Mom to June
Admin
Length of maternity leave: 3-months
Childcare: Grandparents
What did you struggle with most about returning to work after having your kids?
Returning to work was heart wrenching. I was completely broken to leave my sweet baby girl at 3 months old, not only because I never wanted to let her out of my sight, but also because she had colic and was very fussy. It was trying for me to see her in pain, and even more trying to see my mom dealing with her pain all day. It was like two hard hits. June would not take a bottle, AT ALL we tried everything! For the first 2 months back I would pump and drive home home 2 times a day. This obviously was causing problems at work with my employer. Finally we got her to take a bottle. And things seemed to ease up. As most new moms that are mostly pumping though out the day instead of feeding my supply dropped- FAST. I think a big factor in this as well was I didn't have a clean comfortable place to pump. They moved me from storage room to storage room. They were cold, dusty, and I never felt safe from someone just walking on in!!! It was the worst and I gave it up after a few weeks of feeling defeated.
What do you find difficult about being a working parent?
It feels like I am missing so much of what my little one is learning and doing though out the day. I missed her first roll over, her first steps, and even the first time she said MAMA!!!! I know she is in good hands and some days I get to see her at lunch but it is so hard.
What do you enjoy about being a working parent?
I enjoy feeling like I am setting her up for a good future, and being a good role model.
After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?
I realize now how hard this actually is, Praise to all you other hardworking moms and dads out there!
Knowing what you know now, what’s one thing you wish you could go back in time and tell yourself as you were preparing to return to work or getting ramped up in your role?
I wish I could tell myself to stand up for myself and make more noise about my poor nursing conditions - it's hard enough as it is to be a new mom and try this new pumping thing, and then all the questions coworkers ask - ENOUGH. Give me a nice warm clean room and leave me alone! Everyone deserves some support and privacy!
What did you choose for childcare, and how has it been for your family?
Grandparents
Pros- 100% love and trust caretakers and drop off pick up is easy!
Cons- it is hard to deal with situations if you disagree with one of the Grandmas. Hard to enforce rules, and also no back up!
Anything else you'd like to share?
For all you new mamas out there - Stay strong, hold your ground, and remember why you are doing what your doing- for your little one!