Infant

[BrandNewMommy]

I'm on maternity leave with my first child right now. But, in a few short weeks I'll be heading back to work and I must admit...I'm nervous! I'm feeling overwhelmed just thinking about taking back all my work responsibilities coupled with all of the new life responsibilities I now at home! 

Does anyone have advice about making this transition without getting completely overwhelmed? I feel like I need to start mentally preparing myself now...

[theteachermom]

I remember that transition well. When I went back to work after my first I felt sure my heart was going to break to leave my little one that first day but surprisingly it didn't. I was excited to be back at work and then even more excited to return home. It helped to have a lot of support from other moms who had gone through a similar transition. My sister who was also a working mom was a huge help to me. My co-worker another working mommy was also a great resource. My tips: 1- surround yourself with fellow working mommies. The support, feedback, tips, etc that you'll get from them is priceless. 2- Keep a notepad and make lists. I had significant "mommy brain" and I would forget everything if not written down! Also a list helped me to feel more organized and not overwhelmed. I had three lists: tasks for work, tasks for home and tasks for me (me time is important too!). It was good to check things off and have an accomplished feeling.  3- Keep a schedule, but don't expect it to be perfect. Especially if you plan on pumping when you return to work (Be encouraged..It is doable!) you'll need to schedule in breaks for pumping and work meetings or whatever else around that if you can. (I pumped between classes and on lunch break.) Spontaneity is hard when there's lots to do so I find scheduling in down time/me time, spouse time, baby bonding time, etc. Also helps to make sure you don't get burned out and you keep important relationships going too. 4- Be mentally prepared for "crossover". We all try to leave work at work and home at home but we are human and we can't just drop everything at the door and compartmentalize. So be prepared for the crossover, sometimes you will be thinking about baby at work, and sometimes you'll think of work with the baby. Instead of fighting the feeling give yourself a break sometimes its okay to mix the two. You can chat with a coworker about your baby's newest tricks. And you can answer a work email while cuddling baby on your lap. Just keep in mind not to overdue it. Stay focused 90% of the time and those 10% crossover times wont matter. 

Hope this helps. Have a happy transition back to work!

[Liivexlove]

Honestly, there is no way to prepare. I remember that day, I was the same way. But when they same time heals it does. Everyone copes differetly my son is 13 months and he started day care on 10//31/2011 I think that was 10x worse then me leaving him home when i went to work. Your work day will go by so slow, so prepare for that and bring things to keep you busy. I know your mind probably wont be able to leave thinking about the baby. But it will work so much easier if you can keep busy. And call and check on the baby, that helped me ALOT!

[RookieMom]

I can totally relate...I recently transitioned back to work and was very nervous about it. I just wrote a post on the Mom to Mom Blog about my experience so far: http://blogs.brighthorizons.com/momtomom/2011/11/first-days-as-a-working-mom/

My best advice? If possible, start midweek on your first week back. Those first few days are tough and long and it's much easier when the weekend is around the corner giving you a chance to regroup. Also, once you get on some kind of a schedule, try to carve out time on weekdays with your baby based on their schedule. My little guy is sleepy in the morning but wide awake and happy after he gets home at night so my husband and I try to get all the household chores accomplished before we go to work leaving us time to play at night. 

[msarkar]

Hi,

I will be joining work shortly and am really really worried about my daughter...I am planning to put her into a daycare too...

how did it go with you...was it difficult??any advice would help....

Liza

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BrandNewMommy wrote:

I'm on maternity leave with my first child right now. But, in a few short weeks I'll be heading back to work and I must admit...I'm nervous! I'm feeling overwhelmed just thinking about taking back all my work responsibilities coupled with all of the new life responsibilities I now at home! 

Does anyone have advice about making this transition without getting completely overwhelmed? I feel like I need to start mentally preparing myself now...

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BrandNewMommy wrote:

I'm on maternity leave with my first child right now. But, in a few short weeks I'll be heading back to work and I must admit...I'm nervous! I'm feeling overwhelmed just thinking about taking back all my work responsibilities coupled with all of the new life responsibilities I now at home! 

Does anyone have advice about making this transition without getting completely overwhelmed? I feel like I need to start mentally preparing myself now...

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BrandNewMommy wrote:

I'm on maternity leave with my first child right now. But, in a few short weeks I'll be heading back to work and I must admit...I'm nervous! I'm feeling overwhelmed just thinking about taking back all my work responsibilities coupled with all of the new life responsibilities I now at home! 

Does anyone have advice about making this transition without getting completely overwhelmed? I feel like I need to start mentally preparing myself now...

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[BrandNewMommy]

Hi msarkar! Things have gone very well - actually smoother than I was expecting! I think the best lessons I've learned through this transistion process have been is to cut myself a little slack, lean on others when I need extra help, and try to be "fully present" in the moment when I'm at work or at home. 

I'm still adjusting, and I think finding the right balance will always be a challenge, but so far our new little family is doing well. When do you start work? Is there anything in particular you are most nervous about?

[msarkar]

I will start work from jan..i am really worried about how she is going to manage eating...she does not know how to eat on her own...she can snack on biscuits ...cereal bars but has not learnt to hold the spoon yet...As it is she not doing very good on her weight ..do they take proper care about feedling the baby???

I have heard that they get sick once they start going to DC..i understand that with so many kids it is very obvious...what are the most common ailments that a child gets...

I have been with her all this while and I am so tensed about leaving her all alone

[RookieMom]

The teachers are amazing about feeding the children and about documenting everything so you know exactly what they ate during the day. My son is still drinking breastmilk exclusively but the teachers have been great about letting me know how his feedings are going, when he looks like he might need more at each feeding, etc. 

In terms of sickness, their is inevitably more spreading of germs but so far it's only been little colds. 

I was so nervous about leaving my son when he first started and while it's never easy to leave your baby, seeing how fantastic his teachers are with him makes it much easier. 

[msarkar]

Thanks a lot..it makes me feel a little better.....)....hope she too loves her teachers and enjoys her time in DC