On going back to work/school - Page 7 « Back to Group Discussions

[elove]

I had heard that this is happening more and more often (classes filling up to capacity) now that people are looking into going back to school more often than before. If you really want to give it a try with the online class, I would try one last attempt. Try and see if they have any support program related to mothers returning to school, than tell them that doing online class would be very important for the development of your new baby. Some schools have programs in affect trying to help returning students...I am not sure if this would work, but I would give it a try. Even if they tell you this semester is done and dealt with, this may secure a place for the next semester's online classes....alternatively just go in the student services with the baby (this part I am kidding). 

I hope they will make this happen for you!

[cakemama579]

Originally Posted by earth-mama 

Have you looked into any other online programs?  That might be an option.  If you decide to bag it that now what is where I am.  I decided that I needed to quite my job and am doing so at the end of January.  Yeah, but now am in the process of figuring out what I would like to do.  Being a SAHM is something I love, but if I could do something to make a little bit of money that would be nice.  I am thinking about starting a blog and an Etsy shop.  I would love to make my crafting hobby into an actual *job*.  What were you thinking long term?  Was nursing something you really wanted to do or something that seemed/seems like a good idea?
 

Earthmama, i think it sounds like fun to have an etsy shop! (actually had one myself for a while-- selling handmade cards.  but Im not so marketing savvy that i stood a chance.  i had about 15 sales, and 11 were my own mother, lol).  and blogging is a great way to chronicle and maybe even make a little  $$!

Originally Posted by elove 

I had heard that this is happening more and more often (classes filling up to capacity) now that people are looking into going back to school more often than before. If you really want to give it a try with the online class, I would try one last attempt. Try and see if they have any support program related to mothers returning to school, than tell them that doing online class would be very important for the development of your new baby. Some schools have programs in affect trying to help returning students...I am not sure if this would work, but I would give it a try. Even if they tell you this semester is done and dealt with, this may secure a place for the next semester's online classes....alternatively just go in the student services with the baby (this part I am kidding). 

I hope they will make this happen for you!

thanks elove.  i wish my nursing program was more mom-friendly, but sadly the nature of the beast is to be pretty cutthroat.  there is simply too much competition for it not to be.  i begged and pleaded, shared my plight, but it isn't personal...just numbers.  i will try again in the fall.  had a good cry about it, and now im moving on.  i'll be teaching baking classes at m family's cooking school, and doing some very part time work...and most importantly, ill be present for my babes.  ahhh, motherhood, the most selfless job on the planet!

[elove]

I am working on staying calm today. It is her first day without me or DH...The babysitter is a nice lady and they had fun in their short trial run, but sofie started crying the last 15mins or so and she could not stop her from balling. I left all sorts of notes around the house how to reach us, what order to call, soothing/changing/feeding tips etc. I know they will be OK and even if she cries, someone will be holding her when she does. We are both 30 mins away so we can be home if she needs us.

But I am not going to lie, I put myself through some serious self testing stuff in my adult life BUT THIS IS THE HARDEST thing I ever have to deal with (excluding losing loved ones of course) - I know my feelings are exaggerated and I sound like a whiny cow. seriously considering quitting and eating roman noodles as long as our savings would allow us at this point. I cannot whine to DH much since I know he is going through similar emotions so sorry for the vent here.

[Baby_Cakes]

It's so hard to leave your child.  Elove - sending you HUGE hugs today!  You can do this!  

Erica - Idk if you're reading, but have a GREAT first day back at work!!

[elove]

Thank you Carrie, I needed the hugs...

[cat13]

I haven't had to leave River with anyone other than DH (yet), so I don't know what you are going though, but wanted to send as well.

Today is my first day back since 12/16 and my pumping output sucks! This better improve

[Beckily]

Originally Posted by cat13 

I haven't had to leave River with anyone other than DH (yet), so I don't know what you are going though, but wanted to send as well.

Today is my first day back since 12/16 and my pumping output sucks! This better improve

Yeah, I haven't been able to pump more than a swallow-full or two without pain. Not that I pump a lot, but it certainly constrains my working!  Luckily I can schedule for myself and he nurses and gets tons of milk, but man. I thought I might do two clients a day and I can - but not without running home to attach a kid.

