Returning to Work After Baby. - Albany,NY

I won't lie, it's a challenge. I went back to work when my twins were eight weeks old, and they were breastfeeding. So, I pumped twice a day. I went back because I had too, and it wasn't easy, but it really makes me cherish my time with my boys. I couldn't wait to get home and play with or read to them. And, I love the screams now of, "Mama!" when I get home.

I went back to work full time when my baby was 10 weeks old. It wasn't what I absolutely wanted to do but we need the $. That being said, no situation is perfect or easy, you do what works for you and your family. If you want to go back you should absolutely do it. I can tell you one thing, with all the difficulty working brings, I have to say that when I am home with my son that i don't think I'd make a very good SAHM. LOL! Its hard. What we all do is hard! Part time working would be great IMO, but its not happening, so when I am with my son, I just focus on him. It does make me happy to contribute to the household financially and I feel as if keeping some of my financial independence works well for me! For me... not for everyone!

good for you. I went back full time when my daughter was 8 weeks. It was very hard and I missed her like crazy but it was also nice to have adult interaction again. she is now 3 and myy son is 1. I'm going back to school full time in jan and i'm very nervous to leave them after staying home for the last 2 years, but i'm alsop ready to have a life outside of being a SAHM. Some people love it, but I am ready for soemthing else too. Good luck and I'm sure you'll handle it well.

I went back to work full time when my daughter was 8 weeks (all that I was allowed under disability). I would feed her on one side and pump the other in the morning (every morning, even if I was home, to help build up my stored supply) and then pump once at work and then feed her at night.
(In New Jersey it's required that your employer provide an area with a locking door to pump, although it is not required that you be paid for the time you are pumping, not sure how it is by you.)
I continued this until she was about 13 months and completely on whole milk. It is a commitment, but I felt it was absolutely worth every minute!

To sort of go along with your other post, I never needed to supplement with formula when I fed her, but my stored supply was somewhat lacking, so my MIL (who watches her while I am at work) mixed 1-2 oz of formula with 4-5 oz of breast milk for a couple of her mid day feedings. Since it was such a small amount, I don't think my daughter even noticed that it was mixed in. Also, I rarely had "wet nappies". Your body will grow accustomed to what your baby needs and adapt.

Good luck with returning to work. It is hard at first to leave your little one, but every day got a little easier!

When my first was born (15 years ago), I went back to work fulltime at 8 weeks, she went to a babysitter's home. I found it pretty easy to work with one child and I enjoyed having some time away. If you have the option to ease back into your work schedule and do not have to work fulltime, that can be a great option, the best of both worlds. I really needed to get out and into the adult world, and my identity as a person in the workworld was still important to me. It really wasn't that difficult! It was harder when I had the 2nd child - I went back halfdays at 9 weeks and fulldays at 11 weeks, it was more difficult to juggle since I also had a 4 year old, a commuter marriage and a busy side business at that time.
Good luck as you transition back. Just try to be very organized - not having to pack up the baby for daycare will be a help. Make sure to have easy to prep dinners for the evenings when you've been at work (if you don't have a crockpot, you might want to look into that). I hope it all goes smoothly for you!

Well, I didn't return to work immediately after either of my children, but I did go back full time in February, and it's been great for me! It sounds like it's something you want to do, so understand that this IS positive for you and your family! If returning to work is going to make you happier and make your lives run smoother, then that's what you need to do. I think having the opportunity to ease back into the working situation is great. I was thrust back in very quickly, and while it was welcomed and exciting, I didn't really have any time to prepare any of us for it. Returning to work though has really allowed me to return to my old self in many ways, and I feel so much more balanced. It's not without its worries or issues, but all-in-all it's been a very positive situation.

Sounds like you have a great plan!!!! You sound very organized so I think
you will do great going back to work. Kudos to you! Congratulations on
your little one.

I think it's a great idea to ease back in like you are. I would reccommend having your hubby give breast milk in a bottle. It gives him and baby bonding time. She's young enough to make that transition now. It's harder as she gets older and could make adding shifts harder. Good luck!

I went back to work with my first when he was 6 weeks old. I pumped at work and had talked to my work about making arrangements for me to do so. I was able to breastfeed/pump for a year. With my second I went back to work when she was 3 months old. I did the same thing and breastfed/pumped for 1 year. Of course it was hard to leave my babies but it was also nice to have adult interactions all day. I think you have a good plan worked out and even better if your husband can bring the baby in so you can see her.

Hi
I'm a mom of 2 girls my youngest being a year old. I can tell you from experience that returning back to work is nothing but positive for you & your family.
1. It gives you time away, a break from your child and allows you some time to have a chage of scenery, change of roll, & a way to socialize w/ other people.
2. It helps your baby transition from separation anxiety which usually starts at around 6-9 months . It's especially helpful if you decide to use daycare or when your child starts preschool.
3. It gives time for your Childs father to get some experience taking care of the child so that he can help & allows that father/child bond which Is so important. You'll also save so much money as daycare is very very expensive no matter how you price it.
4. It will help your family financially as especially now it's so important families have 2 incomes just to make ends meet. You'll be helping take some of the financial burden off of the father & have a better relationship.
What ever you decide be sure to always communicate & express your feelings & thoughts with the father and be sure that he always has some special time to bond with you & especially your child. Good luck :)

4. You'll save so much money if