Any Advice On Surviving Going Back To Work After Being A Stay-at-home Mom For The Last 10 Mo?

I haven’t worked full time in over a year. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom since I had our son. My time-management skills have really suffered. Although I am college-educated and career-minded, I am slightly lacking the self confidence needed to excel in my new job. Also, this will be the first time our 10 mo old son will be in daycare! We are used to leisurely mornings centered around breastfeeding and making breakfast for my son. It will be soooo different having to rush around and be at work by 8am. How can my husband and I survive this time and not escalate our stress and our fighting and keep things calm at home for our son??

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Categories: Ideas

bebop at 20:26 on 5 December 2009

Start talking to lots of adults to get back communication skills one can neglect when talking so much to baby.
Realize that leaving your son is going to be very hard and don’t be surprised by how guilty you feel.
Think of all the good things about your new job

MAMA A at 23:40 on 5 December 2009

THE FIRST MONTH WILL BE HE** BUT, THINGS WILL GO INTO A ROUTINE. I WENT BACK TO WORK AFTER BEING HOME FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. I WAS EXCITED BUT NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO THE TRANSITION. IT CERTAINLY WAS DIFFICULT, BUT IT DOES GET EASIER AS TIME GOES BY AND A ROUTINE IS ESTABLISHED FOR YOU, YOUR CHILDREN AND SPOUSE. I BREASTFED EVEN AFTER I WENT TO WORK.I WAS WEANING MY SON ANYWAY AND IT DID WORK ITS WAY TO BECOMING EASIER.
GOOD LUCK.

? at 06:24 on 6 December 2009

In reference to the mom who was stearing you away from work and daycare, of course, if you can stay home, that’s probably ideal . But if you’re uneasy about going back to work, my guess is that, right now, staying home is not an option. Yes, beware of bad daycare, but I must tell you, our family had a wonderful experience. First, the hospital where my daughter was born provided a website which listed only licensed, and highly-rated providers by the childcare oversight organization in MD (the state we were in at the time). As a result, we found a fabulous woman who had all the life-saving certifications and provided wonderful, loving care out of her home. My daughter loved her so much that when we stopped going (after the birth of my 2nd daughter) my oldest wanted to visit and play over there every day. It was also very enriching for her to have a small (only 7-9 children; 3 of them babies), ready-made playgroup to visit with every day. I also think it contributed to her early language development. She loved listening to the sounds of the older kids. Now, as upsetting as a bad experience can be, there are good options out there. We can’t paint all daycare with one broad brush. First, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS and if your radar goes up AT ALL, communicate … or find new care! Next, you might call the hospital where your son was born and ask for resources; is there a centralized childcare organization in your state, whom can you talk to about finding good care and support/advice for working moms in your area. There are often mother’s groups who meet locally who can help you through the day-to-day anxieties you’ll be faced with. Maybe find an email group that you can touch base with daily if meetings are hard to make. One thing is sure, scheduling is going to be an important component of your success, so I really like the idea one mom suggested of getting up before your son. That’s really hard, and it probably means going to bed early (hopefully with a little downtime squeezed in for yourself though). But there’s nothing that can’t be learned (or re-learned). This is definitely a highly anxious time for your family, but surround yourself with positive, helpful people and messages. Be patient with yourself and don’t think you’ve gotta hit the mark on everything everyday. Let yourself evolve, have setbacks, but, overall, believe you’ll get “there.” Seek out successful working moms at the place where you’ll be working, too! Ask them how they make it all happen. Soon enough, you’ll be in that place where you can say you’re balancing it all, as much as anyone can. It’s just about deciding “you will,” because, right now, it’s what’s best for your family. I’m sure if you search Google, Amazon or even the library, there is much detailed advice to be found … more detailed than can be posted in one message. Plus, no one says you can’t regroup later and change your mind about decisions you’ve made now. If things just don’t feel right to you, maybe you can explore a part-time schedule, telecommuting or even freelancing from home if that’s possible. You’re in the driver’s seat. You choose the road.

Erin Nicole at 12:27 on 6 December 2009

After my daughter was born, I stayed home for 3yrs. It was rough to go back to work but it was also nice to have some alone time. Two years later I had my second child and went back to work 2m after and I hated it. I’m now a single mother. I get up a half hour earlier then my kids so I have my time to shower and dress. Then my kids get up, I get them dressed and fed and then we play for a half hour in the play room. I drop them off at 7:15 and arrive to work for 8am. At night time I feed them, bath them and spend time by watching a cartoon or playing in the play room. After they are in bed, by eight, I then take two hours to myself. I don’t know your schedule but this works out for me.

h_manka at 14:12 on 6 December 2009

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Ms. Phyllis at 16:59 on 6 December 2009

I do not believe there is anyway that your stress level can not be escalated with the major venture you are about to undertake. Daycare, opposed to what many people say, is not the best place for 10 month old child to be. No one is going to care for and nurture your child the way that you would as a loving mother–no one. The next best thing to you would be a loving nanny, an au pair, grandma, an aunt, etc.
I speak as a parent who worked for approximately 5.5 years out of my son’s 7.5 years of life. I was always torn, always doubting the quality of his care–despite my picking the best child care providers that I could afford. When I returned home when my child was 6.5 years old, I found out that I doubted with good reason. He felt open, honest, and free enough to relay all the reasons to me that he did not want to return to certain child care providers/facilities. I asked why he did not tell me these things before, and his response was, “Because you had to go to work.” This brought tears to my eyes, and I am so glad I have found a way to work from home.
Your child is only an infant once, and the time will go by very quickly. You can count the cost of child care, transportation, clothes for work, child care late pick-up fees, etc., and see if working truly profits you. How much money will you actually make from working? You may find that you would be just as well off financially if you don’t work–or perhaps you can start a home-based business or work from home.
I would say to you, it is not worth it. Stay at home with your baby if at all possible.