I hope yours improves!!

[elove]

sending you all pumping power! Beckily, it gets a bit better once you start doing it regularly - that said if you can arrange your schedule that you do not have to, that would be great too!!

as for us, she is doing well. But definitely same neediness when I first started work, interestingly I had forgotten about it. 

when I come home all she wants to do is nurse nurse nurse...do not take a break, my dinners are like fastforwarded comedy where part of always end up on me. And at night, I need to pry my nippie off of her mouth other wise she wont let go. This is how she was when I first return to work. Now that we had a 1.5 together all the time, and the new babysitter set up, I guess she is going though her adjustment mode (poor thing). Which, gives us LOTs of quality nursing time so I cannot complain much.

Pumping is going OK. I was thinking perhaps it is time to invest in another hands free bra now that I am working 3 days in a row, it is hard to wash it every night. And it is hard to keep it clean everyday. I try to spray myself w 50:50 vinegar and water after each pumping and put some nipple butter on since all this pumping and nonstop nursing is a little heavy.

How many handsfree bras do you guys have? 

[egmaranian]

I haven't been on here in quite a while, so I just saw this.  THANKS!!!  It actually wasn't nearly as bad as I expected.  I honestly think I had a harder time going back to work after DS1 because I got to spend 17 months at home with him.  This time, I am a little better prepared emotionally.  It still sucks, but just not AS bad. 

Pumping is going ok.  Better than I expected with my supply issues.  So far, DH has only had to pull 2oz out of the freezer supply. I actually think he overfed DS yesterday, so we're working on that.  I got to work earlier than usual this morning so my first pumping session was about an hour earlier than normal.  I pumped 7.5 oz!!!  Holy crap! that's a lot for me.  I typically pump 3-4 oz in a GOOD session.  I was stoked to see those beautiful, full bottles
 

Originally Posted by Baby_Cakes 

It's so hard to leave your child.  Elove - sending you HUGE hugs today!  You can do this!  

Erica - Idk if you're reading, but have a GREAT first day back at work!!

I only have one handsfree bra and that has always been fine for home use.  Now that I'm pumping as work, I can see the need for one or two more.  I have a medela one that is almost three years old and it's getting kind of ratty. 

I think I'm going to order this one: http://www.amazon.com/PumpEase-Classic-Collection-hands-free-pumping/dp/B0034ISZ3E/ref=pd_cp_ba_2

Originally Posted by elove 

sending you all pumping power! Beckily, it gets a bit better once you start doing it regularly - that said if you can arrange your schedule that you do not have to, that would be great too!!

as for us, she is doing well. But definitely same neediness when I first started work, interestingly I had forgotten about it. 

when I come home all she wants to do is nurse nurse nurse...do not take a break, my dinners are like fastforwarded comedy where part of always end up on me. And at night, I need to pry my nippie off of her mouth other wise she wont let go. This is how she was when I first return to work. Now that we had a 1.5 together all the time, and the new babysitter set up, I guess she is going though her adjustment mode (poor thing). Which, gives us LOTs of quality nursing time so I cannot complain much.

Pumping is going OK. I was thinking perhaps it is time to invest in another hands free bra now that I am working 3 days in a row, it is hard to wash it every night. And it is hard to keep it clean everyday. I try to spray myself w 50:50 vinegar and water after each pumping and put some nipple butter on since all this pumping and nonstop nursing is a little heavy.

How many handsfree bras do you guys have? 

[cat13]

Becky, have you tried manual expression?  I've heard it can be more effective than a pump, and if you aren't doing it very often it could be a good thing for you. Although I bet your hands need a break while you are a work, since you do massage.

Elove, sorry to hear that your DD is extra needy right now. River is the same right now, I think he got used to having me home for the Christmas break! As for pumping bras, I only use the same one, and I've only washed it once. I only use it when I'm pumping, then it comes off and goes into my pump bag. And I've been using some cloth wipes to wipe myself off as I'm popping the flange off.  But then again, I'm not much of a leaker, so I might not be the best judge.

