Going back to school- vaxing, bf'ing q's

[MsVyky]

I just got my acceptance letter from the school I applied to (For the holistic health program! ), and I have a few questions for my fellow student-mamas.

My daughter will be 10 months at the commencement of my program (This coming September), and the on-site daycare only accepts children 19 months-6 years. If I have to put my babe in childcare, that would have been my first choice- to have her close to me. My husband works full time and his hours are non-negotiable- Monday through Friday 8-4:30, so we can't take turns staying at home.

We are currently non-vaxing. Should I consider vaccinations for her to be in daycare or at a dayhome? I don't know if they are mandatory, but if the benefits outweigh the risks, I'm not opposed to doing them voluntarily if need be

We are also breastfeeding. At 10 months, I;d assume that she'd still be very heavily reliant on breastmilk. I do have a pump (Medela Symphony), but will I experience a drop in my supply?

How do you working and student mamas juggle school, homework, practicum all while being there for your babe? I'd be devastated if she takes her first steps at day care, or if I miss her first word or something equally as important.

I guess I just need a few tips and a pep-talk to let me know that I CAN fit it all in. I just don't want my little girl to suffer, and feel neglected on account of my decision to return to academia.

Who's got words of wisdom?

[One_Girl]

You may be able to find a daycare that doesn't mind having kids who aren't vaccinated, my friend had her four year old in one when she went back to college. If you can find a place near the school that will take her without vaccinations, you may be able to drop by between classes and nurse often enough not to need the pump. I used to pump one side while dd nursed from the other side and found that I got plenty of milk quickly that way. The let down was better if she was nursing then if I just pumped. The first few days there was a slight drop, just as there is during a growth spurt, but my body quickly upped production.

Kids having firsts at daycare is hard. Some daycares have a policy that requires employees to not tell parents about milestones so that parents don't have to have that pain rubbed in. I found that I was just as excited to see my dd do something big for the second time as I would have been if I had seen it the first time.

[Jend1002]

From my experience in looking for a daycare, I found that vaccines are typically required. It could be a state requirement thing that varies. We are following a modified vaccine schedule though, and DS's daycare is fine with that.

My DS started daycare at 4 months, and breastmilk was his only food source. We never had a good breastfeeding relationship so I was exclusively pumping from about 4 weeks on, and I was always able to keep up supply. You have to be diligent about pumping frequently. DS's daycare was very experienced with feeding babies pumped milk.

I agree that the thought of missing firsts is sad. I just love the teachers at DS's daycare and have told them that I want them to tell me all of the things that DS has been doing! They get so excited! The first time YOU see something new is always so exciting anyway.

Juggling is hard. Really hard sometimes. DH and I both work out of the home full time. I put many other things aside to be sure to give DS my FULL attention when I am with him. DH and I take turns in the evenings being the one to deal with house stuff. Every other evening when we all get home, one of us plays with DS while the other cooks and straightens up. We all eat together every night, then the one who was playing with DS also does bath time and the bedtime wind down. It works for us and provides DS with as much one on one time as possible after being away all day. Homework would be a tough one for me but DS does NOT sleep well at all so I try to get to bed as soon as he does!!

Hope this helps! And try to remember that going back to school to do what makes you happy will benefit all of you.

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

Hello and welcome! I am a Full time WOHM who neither vaxxes (AT ALL!) and nursed my guy for a year, even though I was back to work at 6 weeks PP. So both are possible.

On the Vax issue:
1.) Learn your states laws on immunizations. KNOW THEM WELL.
2.) Research vaccines. You may decide you are dead set against them no matter where your child goes. If that ends up being the case, you need to refer back to #1.

In my state, a daycare must accept a medical or religious exemption if they also accept any kind of State funding or aids. Since my daycare is about 25% paid by the state for several children that attend, they must accept my (Very well written and lawyer approved) religious exemption letter.

I suggest posting half your question in the Vaccine Forum, and start there. Also google Mary Tocco. Her research and webinars helped me with my decision.

ON the BFing issue:
1.) Is your Medela a double pump? If so, you should be fine with your supply. I am one of those mamas who has to work her tail off to keep her supply up, but I did it for a whole year. Obviously the more you nurse when you are WITH your child, that will help immensly.

2.) Pump as often as you can. This will also help keep your supply up. Post the other half of your question in the Breastfeeding forum. I don't think I could have made it to a year without those ladies. SERIOUSLY.

And GOOD LUCK!