Hellobee Boards

@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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Hope it goes well

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.

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.

Good luck, I think that actually liking your job is the most important part in feeling good about going back!

@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.
(I haven’t actually done this, but it makes sense to me).

@periwinklebee: I'll wall you!