Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!

[MJMom]

So not a bad mom for not DF'ing.  I'm sure he still woke when he was hungry!  really the DF is designed so you the mommy can get more night sleep.  And it seems you took care of that. 

Just take care of yourself and your little one right now when you're at home.  Ask your DH for some help.  And frankly, I'm a firm believer in Double-income-must have cleaning lady.  I know it's not always realistic for all families, but even once a month would help you feel better about your home as well as get some rest.  And if you can't... just let it go for a bit.  It really won't be the end of the world if there are dust bunnies in the corners for a little bit until you get a rhythm worked out.

2. That stuff is liquid gold isn't it? I guess this is where they get the phrase "don't cry over spilled milk."

DITTO!!!  DH once dared say that to me during a tired state... he never said it again. 

[~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~]

Alissa - you are too funny

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

It really won't be the end of the world if there are dust bunnies in the corners for a little bit until you get a rhythm worked out.

I look at them as being cheap toys! 

[MJMom]

It really won't be the end of the world if there are dust bunnies in the corners for a little bit until you get a rhythm worked out.

I look at them as being cheap toys! 

Right!!! Isn't it amazing!  hours of fun with dust bunnies! (OK... hours in babies world is like 5 minutes, but still!

[momnew]

I love the dust bunnies comment! You guys are so funny.

DD woke up at 4:00ish when I didn't DF, which I thought wasn't too bad. I do have a house keeper but she doesn't fold laundry and put dishes away everyday. I just need to learn to let it go.

I called my Dr. yesterday because  I cried about 9 different times and couldn't seem to get anything together. I think that I may be having some postpartum depression, I suppose. I feel the jack of all trades master of none mentality. Nothing seems to be right. Logically I know it is OK, I just can't shake it though.

I think that I am putting too much pressure on myself. I finally started DD on a 4 Hour schedule today which should help. I thought about dropping my 3:30 pumping session. I think that I am so obsessive now, I know you're going to think that I am crazy when I say this, but I have 325 oz in the freezer now. So I figure if I drop the 3:30 pumping that I can just use some of that as back up. Worst case scenario---formula??? That isn't bad, right?

I promise I really am a normal person. This just sounds bad.

[Bryony]

Momnew - yes of course you are a normal person - and you are also a mum which is tough sometimes esp when you are trying to work plus do the best for your LO by giving her mummy milk!

And no formula is not so bad - if your LO will drink it.... 

325 oz sounds like a LOT to me - I reckon you have plenty spare!

We have ordered a new freezer as ours is tiny (two little shelves on top of the fridge) and it is completely full of EBM and there is no room for any food. Also it was very old and I was terrified of it failiing and all my milk going off....doesn't bear thinking about.  It arrives tomorrow - woohooo! 

Bryony

[MJMom]

Ummm... your reality check... you have 40 8oz feeds stored.  I somehow have managed with no more than 50 oz at it's peak and as little as 14 over the past 6 months.  And if you have to supplement with Formula, there is NO shame in that!  You'll be fine!  Cut yourself a break! You are a human.  Not Superhuman! 

HUGS!!!  And good call on calling the doc. 

[lyndsy_p]

I have 325 oz in the freezer now. So I figure if I drop the 3:30 pumping that I can just use some of that as back up. Worst case scenario---formula??? That isn't bad, right?

Impressive, even to an over-supplier like me.

[liacarmen]

325 ounces - that's amazing! I'm thrilled to have about 40. It's frustrating when you feel like you're not doing anything well - I'm a bit of an overachiever myself, so that's a feeling I can relate to. I try and remind myself that I'm the only one that cares what my house looks like. I've also decided to let it go a bit during the week and focus on a good clean on the weekend. That's helped - I've also found that men (I lived with my brother and male cousin before my DH - all of them would be total slobs were it not for my training  are much more motivated to clean when they see you doing it. It's real hard to ignore you trying to vacuum behind the couch if they're watching you in action. I look at everything I do in order of importance: baby, me/husband (that's a tie, most of the time), work, dog/house (another tie).

[momnew]

Thank you all, I appreciate your encouragement!!! My Dr. prescribed some good medicine for me, so that should kick in soon.

Liacarmen, you're right, I am a bit of an overachiever, I suppose there are always opportunities for humbleness and to learn what life is truly about. I think the saying of, when I am on my deathbed will I say, I wish I had a cleaner house, been more excellent at my job, etc OR was I a good wife, mother, and did I positively contribute to the world? My hope is the latter.

I did go and get a facial last night, my dh picked up DD, he made dinner, and helped fold clothes. I was on cloud 9 last night.

OK... time to turn this frown upside down (cheesy, yes I know)

All of your words ring true. Thank you!

[liacarmen]

Do you ladies find that after pumping you get drops of BM all over the front of your pants when removing your pump? You'd think I'd remember and make sure it doesn't happen, but of course I never do. It's not like anyone but me would notice, but man, I hate having to wash those khaki work pants all the time!

[~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~]

liacarmen, I have the same problem.  I try to make sure I have a paper towel with me to catch the drips

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

I thought it was just me!  I'd bring a puke blanket (most people call them receiving blankets, but they mostly "receive" baby puke, so.... ) and drape it over my lap til everything was put away.

[~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~]

The puke blanket is a great idea   Never thought about that 

[lyndsy_p]

I have the same problem....seems universal. I wear mostly dryclean only suits to work, so it gets expensive if I make a spill. The lint from receiving blankets really messes them up too. I make sure I dip my body forward after I turn off the pump, so all the remnants go down into the bottle. It helps a lot.