Active Duty military Mom and need advice

Tiffany - posted on 10/12/2009

My husband and I already work opposite hours.. So for the most part child care is taken care of, but we are both members of Security Forces in the Airforce and we deploy a lot.. I am not at risk to deploy anytime soon, however, my husband is. I just need some kind of plan set up for when he does deploy. As far as the breastpumping at work goes, times isnt guarenteed because of my job. I never know when I will be called to respond to a accident or some other incident at work. They can try to work with me but its not guarenteed.. But I dont like the idea of formula at all... I am trying to be openminded about stuff.. but its hard... I will just have to deal with what little i can get. but my biggest issue is the childcare and finding someone that I trust...

Magen - posted on 10/12/2009

Check with your CDC, Family Readiness office or First Seargent also your supervisor may be able to help. Also is your husband on swing shift also. He is part of the raising of this child and should be willing to take care of it anytime he is not working. Between the two of you you may be able to talk to your supervisors and get opposite shifts. It will mean less time together but it will mean your child is taken care of. Also be sure you update your will and family care plan since you are both Active Duty.

Marcy - posted on 10/12/2009

Maybe you can find a SAHM at the base who would be willing to work with you. I would try that first and then post a job offering on Craigs List (interview someplace besides your house). You are probably going to need someone to come to your residence as most daycare situations (in a house or facility) are M-F. Regarding breastfeeding, when you aren't with your kiddo make sure you have a place to pump. Whatever you pump the baby can have when you aren't there or you can freeze. my son went to an in home daycare since he was 3 months. I would pump 2 times per day at work and then bring it over to the lady the end of the day for his feddings the next day. Good luck and congrats!

Brandi - posted on 10/12/2009

Unless you are EDO or have flight duty, your shop will probably be willing to work with you with the pumping. I would check the cdc, because they are usually inexpensive. We decided not to use the cdc and went with someplace closer to home. I was active duty and my husband still is. Everything will fall into place. Good Luck!! :)

Jeannine - posted on 10/12/2009

I need to ask, how helpful will your husband be; and is it possible for you to take 15-20 minutes out of your duty schedule to pump? I went back to work with child #3 and couldn't pump. So, he got formula while I was at work and then I breast fed the rest of the time on demand from him. I have a friend who takes time out to pump, and refrigerates and freezes her breast milk for the day care her daughter attends while she is at work. If your husband is available to be with your baby when you are working, then the only thing to work out is the time out to pump (electric works best) If not, a licenced day care mother is the next best thing.