attn working mamas.

[heather.m]

Hey everyone.

So, I had a baby this past summer. I was working dayshift 40 hr/wk (5 8-hr shifts) plus a prn job. I had all intentions to go back to working my full time job.... until I laid eyes on my sweet baby. I have always wanted to work (I'm the "I don't need a man to support me" kind of gal). Daycare isn't even an option for us. I refuse...

Well, now I am working nights part time -2 nights a week.. but it's getting hard on my body (compared to when I used to work nights). I work nights to avoid having to arrange childcare. Plus, they're only babies once... and I want to spend as much time as possible with my baby.

were financially stable but we've had to cut out a lot of our extra spending (which is hard) Plus we want to purchase a home within the near future (which won't be happening with our current income. Also, hubby is carrying insurance on me and baby but it's very expensive.

I have the opportunity to go to dayshift full time. One job offers 7a-7p 3x/wk(with every other wknd)...or... 8a-3p 5x/wk (off weekends)... Or I could continue doing night shift and pick up an extra shift here and there to help cover my insurance cost.

What advise do you working mamas have? Would you saythat it was easier leaving your baby in the daytime once they got to a certain age? Do yall feel like you miss a lot by working dayshift? Does it better your bond by being away from baby in the daytime? Any advise is greatly appreciated

Thanks... and sorry for writing a novel

[Red Kryptonite]

Your paean to daycare could come off as offensive to at-home parents. You make it sound like it's impossible to properly socialize a young child without an institutional group setting. I assure you it's not.

Maybe some parents aren't able to do so, but that doesn't mean daycare is necessarily the answer for all children.

"They're only little once" is not negative, it's just the truth. The fact that anyone could perceive that statement as negative says more about them, frankly, than about the person who said it.

[sistrmoon, BSN, RN]

I've always felt smack in the middle of the SAH and working parents dichotomy. I absolutely know without a doubt I could not stay at home full time with my young children. I would be depressed and isolated. I call being home with my kids "my hard job." It is hard to create a routine, stimulate and entertain and teach young kids especially without many helping hands from friends and family around. I do use daycare. I've had good and bad experiences but our current one is awesome. My youngest only goes one day a week but he does do things there he won't do at home yet(like use the potty.) Playgroups, preschool and the like are also good for socialization.

While working is essential to my identity and well being, I am fortunate I can work part time. I feel like I am truly in the best of both worlds. I don't think anyone should feel guilty for the choices they make for their families. All of these choices have advantages and disadvantages, all have their benefits and sacrifices. The hardest part is finding out what works for everyone.,

[Libby1987]

I really think SAHM and working moms need to stop the debate, be glad you're able to have choices and make them yourself.

Oh what am I thinking..

[Twinmom06, ASN, APN]

Your paean to daycare could come off as offensive to at-home parents. You make it sound like it's impossible to properly socialize a young child without an institutional group setting. I assure you it's not.

Maybe some parents aren't able to do so, but that doesn't mean daycare is necessarily the answer for all children.

"They're only little once" is not negative, it's just the truth. The fact that anyone could perceive that statement as negative says more about them, frankly, than about the person who said it.

I said THEY meaning MY children. I was providing a positive example of how daycare worked for US. The statements of "they're only little once" in the context of this thread imply that working is a negative for a parent and the only answer is to stay home.

Go pick someone else apart.