It's working for Anonymous
Minneapolis, Minnesota
1 child
"Bottles should be introduced early and often if you plan to go back to work. Formula is an option only if your baby takes bottles."
What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?
Find a job that values you so highly that it makes you want to return to work. Find a job that offers FLEXIBILITY if you can.
FOR MOMS: If you breastfed, was there a place for you to pump that met your needs and was conducive to your success? If you breastfed, how did you decide to continue? FOR DADS: What, if any, adjustments did you (or your workplace) make to your schedule after having a baby? Was it specific to your manager or larger, whole work culture?
Was lucky enough that breastfeeding went well from the start. Then baby rejected bottle so had to stick with it regardless (but I did enjoy it).
How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?
12 weeks…it felt too early, still foggy newborn phase and the feeding issue (she didn’t take bottles well) was EXTRAORDINARILY stressful.
What was your biggest challenge going back to work?
Not enough time. Breastfeeding – baby wouldn’t take a bottle – HUGE stress. Not enough sleep yet.