KD_rn

Anon456, yes I thought about sleeping in my car in the garage until we have a better idea of what direction this virus is going after the quarantines are over, but it's very unrealistic with breastfeeding and I cant expect my husband to take care of the baby alone while I freeze in the garage. I didn't even think about the pumping part. We wear gowns at work, maybe double gowning would work as enough of a protective layer? Some guidance from the companies would be good too. How are they helping protect moms who breastfeed and need to pump at work? I'm curious. Does your workplace have a shower? I'm thinking after I change out of scrubs I can shower at work, then do all the cleaning from my car to the house and shower one more time, just in case. This is the absolute worst time to be coming off maternity leave, that's for sure! Stay safe out there!

I had my baby in January and he was in the NICU for a week due to an infection. I work in a clinic and initially my boss and I agreed I would end my baby bonding 2 weeks early because another coworker was going to take her baby bonding at the same time and my boss needed coverage. That was before this whole covid thing happened. I am absolutely terrified to go to work. I'm not in a hospital and if any patient who is screened in the lobby has a fever, complains of cough, SOB or chest pain then they must go to the hospital first. We use face shields, gowns, gloves and one time use surgical masks as PPE daily. I tried asking my boss if I can use the rest of my baby bonding just to see what direction this virus goes (my county is in shelter in place until the 8th of April). She said no, she needs the nurses. My plan is to leave all my equipment and shoes at work, change out of my scrubs and put them in a garbage bag in the trunk of my car. Then go through the garage, lysol spray the inside of my car and have my husband open doors for me and I'll throw the clothes I changed into in the washing machine and shower immediately before I interact with my baby (who is almost 3 months old). Are there any parents who have been reporting to work and taking these same precautions? I think I'm so scared because I have a bunch of moms telling me I should stay home and not put my baby at risk, saying if I have to work then hire a nanny instead of putting him in daycare. I mean these would all be great things but we live in a world where we have financial responsibilities and as much as I want to stay home with my baby I dont think we could do it without struggling. And I cant exactly distance myself from him because hes breastfed. I've even heard other nurses telling me I have a duty to my patients and if every nurse got scared and quit then what would we do? Help me out parents. Am I doing the wrong thing by going back to work? I'm convincing myself if I take all the precautions and, considering I'm in a clinic and less likely to see a covid positive patient, then my family will be as safe as any other family who goes to the grocery store or Target.