New mom coping with going back to work - advice from other WOH moms

[Anonymous]

OP, I feel for you. I just had #2 and I actually have a pretty flexible schedule already... I worked from 7-3 and was home with the kids shortly after 4 (DH does drop-off in the mornings). Still, I felt like I was shotchanging the baby as practically ALL of my attention in the afternoons was on our two year old, occupying her, feeding her, etc... I complained to my husband that I honestly felt like I never got to hold and enjoy the baby during the work week and it was a sucky feeling. He suggested I ask about going PT and I blew him off assuming my employer would respond with a big fat absolutely NOT.

Trust me - I was shocked to hear them agree to my PT proposal. I now work the same schedule but only Mon-Thurs and I'm off on Fridays with the kids. I feel like I have a little more time to cuddle with him on the weekdays anyways now that DD is more used to having to share her time (she was very clingy at first)... but now in addition I have an entire day to spend with the kids by myself. It's AWESOME.

I won't lie, the cut to my paycheck wasn't the best but it's a trade-off. 32 hours a week still brings in a significant amount, more than enough to pay for their daycare (which is now only four days a week vs. five! Bonus!) and have a good amount leftover.

I was clear with my boss that my work would not suffer and that we could revisit the whole schedule situation in six months and make sure it's still working for everyone. Give it a shot - the worst thing that can happen is they say no. Then you can move onto other options.

[Anonymous]

Hi again,
Ugh, I totally feel for you. Others have said this but to be very explicit: this time will NOT last long, and every month will likely get better as your little one stays up longer. Right now sleeping times are so unpredictable (and frequently) but that won't last forever. So, if you are able to drum up an arrangement for PT or whatever, it might be helpful to know that you could get a lot of good out of it even if it's only temporary.

Good luck and hang in there. Been there myself and it sucks.