https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:13:25 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/3#post-538551 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:05:15 +0000 littlek 538551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just bumping an old thread to see how everyone was doing and if anyone wanted to vent? I know personally it's been a rough week for me. DH is having an AWFUL week at work. And I quit my current job and my manager did not take it well. But it's almost friday!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/3#post-526082 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:16:00 +0000 littlek 526082@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I officially have interview Tuesday! Wish me luck! It's actually closer to home and they promised me they are flexible with working arrangements. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/3#post-522218 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:07:05 +0000 littlek 522218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: When B does that, I let him play with his lovey until it's 7 a.m. which is his wake up time. If he wakes up early, he will either play with his lovey and roll around his crib for awhile and then fall asleep or fall right back asleep. I only go get him when he actually full on cries unless I need to get him up for the day. I figure if he isn't crying, he's okay to entertain himself for a little while. I know bad mommy wants more sleep. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/3#post-522211 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:04:41 +0000 littlek 522211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsLipGloss: It takes awhile for them to get used to the lovey and now he just cuddles with it as opposed to eating it. @buffalove: LO puts his lovey over his face, so once he's asleep, i go and move the lovey. My LO is 8 months. He is usually so tired from daycare he falls right asleep after he gets his lovey. He mostly plays with his lovey when he first wakes up which buys me some time in the morning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/3#post-522170 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:49:16 +0000 buffalove 522170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: how old is your LO? do you ever have the problem of LO playing too much with the lovey? DS eats it and puts it over his face sometimes, and that just makes me nervous! But it really helps to soothe him (when he's not eating it!).</p> <p>@mslipgloss: i am also horrible at the CIO! DS goes to bed fairly well but it's sort of inconsistent....some nights he falls asleep eating his bottle, other nights he lays down drowsy with paci and lovey, and yet other nights he's like a wild man looking up at me and smiling as soon as i put him down! he sometimes wakes up during the night and i go in because i need to go to work in the morning, and i feel like the longer i let him play/fuss/whatever, the longer i'm going to be up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/3#post-522154 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:42:08 +0000 Bluebonnet 522154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Raising my hand. Yes, I frequently feel overwhelmed. I feel like every time we get in a grove, something derails us - work gets crazy, someone is sick, DH is traveling, and on and on. I'm constantly trying to step back and figure out how I can make our routine more streamlined and easier for all. DH is extremely helpful and hands on, which makes a huge difference. </p> <p>I'm trying to do a better job of prioritizing and organizing my day (and life). Some things that have helped me:<br /> - from the time I walk in the door until LO's bedtime, I do not get on my phone or check email so I can be 100% focused on LO and family time.<br /> - I lay out LO's clothes for the week every Sunday, so I don't have to find socks or think about what she should wear for the day.<br /> - We run the dishwasher every night and unload it every morning (pump parts and bottles get washed, and things don't stack up in the sink).<br /> - Every weekend I make a large main dish and freeze half. That way we have dinner in the fridge for a couple of nights during the week. I've been doing this for a while so I now I also thaw something from the freezer for another couple of meals.<br /> - I schedule my personal appointments (hair cuts, mani/pedis, etc) for Friday night after LO has gone to bed. I know work won't get in the way, LO is asleep so I'm not missing quality time, and its a great way to take care of me.<br /> - I have a running shopping list in my phone for the grocery store, target, etc. As soon as I notice we are running low or out of something, it goes on the list. This cuts down on unnecessary trips to the store.<br /> - I shop online for as many things as possible to cut down on trips to the store.</p> <p>Talking to other working moms helps keep me sane. It helps me realize that motherhood is hard and I'm not the only one struggling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522151 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:40:48 +0000 winniebee 522151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsLipGloss: Loveys help- takes time for them to get used to them I think so a little time before the loveys actually soothe them. At first my LO used to just wrestle his and now he rubs it on his face and strokes it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522137 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:37:37 +0000 MsLipGloss 522137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LittleK: I am working on establishing a lovey, but she doesn't really have one yet (she is almost 5 months). Maybe tonight I can try to wait a few minutes before going in (if I say 5 minutes I don't know if I would last that long!) . . . usually she falls right back asleep after I pick her up and give her a pacifier (which she spits back out after a few seconds). