Going Back to Work and Freaking out!!!!

[liztopher]

I'm going back to work on Monday.  I've been talking about it and planning for it, and now all of a sudden, it's here, and I'm freaking out!!  DD is 5 and DS is 14 months.  I worked for a year between the kids, but had family nearby to watch DD.  I'm lucky to have found a position with reasonably flexible hours, so that DH and I can kind of work opposite each other, and the kids will only be in someone else's care for about 12-20 hours per week.  DH is intuitive and patient, but the thought of not being here at bedtime is making me nuts!!  DS is still nursing at night, and often nurses to sleep both for bed and naps.  He has never had a bottle.  DH has put him to bed in the past, many times, but he would still wake to nurse.  I will be gone 5 days a week, for 9 or so hours at a time.  We've never been separated for so long before.  DS is a very easygoing little guy, so I know that while it will be a tough transition, he will be ok.  But in the meantime, how can I make it as easy as possible?  Should I try pumping?  I have a Medela Swing that I've used exactly once.  Should I put my milk in a bottle or a cup?   Should I just have DH offer another beverage?  We don't plan on ever offering cow's milk, but water, juice, or almond or coconut milk?  I feel like introducing a bottle at this point is setting up for another transition that's not really necessary.  And I hate the pump.  It takes forever to get an ounce of milk!  Any ideas?  I know the transition will be harder ( aside from BFing) for DD.  Our attachment is so intense, she is going to have a more difficult adjustment, I feel.  Any ideas on how I can help make this go as smoothly as possible?  Thank you!!

[liztopher]

bump!!  anyone??  Please!!

[rosie29]

(((Hugs)))  I know you already know this, but I just wanted to say that I think it will all work out fine, given the facts you've already stated.  If it were me, I would not pump.  I think you just need to let your DH work out his own nighttime routine with the kiddos.  What does he do now to soothe and settle them?  You can encourage him to do what already works, and expand on that.  It might include reading together, bathtime, rocking, etc.  If your work duties and setup allow for it, perhaps a brief "goodnight" phone call with your DD might be nice. Good luck!

[brichole1214]

I don't have much that I can offer but I thought I'd stop to say that I wouldn't introduce the bottle if your son is 14 months old because i feel that it would just set him back.  If you feel up to pumping then I would do that and give it in a sippy cup "training cup" if that's an option for you guys.  I just recently went back to work from having my little one who will be 7 weeks old monday and the separation issues are the worse for me I think than they are for her.  She was very clingy the first couple of days but she's getting better as the days go on.  We too only have to rely on outside care for about 20 hours a week which makes it a lot easier on us.  If it gets to the point that you can't or don't want to pump then I don't see why you can't go ahead and introduce water or juice into your little guy's diet....or even the almond milk.  I think that the nursing will be more special for him on the days that you are off and maybe you can find a different time while you are at home with him to have that special time...that way he will still get mommy time and you will still be able to BF.  What will your hours be?  I know that not everyone has the perfect day jobs and that working at night is a must for some (i know i was forced to work night shift for 4 1/2 years before starting the job i have now)  G/L and I know that i'm not much help but i wanted you to know that there are others out there who support you and I hope that the transition to you starting this new job monday goes well.  If i can think of anything else I will write again!