Erica, I can't believe how much you got at once! 3-4 ounces is a GREAT session for any mom and especially for a low supply mama. Kellymom says that the average pumping session gets 1-4 oz for both breasts together. I usually get about 4 per session, but have only been getting 2-3 this week, so I've had to add an extra pump session in my day. Hopefully my body will remember how to do this again and I can go back to 3 sessions a day.

And FYI, you can get 15% off Pumpease bras from their website if you use the coupon code TFBSAVE15 (from thefeministbreeder.com website). Amazon might still be cheaper, I don't know. It's the bra that I have and I really like it, it's pretty easy to put on quickly.

AFM - work is fine and pumping is fine.... but I REALLY don't want to be here. My productivity sucks, thank goodness my supervisor is completely oblivious to me.

[egmaranian]

Originally Posted by cat13 

Becky, have you tried manual expression?  I've heard it can be more effective than a pump, and if you aren't doing it very often it could be a good thing for you. Although I bet your hands need a break while you are a work, since you do massage.

Elove, sorry to hear that your DD is extra needy right now. River is the same right now, I think he got used to having me home for the Christmas break! As for pumping bras, I only use the same one, and I've only washed it once. I only use it when I'm pumping, then it comes off and goes into my pump bag. And I've been using some cloth wipes to wipe myself off as I'm popping the flange off.  But then again, I'm not much of a leaker, so I might not be the best judge.

Erica, I can't believe how much you got at once! 3-4 ounces is a GREAT session for any mom and especially for a low supply mama. Kellymom says that the average pumping session gets 1-4 oz for both breasts together. I usually get about 4 per session, but have only been getting 2-3 this week, so I've had to add an extra pump session in my day. Hopefully my body will remember how to do this again and I can go back to 3 sessions a day.

And FYI, you can get 15% off Pumpease bras from their website if you use the coupon code TFBSAVE15 (from thefeministbreeder.com website). Amazon might still be cheaper, I don't know. It's the bra that I have and I really like it, it's pretty easy to put on quickly.

AFM - work is fine and pumping is fine.... but I REALLY don't want to be here. My productivity sucks, thank goodness my supervisor is completely oblivious to me.

--ditto the the whole bolded sentence!!!!!

Thanks for the discount code.  It looks like the Pumpease website only uses Canadian currency and when I figured out the conversion, Amazon was still a slight bit cheaper.  I'm going to order the Rhubarb colored one so the proceeds go to that Best for Babes fund.  If I like it, I may go ahead and get one of the fun prints too.

[cakemama579]

elove, I tried to send a post your way yesterday, but it was when all the weirdness was going on with the forum.  anyway, all it was was some.  I hope it gets easier soon.

and Becky and other pumping mamas, sending voluminous milk vibes your way!

AFM, found out mid december that I did not get accepted back into the online RN program as I'd hoped (only the traditional one), and frankly neither DD nor I am ready for being apart that much during the week.  I declined to return this month, and have until the fall semester to come back to the program, so I'll re-evaluate then.  Was not an easy decision, but as each day goes by I become more and more relieved--almost guilty, that I get so much more time with DD and DS.  It is really hard not to feel like I should at least be working part time.  So, boo for not finishing school just yet, but yay for baby time!!

[nettles]

I had to share somewhere because I am so excited. I got approved to work Thursdays from home!!! This is a blessing because it is one of the two days where we pay a babysitter (although I love how much quality time and attention Mirah gets with her) as well as one less day I have to be away from Mirah! I'm imagining it's going to require me being super disciplined with my time with all the distractions being home has to offer. But I am so, so thrilled. I'm a social worker, so it's going to be crazy the other four days I go to the office to run around and make all the home visits I have to do, but it's gonna be worth it!

A couple questions: Anyone else had pumping issues after going back after the holidays? I'm getting noticeably lower than I did before - I didn't pump at all when I was off. I'm getting juuuuuuuust enough for the next day. Will it just work itself out after a while?

How much do you leave for your LOs when you are gone? I'm sorry if this got asked before and I missed it. We have been doing four 4 oz bottles - I'm gone 7:15-5:30 most days. Today when she was with my mom I left five 3 oz bottles instead. It seems like Mirah eats a lot when she gets bottles, not a lot in the evenings, and then wants to snack all night... so I was thinking maybe if the bottles were smaller and more frequent she'd want to eat more in the evenings? Maybe? Am I overthinking?