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522112 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:31:46 +0000 winniebee 522112@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: He wakes cooing at 5, which to me signals he is awake for the day. I try to feed him right away and see if he wants to go back to sleep but he is eyes WIDE awake. Sigh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522107 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:30:51 +0000 littlek 522107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: If LO wakes up early, I give him about 20 minutes of constant crying and see if he will fall asleep again.. normally he will, if not, he's hungry.. </p> <p>@MsLipGloss: the first time we did CIO he cried for 40 mins and then feel asleep. I've noticed if I go in to soothe LO he gets more worked up. If your LO is fed, they should be able to self soothe and fall asleep on their own. Does your LO have a lovey? B will entertain himself with his lovey and then fall asleep. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522106 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:30:41 +0000 winniebee 522106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsLipGloss: On occasion. I always wait at least 5 minutes before going in. I can usually tell if he needs intervention (ie, a bottle....if he is sick...rocking). At 4 months I started letting him cry a little. Especially if his wake up was early (like 30-45 minutes after putting him down). I knew I had met all of his needs and the only thing he needed was to learn how to fall back asleep on his own. Come 9 months he's not getting fed at night anymore, period. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522097 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:27:32 +0000 MsLipGloss 522097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LittleK @WinnieBee: Did your LOs cry/fuss during their nighttime sleep? About 45 minutes after I put LO down, she cries. I usually go in to soothe her before she really gets worked up, and then she goes back down for about an hour. I just can't do CIO. I stand on the other side of the door and cry listening to her cry. But I desperately need more continuous sleep from her (at least for the first stretch). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522083 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:24:49 +0000 winniebee 522083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: I'm wondering if I should do CIO in the morning. He wakes up happy but his wake time is just too early. When healthy he sleeps through. He has no issue going down or with naps. I want more sleep!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522047 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:16:36 +0000 littlek 522047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: After the holidays B's sleep was awful. He got his first ever fever and would only sleep if he was being held. So, the minute he felt better (a day or two later) we did CIO extinction. The first time he cried 40 minutes, and woke up twice during the night (one 10 minute cry and the other 5 minute cry). The next day it was a little better and the day after that he went down without crying and slept through the night. He's been going to bed no issues and STTN for about 3 weeks now. It's glorious. We did nap training on the weekends and he is now taking 3 - 4 naps ranging from 1 hour to 3 hours. CIO extinction worked wonders. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522043 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:15:48 +0000 winniebee 522043@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cascademom: meh, he's 8 months old and only sleeps 7-5.....and if he has a night waking, only slightly later. since he's been sick he does have night wakings. i feel like at this point, i've earned sleep and don't have it yet!!! how old is your LO? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522025 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:13:27 +0000 cascademom 522025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: Man, I'm waiting for my LO to sleep longer than 8 hours a night with a few wakeups! 10 hours plus would be a dream come true! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-522002 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:07:07 +0000 winniebee 522002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: So, did you guys sleep train or did he go back to sleeping well on his own? I'm hoping one day Tyler will magically start sleeping longer than 10 hrs at night. He slept 13 hrs straight the other night, but wsa sick. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521503 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:17:03 +0000 littlek 521503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2PeasinaPod: No night wakeups. B sleeps from 7:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521456 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:05:41 +0000 cascademom 521456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2PeasinaPod: We have the same problem with getting LO down before 9pm, usually 10pm with him, but with a few wakeups since he's still breastfed. Mornings are tough here. Lately, I've been doing part of husband's morning routine, so that's slowing me down a bit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521447 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:03:11 +0000 cascademom 521447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: Hmm, that's interesting. I have the baby food machine that I got as a Christmas gift. I'm thinking that on a day off or during a long baby nap, I'll do it. At his daycare, they make the purees fresh and organic, so I know that he's getting good food there when we start it. I still struggle to find the time to do everything, but I just have to think of it as a hobby like knitting to get into the swing of it. I say this now at 5 months. Talk to me again in a month, we'll see. