New Mom Returning to Work

Terrah - posted on 11/11/2011

Have you started back, yet? It is definitely tiring at first, but then you may find yourself looking forward to having adult conversations and some time away makes the heart grow even fonder (if you can imagine that!)
I hope the transition goes well for you and just remember that you and your baby will grow from this and it is a good thing to have some seperation here and there. Good luck!

Debra - posted on 10/24/2011

I'm a new mommy and I'm going back to work next monday..I'm kinda excited to be around adults and I def need the paycheck..taking 12 wks was a alot, but my hubby/I made it!! Should I call daycare at least once a day? or more? I should at least check in? I really need to relax!?!

Mischele - posted on 03/12/2009

I'm just finishing my first full week back. It was rough, but managable. I'm also pumping during the shift too. I'll pump or feed the baby at 5:45 until 6 and I'm out the door at 6:15. I then pump around 9:30-10am, somewhere between 1 and 2 and then again between 5-6. Then I feed the baby when I get home and freeze what I got overnight. I'll sleep when he sleeps during the day and because I'm used to being up off and on all night, I haven't been tired. I don't think I could do OT shifts, unless it was a 4 hour shift or an 8 hour shift when I've got 3 or 4 days off in a row. I know that there are jobs outhere that can be done from home, but they're hard to find and people who do know where to get them don't easily give up the information or it's a dead end to a scam. I know, I'm trying to go part time and pick up something at home so that my schedule is better for when my husband finds a job - if he finds a job.

Susan - posted on 03/12/2009

So...just wondering...how is it working out? Just a brief pointer. Not sure what your policies are like regarding holidays like Christmas? Most places you have to work either Christmas or New Years and alternate each year. Plan way ahead and if you get the choice, work the baby's first Christmas or 2, if it means you can have the 3rd and/or 4th off. Everyone thinks the 1st Christmas is such a big deal but the babies don't know what's going on until the 3rd or 4th Christmas and then you'll want to be there! I've also found working nights on the 24th or 25th is not too bad, if you have to work it, and you get a choice. When the babies are real young, and if it's just the 3 of you, you can have "Christmas morning" any day during the season.

Nellina - posted on 02/26/2009

I started work this week. Worked Mon Tues Wed and loved it. Yes I love my 2 children, but I knew they were being well cared for, which makes it easier. My 3.5 year old loves going to Nanny's and playing with the kids at child care. I am sure my son will too. I always try to remember that I am not just a monther I am my own person too how has dreams and aspirations. After the first few shifts I am sure you will settle in. X Nellie.

Amy - posted on 02/26/2009

Hi I'm going back in 2 weeks also. My son is 9 weeks. With my daughter (who couldn't be in daycare d/t health reasons) I had to do weekend program. Now I am at a hospital that does not offer very flex shifts. I am going back part time but will cont. to look for something else. If I find something I will let everyone know because it seems a lot of us are going through the same thing.

Sara - posted on 01/28/2009

I to am going back to work in 2 weeks.  I work 11 hour shifts and am also concerned about leaving him for so long.  :(   Will she play with him?  Will he take a bottle for her?  I am considering taking him to the sitters beforehand a couple times.  Is this helpful?

Demeka - posted on 01/26/2009

I started my nursing career doing 12 hour shifts when my daughter was 9 months old and it was really hard b/c I felt like I didn't see her at all on the days I worked. It was really nice having more days off though to spend at home. Now I'm working as an office nurse M-F and I think it's working out much better for me. I've considered going into agency nursing or something similar to make more money and work less but right now I'm happy where I am.

Vicki - posted on 01/24/2009

I feel your pain. I start back to work on Tuesday working 12 hour nights. My little guy will be with my husband at night, and daycare 2 days a week. It is really tough to think about leaving my little guy for so long. I'm sure this is the normal reaction. Just know you are not alone.

Catherine - posted on 01/22/2009

girl.. critical care!? What are you worried about? You can nail anything!

Jessica - posted on 01/22/2009

Quoting Patty:

New Mom Returning to Work

I am a new mom who will b returning to work in two weeks for 12 hour shifts. How am I going to be away from her for such a long day. Any pointers? I also usually work OT to help with the bills, cant really afford not to, any suggestions for HOME or consulting work as an RN so I can b home more with the baby?

Hi Patty,

I am also a new mom returning ot work in 2 weeks and have thought over some of the same difficulties.  One of the reasons I got into nursing was because I wanted  a career that would be family friendly.  I don't know if this is an option for you at all, but I am going to work in an outpatient office and work four eight hour shifts so that I won't be away from my little girl too long at a time and to provide her with a consistent schedule.  Hope this is helpful

Patty - posted on 01/22/2009

Thanks for the responses.  It is nice knowing I am not the only one who feels this way.  The more the idea sinks in the easier it is becoming but I know it will still be hard.  I am a cardiac/critical care nurse.  I have never looked into consulting or insirance companies but I will have to check it out.  I would love to be able to make some extra money from home rather then being away from her even more then I have to be.  Thank you for your support and encouraging words!!

Nellina - posted on 01/22/2009

Hi I am returning to work next month after my second child. I was really worried going back to work after my 1st but once I got into a routine I actually enjoyed it. No. 1 became closer to nanny, so that is a plus and she also went to care 1 day a week which has been good for her socialisation, another plus. You will probably be suprised at how well your child adjusts. Look on the positives. Going to work makes you a great role model for you child. When I go to work I know may children will be well looked after. Yep it does get easier. Remember you are not only a mother, you are many things, and nursing is one of those things. Enjoy it rather than dread it. Good luck XX

Catherine - posted on 01/22/2009

Hey Patty... Remember nursing school? remember crying "How am I ever going to get through this? I can't!!!!! What am going to do?!" Well girl.. you did it, you made it, and this too you shall conquer! I won't lie.. it is hard especially after baby #1, after 2, 3... you will eventually be glad to be back! I worked in a really busy unit.. doing 12's.. where you went in, and literally the next time you looked at the clock it was 4 or 5 pm.... (good thing is I lost 25 lbs in 5 weeks!).. busier.. keeps your brain more occupied.... what type of nursing do you do..? did you try looking into legal consulting.. research nursing, or work for an insurance company ... they may need RN's to review cases, that are doable from home..... good luck.... you are a nurse.. YOU ARE STRONG!

Maria - posted on 01/22/2009

Hi there.  It is really hard to return to work after having a baby.  My oldest is now 3 and I still prefer to be home but have to work.  I like to have pictures of my kids on my locker.  When I nursed, I had a picture of them in my pump bag and looked at it while I pumped.  I also wear a picture of them on my badge.  It's nice to be able to look at them even when I can't be with them.  Good luck.  It does get a bit easier with time.