Headed Back Semester 2

Carrie - posted on 01/03/2009

If you are starting a new exercise regimen, I encourage you to keep your calories up. Trying to cut calories (or add new exercise) can cause your supply to drop. Usually if you're just at home nursing, baby increases nursing frequency to offset the problem, but if you're pumping you might find that dieting or adding exercise without increasing calories causes your pumping output to decrease. I'm not saying don't exercise (it's a great stress buster) but just make sure your caloric input can handle it :) Congrats on having a supportive work environment for pumping!

Emily - posted on 01/03/2009

He will be at a great place right up the road from my house and on the way to work (sort of). They have this whole transition plan worked out where we go together a few times, then he does a couple of half days, and then 2 whole days before I am "officially" at work in case they need me. It is a small center with only 5 infants - 30 kids in total up to age 5. Reggio-philosophy based (since you are all teachers maybe you know what I am talking about). Everyone who has their kids there LOVES it and my next door neighbours daughter was there for 5 years. They go outside every day, have music, go to library (once they are older) etc.
There are a slew of women pumping at work right now. Back room of nurses office. I have cooler, fridge in my office so it should work ok.
I am going to have to carve out some time for me to exercise... that is really a concern for me since I get really anxious and low if I don't do something. My husband is a resident so there will be a few months where it will be just me......should be interesting.
Will be easier to go to park once it is warmer!!!!
Thanks again!!! : )

Kelly - posted on 01/02/2009

I would definitely do a couple of practice days of leaving him with a caretaker. I went back Semester 2 last year, when my baby was 4 months. I did three practice days. The first one only lasted about 5 hours. I cried the whole time. It wasn't our first time being apart, it was just the idea that this would be 5 days a week from then on. The 2nd and 3rd practice day allowed me to get my classroom ready and as many photocopies as possible done, so I had no reason to stay a minute after school let out.

I pumped until he was 1 year old. In the beginning, I had to do it as soon as I got to work, at lunch, and right after school. My husband bought me a mini-fridge for my classroom so I could store it in there until I went home. It was really hard on my students because I usually leave my door open for them all the time (high school kids) and then they were shut out. But slowly my milk supply gave out, and I didn't pump at lunch anymore, so that problem fixed itself.

But practice days were what helped me get through the first few real days.

Allison - posted on 01/02/2009

What are you doing for daycare? We have a home daycare provider who is like a third grandma to my boys. They love her, and she makes leaving them much easier.



My baby is almost 8 months as well. I went back to work at the beginning of the year and pumped until Christmas break. I'd say the hardest part was not having a decent place to pump. I had to use the nurse's bathroom, and it was sometimes in a less-than-desireable condition. So if you can, see about finding a cozy place to pump.

Emily - posted on 01/02/2009

Hi. Thanks, everyone. I am going to try pumping until Feb vacation and see how it goes. I am on a block schedule and I have the same one 'free' everyday so that helps with pumping on some kind of 'schedule'. I have NO problem with supplementation - he was eating the life out of me back in June and July so I did one bottle per day (even though, as I look back in my journal, I was feeding about 11-12 times per 24 hours!!). He is a good eater, and even now he is eating TONS of solids - you name it and he likes it - er - except hummus..not a fan! I have been saving any 'extra' milk. There is a small milk shop in our freezer!
I suppose the only thing I am worried about is that he will become a bad sleeper! because he does not see me all day. I have left him with my husband for over 5 hours before (for a long run) and he did great! But a whole day has be concerned. My wee boy is very well trained in the realm of bedtime routine, etc. but I am still worried! Cheers and Happy New year!

Carrie - posted on 01/02/2009

Will you be pumping? I pumped for an entire school year, every day during my lunch. If you are, i HIGHLY recommend reading a book called "The Milk Memos" it is a wonderful book about pumping, it's funny and informative. Also, the first week back is really rough, but it DOES get better!

Nancy - posted on 01/02/2009

Adorable picture! Make sure you are getting lots of rest as nursing takes a lot out of you! Try not to feel guilty if you have to supplement every now and then. You have a demanding job; don't forget to take care of you.

User - posted on 01/02/2009

I am in the same position. My son was born in September, so he'll be 5 months when I go back Feb. 2nd. Even though I am not back yet, I already know I am just going to cut back at work. I want to be able to spend as much of the day w/my son as possible...which means I will leave at 3:30, when my day is done, rather than stay late and NO WORK AT HOME! I look at it this way; I will be at work all day, so when I get home that is family time....not more work. I did cut back allot when I was pregnant and found that I was still able to be good in the classroom while cutting back. Good luck!