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Working with a new baby at home.... - needing advice

Posted: Mar 15, 2011

Hi all :)

I wondered if I might be able to get some advice from those of you who have worked from home with a new baby. My baby was born in February and I'm due to start back to work soon. I have an older boy, but I worked outside the home with him. My baby is breast fed, which makes me wonder about how you handled frequent feedings. Also, I wanted to know what you used if you needed to keep typing but be able to hold the baby as well. I thought I would have all this figured out by now, but I don't. So, I wanted your input because there are some smart, savvy ladies on here. :)

Thank you so much!! .

working with baby - me

[ In Reply To ..]
I had twins and went back to typing when they were 10 weeks old. I was fortunate to be able to change my schedule to work around their sleep/nap times. I started at 0500 and ended at 2100, getting in 8 hours in that time frame. I would finish a chart and take a break for nursing (10-15 mins once they became good at it...football hold was great). I worked for an hour or two before they got up, worked during morning nap, worked during afternoon nap and worked after they went to bed at 1900. Yes, I had no life during this time...haha...but I made it work. I was never able to type and hold two babies or even just one and keep typing. There was no way I could make any money holding a baby and trying to type. After afternoon nap, I had an 8yo neighbor girl come over and play with them for an hour or so just to keep them busy so I could work another hour or two before dinner. It is a lot to juggle but can be done if your employer is somewhat flexible. Stay positive and try to get your rest when you can!

Me, you are a fine inspiration (and maybe a cautionary tale too :). - A very sincere admirer! NM

[ In Reply To ..]
x

working with baby - Karen

[ In Reply To ..]
I was a foster parent and working full time from home when they called with a 1 week old and his 15 month old brother. After the fact I know why there is such a thing as maternity leave, but I just kept working with the baby in a swing beside me if he was awake and in the pack and play for naps so he was close. There were times I was typing with him on my chest because he wanted to be held and I had to finish a report. As long as you have a flexible schedule (and an understanding boss)should be fine. The older one was another story, the whole office was his playroom and I had to type with music videos on the tv but he was quite happy as long as I talked to him every few minutes and fortunately he still took two naps a day!

Thank you all :) - needing advice

[ In Reply To ..]
I wanted to say thank you all for taking the time to post replies. Me, you are definitely a tough woman and very much to be admired. I can't even imagine having twins ( I used to want twins when I was younger). Thank goodness my husband
s schedule is different from mine. He will be able to help a lot, but since I am nursing, it will be tougher. Thankfully, my employer is very flexible and willing to work with me with a schedule adjustment if need be. I just have to figure out a schedule. But, again, thank you all so much for the great ideas and advice!! :)

Working with a new baby - Amber

[ In Reply To ..]

I had to go back to work 3 weeks after my son was born. He was breastfed too, and needed to be held quite a bit more than his sister did at that age. What I did was get something similar to a Moby wrap (I actually went to Joann's and got a long piece of stretchy fabric, 5 yards at a minimum) so I could just wear him. He got the closeness he needed and I left my hands free to type. You can even breastfeed while baby is in the wrap, if you're talented. I never got good at that, so I got a pillow, crossed the leg I didn't need for the foot pedal over the other leg, put the pillow on top of that leg, put baby on pillow, then latched him on. Not ideal, but it worked.

Thank you, Amber!!! - Needing Advice

[ In Reply To ..]
Amber, I can't thank you enough. I was trying to think of a carrier or wrap, but couldn't think of the name of the wraps that people use. I was thinking of doing exactly that.

No problem! - Amber

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Hope it helps! The wrap was also really great when I had to take both kids to the grocery store.

New baby - mt2

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I have not read the other threads, but I used to use a Snugli, therefore having my hands and arms free. As the baby grew, you could unsnap it and make it larger. It basically had cross-cross shoulder straps, so it was not hard on the back. The baby slept, and I was able to get things done inside the house and out.

Good luck.

My experience - lisa

[ In Reply To ..]
My baby is 16 months old but when I first started back working after she was born, I mainly worked during her naps and after she went to bed. I also had a nursing pillow and I would put that in my lap and let her lay in that so she was close to me as i typed. Now, at 16 months old, she is an absolute handful and I have decided to just sit up until 3 am working.

Oh where do I begin... - newbaby2

[ In Reply To ..]
I too just had a baby...December 31, 2010. I went back to work PT when she was 1 week old to get used to things because I too am breastfeeding. I have to say, the Boppy is GREAT. I wrap it around me so that it rests on my keyboard shelf, latch her on and work away. Each day I get faster and faster and it is NOT easy, but it works and keeps her close. I also utilize a bouncer and a swing (though she does not like the swing when it is moving, so I just sit her in it so she can watch me...lol). I also split my schedule, as I work as an employee, and work 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours at night when my hubby can help with her, and I make it work. Again, it is hard, but it works and each day, my checks are getting better and a lot closer now to what they used to be. I am going to try the wrap idea, as she is getting bigger and more active now and likes to grab my earphone plug...lol. I wish you luck, and just know that it is not easy but it is doable!

Working with baby? - Ariel

[ In Reply To ..]
Reading these posts is a walk down memory lane! I had twins and went back to work when they were 3 months old. Turned my playroom into an office, had a gate at one end and just let them romp. Did have a futon on the floor, sat there, nursed, they fell asleep, I rolled off and went back to the computer. As they got older, they played and I worked. This was good, except when they would play with my foot pedal.

Later, I had another baby. Went back at 2 weeks. Not a smart move, a family member became quite ill and I was caretaking, dealing with a nursing baby and PT work. Schedule? When I was at home, I nursed, worked, did laundry, washed dishes, nursed, worked some more. Dealt with the older kids, did the caretaking, doctor's appts for sick family member, went home, nursed, worked, etc. We made it through.

I also did the NAK thing (nursing at keyboard). First in a baby wrap, then with baby sitting on my lap, facing me. They get bored quickly, move off, go play and then come back and touch base with mommy, nurse a bit, and then go off again.

Now with 20 somethings, teens and tweens, I yearn for those simpler days, when all they needed from me was a hug, a bit of mommy milky and a smile. Enjoy this too short season in your life, it passes quickly. Consider yourself blessed that you have work in this field and can be home with your family and still contribute financially.

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