Returning to work with Preemie

Lynn - posted on 12/15/2011

If you're interested in working at home, one great way is to open a home daycare. I've had mine since 1996, and my son wasn't even born until 2001! I've been able to be home with my kids (they're ten and seven now) so I know they're safe and loved, and make money at the same time. My kids were able to have friends, and learn everything they needed to know for Kindergarten, while being at home and taking naps in their own beds. I've had babies as young as 6 weeks old, and I understand your hesitation to leave your little girl. If you want to look into it, some great web sites are www.thecare.com www.sittercity.com and you can advertise in local newspapers and Craig's List. That's what I do. If you have an older child, you already have toys, experience and most of the supplies you'll need (high chair, sippy cups, kids' utensils, plates, bowls, etc.) I use travel beds for nap time-the ones that are like a play pen, so the kids aren't roaming around the room when they're in there. Older kids use "nappers" which is a little open sleeping bag, with an attached blanket and pillow. You would need to call other day care providers in your area to find out what they charge, services they offer (meals and snacks included, art projects, field trips, sick child/medication policy, discpline policy, typical daily activities, what are the kids being taught (writing names, scissors, flash cards, colors, shapes, counting,) what are their hours, late fees, payment due date, paid holidays, vacations, pay for sick days, will you dispense meds, potty train, report income for taxes, etc) I have all that info in my parent handbook, so everyone understands my expectations before their first day. They must sign and return that form, along with a copy of their immunization records. Depending on what state you are in, and how many kids you watch, you may or may not need to be licensed by your state. You could also consider if you want to get your fingerprints done, CPR and First Aid certifications. Home daycare is a great way to make money while staying at home with your kids. After 15 years, I can't imagine doing anything else. My kids love to help with the preschoolers, and I hope that one day, my daughter can stay home with her kids this way, too.

Amber - posted on 12/08/2011

I Did not return to work after my 1 st babie girl was born and was surpost to go back when she was 10months old ,But i could not do it.I left my job was only 16hrs per week .Spent every day with Layla ,until back to school,then 2nd Baby came along i miscarried ,tryed for baby got pregnent within 3weeks and had my Son 2 weeks early, i started working part time from home party plan Vie at home at 8months pregnant ,Dylan was 2 weeks prem, and we where in hospital for 10 day's, i sold £100 worth of vie products ,just by looking good, mostly huspands bought my products for there partners who had just had babies:)
i then grow addicted to selling vie, I do 1or 2 partys a week and my baby came too had lots of cuddles while i did other lady's make-up, was best of both worlds.Dylan is 2yrs old now .I still do party's but he stays at home with Daddy and Layla soon to be 8yrs old. We like to share work and kids equally and house work and cooking really works if you have support from your partner.
best of luck back to work if thats right for you . I have no regrets :)

Jennifer - posted on 06/10/2009

Can you apply for extended leave of your FMLA plan or take disability??? You also want to make sure she is getting RSV shots if you are going to be leaving her in daycare with other children. It is possible that you may find leaving her in daycare will result in illness and you will wind up having to take of time from work anyway. If your place of buisness can see it from that perspective... I worked two days a week at a mother's day out program once my son was 4m old. I missed more days then I was there because he would "catch" something or have some sort of issue. I really regretted working that first year. He had some of the same eating problems and I was constantly being called from my classroom to come get him fed (not that I minded). And his teachers were family friends, my mother in law taught there too. I'm sorry I'm not any help with a solution as to how you can afford to stay home with her, but I did want to share what I experianced so that maybe you will feel ok with feeling the way you do?

Christine - posted on 06/09/2009

If your preemie was under a certain weight when born, you may be eligible to have a nurse come by for 8 hours a day for the first year. There should have been a person from social service that spoke to you while she was in the hospital. They speak to all parents of children in the NICU. I would try to contact him/her.

Kat - posted on 06/09/2009

I had someone come by to offer advice on financial assistance and SSI, but not for the nurse. I think maybe she wasn't sick enough and she was 3lbs 5oz when born. *sigh* i REALLY don't want to leave her...i'm so nervous. I was thinking returning to work would would be easier with a 2nd child,but didn't factor in the 2nd child being a preemie!

Christine - posted on 06/09/2009

If your preemie was under a certain weight when born, you may be eligible to have a nurse come by for 8 hours a day for the first year. There should have been a person from social service that spoke to you while she was in the hospital. They speak to all parents of children in the NICU. I would try to contact him/her.

Christine - posted on 06/09/2009

If your preemie was under a certain weight when born, you may be eligible to have a nurse come by for 8 hours a day for the first year. There should have been a person from social service that spoke to you while she was in the hospital. They speak to all parents of children in the NICU. I would try to contact him/her.