[cat13]

That's great about working from home! You'll definitely have to be more disciplined than me, though, because every time I try to do that I only get a few emails done.

I usually pump 3 times a day, but this week have been doing 4 times a day since I've been on break for 2 weeks. Hopefully my boobs are back to normal today and I'll just do 3 times today, since I got a good amount at my first pump this morning. (yes, I'm on the computer at work right now... oops!)

16 oz isn't unreasonable but seems like a lot, I would have to pump 4-5 times a day to get that much. River usually eats 8-10 oz and I'm gone for 8.5 hours. Could you try making smaller bottles? Sometimes babies will keep drinking even if they are full, especially if they are in a laying down or reclined position. DH uses 2 oz bottles. (Actually, lately he's been eating less than that because he gets so easily distracted but then wants to eat again 20 minutes later. DH tried to complain to me about it, and I said welcome to MY world! Imagine it's your nipple that he's popping on & off instead of a bottle!)  Maybe you could "wean" her down off the bottle an ounce at a time for a few days until she's eating 8-10 oz while you're gone? And maybe have your mom keep a log of how much and when she's eating? She's not dumping any of it, right?

Sorry if I'm bombarding you with stuff, I just would hate to have to pump so much everyday! I hope you find a way for her to eat less while you are gone.

[nettles]

I know, I'm really psyched, but I know in reality how much work I have completed when I've worked from home before... but I need to do enough to justify the agency making the exception for me to do it - it's not typical that they allow people do it.

Friday I left five 3oz bottles instead - and she only drank four of the five, so I'm wondering if the smaller bottles is the trick! She had been going through 16oz and then still being a little bit cranky in the time between when DH gets home and I get home after. Makes me feel better about my capability to make enough milk for her.

[cat13]

Originally Posted by nettles 

I know, I'm really psyched, but I know in reality how much work I have completed when I've worked from home before... but I need to do enough to justify the agency making the exception for me to do it - it's not typical that they allow people do it.

Friday I left five 3oz bottles instead - and she only drank four of the five, so I'm wondering if the smaller bottles is the trick! She had been going through 16oz and then still being a little bit cranky in the time between when DH gets home and I get home after. Makes me feel better about my capability to make enough milk for her.

That's great, 12 oz is a lot more reasonable and doable to pump!

[elove]

cakemama - everything happens for a reason, don't feel guilty one bit - enjoy every moment of it!

Cat, I think adding a session was really smart, even if it is a short one to get your volume up again. One other trick that I used lately is towards the end of a pumping session, I switch the setting back to the initial quick phase, and more often than not, this results in a second let down.

I wear the pumping bra (I think the one I have is from the LLL webpage) - so I will check out that amazon link to get another one!

nettles - way to go! working from home rocks! 16oz sounds a little on the higher end of the scale. Sofie eats 11-13oz a day w the bottle. I actually have not thought about keeping the milk in the bottles, I keep them in storage in the fridge to be poured into bottles - neat trick I may need to try it.

there is a "bottle feeding a breastfed baby" info on kelly mom...little tricks on feeding the nursing baby w a bottle. I printed those out and posted it so DH and babysitter can read it any time they need a reminder. I am away for 8 hrs a day (plus some commuting time), I get regularly 10oz from 3 pumpings at work. And I pump before I leave for the day at home (usually get around 5oz from this), if she wants to, we nurse after I pump.

now that she is waking up at 6.30am our schedule is a little tougher. Although, with the sitter coming in at 8.15am it gives us a little quality time before I need to leave for work.

this month, I still have mondays and fridays off, next month I start going in on mondays and after that I will fight to keep my fridays off (our institute has everyother friday off so it is an easier day to manage)..No one is bothering me about the days I do not come in, it is just that the pile of work on my plate is getting to be too much to keep up with 3 days of work only. DH is still a grad student so we need to keep me working.

I love my work - but I do not want to be there right now. Something HAS to be done with maternity  leaves! anyway, i wont get into that rant - I can go on for ever on it.

Just want to say THANK YOU! to all of you for sweet messages last week, I read while I was pumping and It meant A LOT. I know there are mama's who had to leave their babes w sitters much sooner than I did - it is just hard.

sending you all big hugs.

