! My job is pretty intense and I'm not sure how much/if any slack they will cut me. Plus pumping at work. And I think I'll just miss my kids! But once we get our feet under us, I think it will be ok...? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-1#post-2793127 Thu, 21 Dec 2017 15:56:55 +0000 cake2017 2793127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>I’ve been home with LO for 6 months! Well I’m going back to reality next week! I just wanted to see how any of you felt with the new transition!?! I’m “okay” but will miss spending all day with him. Great thing is he will be with my mom so I am thrilled! </p> <p>I’m trying to mentally prepare and not burst into tears or be “down”. I am looking forward to returning to work because I enjoy my career and this will be best for our family! I have a great work schedule and I know that will help with the transition for us both. </p> <p>So I guess I am looking to hear how working mothers transitioned and coped with leaving baby...?!?</p> <p>Thank you! </p>