back to work next week GULP!

[julie_ann_jules]

I am going back to work next week! I've decided to go back part time and I'm only doing short shifts (3.5-4hrs). My first one is next friday 9pm untill 12.30am (3.5hrs) but I am totally packing myself! DS is 5 1/2 months and i'm b/f. He would usually be asleep at that time but does sometimes wake for a feed! My heart is so sad thinking what happens if he wakes for a feed and mummy is not there to offer it! I know that DH will have a bottle of EBM but DS HATES the bottle! I also know that DS is not going to starve in those few hours. ANd that he usually only wants a comfort b/f at that time BUT I'm still sad
It is such a hard thing to do! WHy can'y maternity pay last forever... or at least 12 months????

[Rachel]

I hear you Jules but you'll be fine. He'll be an angel and you will have been stressing out about nothing..but I so know what you mean.

I know the feeling.
I went back for one day a week when DS was about 7 weeks old as I am self employed...
I spent the first morning worrying, and sent him off to creche with about 5 bottles of ebm (no idea why I sent so much considering I was dropping him off at 9am with a full tummy, and coming to breastfeed him at 12 and then DH was picking him up at 3.30!).
I arrived at lunch time to find him fast asleep in the exact same position I had placed him in his cot there when I left him at 9!!

He is now 5 months, and he loves it, he loves watching the other kids, and he loves all the toys at creche. I am lucky that his carer is a close family friend, and also that I can go in and feed during the day, the creche even gives me a beautiful gourmet lunch!
I work 12 hours, so DH picks him up at 3.30, and the two kids have valuable Daddy time until I get home.
I find I appreciate my time at home much more, and have a lot more patience. And DS is always blissfully unaware that Mummy is even gone....I usually come home to find him kicking back on the floor giggling away have fun with Daddy and big Sis!!

I now work one evening for a couple of hours, my 12 hours on a wed, and some saturday mornings. It is a nice balance. I try and express each day, so I am not trying to express enough at the last minute!

I am sure you will be okay, just take lots of tissues for the first day! xoxox

Rachel- My DS is Noah too! Love the name!

[AliBaby]

Jules My DD is 5 and 1/2 months and I am going back next week too! SO I feel your pain.

SHe is also BF but I am going to be doing 8am until 3:30pm so dont know how she is going to go. I have expressed 5 bottles in the freezer so far.

I think the hardest part will be driving out the driveway but I know it will get easier and if it doesnt I will just have to win lotto!

I go back Monday. Arrrrh!

I only send 2 bottles now, and I come in and feed once, most days DS comes home with one bottle left over, and he goes 9 until 3.30 if that helps.