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Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
BR: Moms - going back to work
Makes me sad to even think about it, but my first day at the new job is
just two weeks away. Moms - what did you do to prepare yourself/baby
for the change? I'm planning on getting up each morning next week at
the time I'll need to so that we can get a feel for how the schedule
will go. Anything else I should be doing, tips/advice you can offer?
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Re: BR: Moms - going back to work
I definitely agree with giving yourself twice as long to get ready. It seemed like no matter how long I thought it would take, she would have to eat and then we'd be 30+ minutes behind.
Also, have as much ready the night before. It seemed like if I packed the diaper bag in the morning, I was guaranteed to forget something.
Good idea on working on the routine for a few days before going back. I also suggest getting as much ready as possible the night before. I got Will's BM lunchbox cooler ready, daycare bag packed with fresh cloth diapers and wetbag, laid out my outfit for the next day, laid out Will's outfit for the next day, packed my lunch, laid out my breakfast dishes and anything else I could for breakfast... ANYTHING to make getting ready easier.
Tip: don't put your work shirt on until the last possible moment. Really. Wear a pajama shirt/t-shirt as you will spill breakfast or have someone put some sort of bodily fluid on you. Maybe even have an extra in the car/at work just in case.
And be prepared for setbacks. Some days will take 4 times as long. Some days will leave everyone in a crying mess. For the most part, it gets easier.
I did what PP's said, laid my clothes out, or have an idea where they are. I still do this, I have my gym bag packed, El's bag packed, H and I make our lunches the night before. I even put it all in my lunch bag, so I can just grab it and go. I have an idea of what I want El to wear, and get myself ready then get her up and ready. When I first went back, she was waking up at like 4/5range, so I'd feed her then, lay her down, and then get ready. But now she eats at daycare. So that saves me A LOT!
Also I've learned to love showering at night. It keeps my hair from being damaged too, because I'm letting it air dry. Then I just invested in a good flat iron, so I just 'fix' my hair in the morning! Cuts down on time too!
Good Luck! It'll still be he!! that first day! I advise to NOT wear eye make-up! I got to daycare OK, took her in and started bawling! Thankfullly my daycare lady is awesome, and was used to blubbering new moms! HA!
I really don't have much different to offer than what PP's have said. Practicing your routine next week is a great idea! And having as much ready as possible the night before is also incredibly helpful. It's definitely good to also keep an extra shirt/jacket in your car or at work -- and maybe a little touch-up makeup, too
I think it helped to keep my days at work really busy right away so that I had very little "free time" to think. I had told myself I wouldn't cry until after I dropped her off...but there I was sobbing as I walked IN the door of our center... I was totally overwhelmed and emotional. So just remember that whatever you're feeling, there are probably LOTS of others who have felt the same way! You're not alone 
People will probably tell you it gets better/easier...and for the most part, I've found that it really does. Z has made little friends at daycare, and I can tell she's actually excited to arrive in the morning. I try to look at it like playdates for her. Like so many things in life, I'm pretty sure it really is hardest on the parent!
Good luck!