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521421 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:57:14 +0000 winniebee 521421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2PeasinaPod: Sometimes. He's 8 months and when he's not fighting a sickness he sleeps 7-5 (or, 7:30-5:30). He's up for the day then though. Otherwise, he's up once and goes back down quickly -- but last night he was congested and up for an hour in the middle of the night. My husband shares nightwaking duties which is a huge help. We haven't sleep trained because it seems that when he is feeling well, he sleeps straight through. 4 months was a really hard time sleep wise for us. We started an early bedtime right around then because he started taking only 30 minute naps and couldn't sustain himself much past 7. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521374 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:42:57 +0000 littlek 521374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH leaves for work at 6 a.m., so it's just me and the little guy every morning. Oh and 2 crazy dogs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521373 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:42:49 +0000 2PeasinaPod 521373@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: Seriously...you would think they would be more understanding if they have kids too...</p> <p>@littlek: &amp; @winniebee: Do either of your LO still have night wakeups? S will be 4 months on Saturday, but we still can't get him down earlier than 9 on most days. Especially if I want to have some time in the morning to get up and get ready before he wakes up. But yes, getting out the door in the morning takes forever for us too. And I get up at 5:15 to get ready first before getting him out the door when I have to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521363 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:39:47 +0000 buffalove 521363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: so impressed that you exercise in there! thanks for sharing your schedule (and you too @winniebee!) i don't put DS to bed until 8 (bottle at 8, bed by 8:20ish), so the idea of starting to exercise at 8:30 is just so unappealing!</p> <p>I am lucky an my mom comes to our house 3 days/week, so we only have to get DS out of the house on W and F. And when i say "we", i mean DH :) On the mornings when i do have to get baby out of the house, I do feel like it's a huge accomplishment! Even though we're totally organized the night before, DS wakes up at all different times in the morning and it's such a curveball if he wakes when I'm getting ready. if I could count on him to sleep right up until we leave, it would be a different story! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521343 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:33:49 +0000 winniebee 521343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: YES. Especially now that T is mobile. He's getting into mischief and I have to keep an eye on him whereas before he was content to jump in his bouncer while I got ready for work. It takes 1.5 hours to get out of the house in the morning, at least. We LOVE Boardwalk Empire; we also love Game of Thrones -- and the Wire, Breaking Bad, and Homeland. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521338 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:31:45 +0000 mamimami 521338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first child things got easier when he was 6 months old and we sleep trained, and then a lot easier when he turned 1 and I stopped pumping. Now that he is 2 it is waaaay easier on his part except I have a newborn. HA!</p> <p>Now that I'm on my second infant, I think about how much easier it was with just one! :D</p> <p>One thing we do is do as much as possible on the weekends. I know it kind of sucks but it makes the weeks more bearable if you're going to the supermarket on the weekends as a family and doing all those other little tasks and appointments on the weekends whenever possible.</p> <p>Of course there will always be curve balls.</p> <p>You can do this! I know it sounds crazy but you will blink your eyes and your infant will be a toddler and then a preschooler! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521333 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:30:29 +0000 littlek 521333@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: Is Boardwalk Empire good? We are looking for TV series DH and I will both like. For some odd reason he doesn't appreciate HGTV. </p> <p>Does anyone else feel like getting out of the house in the morning is a huge accomplishment? No matter how much I prep the night before it is always such a process getting out the door. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521317 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:26:04 +0000 winniebee 521317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: We don't plan on it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521302 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:22:30 +0000 winniebee 521302@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: Thanks for sharing!</p> <p>Here is mine:</p> <p>Pick up T at 5:45<br /> Home at 6<br /> 6-6:30 - Play with T<br /> 6:30 - bath, bottle, bed by 7 (when DH is home from work, he does the bath and I clean bottles or start dinner....I usually do the bottle part)<br /> 7 - make dinner (with DH, or he's doing work while I make dinner)<br /> 7:45 eat dinner<br /> 8 - Clean dishes, make bottles and food for next day<br /> 8:30-9:15/9:30 - Watch Boardwak Empire episode<br /> 9:30 - Bed<br /> 5:30 a.m. - Rinse, repeat (unless, of course there is a night waking). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-moms-with-infants-are-you-overwhelmed/page/2#post-521296 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:21:39 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 521296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: I wouldn't do two until your husband is done and able to be a more full participant in child duties :) </p>