[cakemama579]

Are you guys believers in fate at all?  or that things happen for a reason?

I just wanted to share that I was feeling really really down about the whole not getting into the hybrid online RN program, and kind of kirked out a bit...not really, but i was feeling like I had lost all sense of personal identity outside of being a mom.  I considered getting a part time job, but wasn't sure where to begin.  (my credentials and work experience are random and weird.. I'll spare you my resume) Anyway, I decided to enroll in a Swedish massage class, as I've gone back and forth with the idea of massage therapy as a career for a long time.  Can I just say, it feels like a lightbulb just went off.  I am LOVING this.  and not only that, I feel like massage is what I was born to do.

So how bout that?  Lost, no more!

ps the instructors don't even mind me pumping behind a curtain in the back of the room (rather than in the bathroom--eew).  i bring my manual so it doesn't make any noise.

[Beckily]

Originally Posted by cakemama579 

Are you guys believers in fate at all?  or that things happen for a reason?

I just wanted to share that I was feeling really really down about the whole not getting into the hybrid online RN program, and kind of kirked out a bit...not really, but i was feeling like I had lost all sense of personal identity outside of being a mom.  I considered getting a part time job, but wasn't sure where to begin.  (my credentials and work experience are random and weird.. I'll spare you my resume) Anyway, I decided to enroll in a Swedish massage class, as I've gone back and forth with the idea of massage therapy as a career for a long time.  Can I just say, it feels like a lightbulb just went off.  I am LOVING this.  and not only that, I feel like massage is what I was born to do.

So how bout that?  Lost, no more!

ps the instructors don't even mind me pumping behind a curtain in the back of the room (rather than in the bathroom--eew).  i bring my manual so it doesn't make any noise.

That's how I felt when I started doing massage! I'm so glad you like it! I think there's another massage therapist in the group, too!

If you ever want to talk about it or have questions, feel free to message me :D

Congratulations!

[andwhenthefog]

hello!  i introduced myself in the newbie/lurker thread about a month ago but never followed through with my promise to post pictures and start being active in discussions . . . bad, i know . . . but now i'm going back to work and i was hoping some of you who have already done that could give me some advice, since i'm not finding a ton on the internet.

i am going back to work part time on monday and i am finding myself stressing out more about pumping than any other thing.  i was previously the manager of a very busy coffee shop/bakery, but i am returning as a barista three days a week.  since we are a small independently run business, there is no real place for me to pump and no legal obligation for them to provide me with space/time.  that being said, they are supportive and understand that i WILL need to pump and are pretty willing to help out if they can.  

i'm willing to pump in the restroom, even though it's not ideal because a) it's a bathroom and b) it's the only bathroom in the whole building, so i'll be blocking others from using it.  but honestly, unless we drastically rearrange the whole store, there's not really anywhere else that i can do it in private.  i am going to ask around the neighboring offices if they have somewhere i can use, but i don't know if that'll come up with anything.  so, bathroom it is for now.  i also am staggering my work schedule, so i'll be working on monday, wednesday, and thursday, which gives me tuesday and the weekend to nurse all day as usual.

this is where i am hoping for some advice:  my shifts will be 6 hours a day (7-1).  my commute is about 40 minutes to an hour each way (public transit - i ride the bus and then walk about a mile), so i'll be leaving the house at 6:05am and getting home between 1:45-2pm, which means i'll be gone for a total of 8 hours.  i'm planning on waking up at 5, pumping, getting ready, then nursing jack right before i walk out the door.  my break at work will be somewhere around 10 or 10:30.  so there will be 4 hours between when i feed jack & pump, and another 4 hours before i am home to nurse him again.  does this sound reasonable?  he usually nurses every 2-3 hours so it seems like this might not be pumping often another.  the only other solution i can think of would be to pump right before my shift starts at 7 (i'm usually about 10-15 minutes early with my bus schedule), pump again at 10:30, and then pump right before i leave at 1:00, but again, i will be using the public restroom and blocking others from using it.  

this is one of the only times i wish i had a "regular" office job!  our store is very busy so it's unlikely that i'd be able to take a break at any other time during my shift.