What shift is best after having a newborn??

[HealinghandsRN]

Hello All, I am expecting a baby girl on july 7th. I have concerns about what shift will work best--the most manageable for me when I return to work. I can pretty much do any shift I choose to do as my husband work is very flexible. I have worked both 7a-7p and 7p-7a Truthfully, I am a night person and love that shift the best and have no trouble sleeping at anytime. So, My concern is now that I will have a newborn around and will not get the sleep like I used to I need feedback on what ur experiences are as working 12 hour vs 8 hour shifts I know working the 12 hour shifts kicks butt.....and for those three days I work are literally just work and sleep and after the third day I need rest too. But with the baby I won't be able to do that. Are the 8 hour shifts more manageable??? Please I will appreciate all your opinions and experiences. Thanks So Much :)

[SCRN1]

For me, 8-hr shifts are not as hard on my body as the 12-hr ones when trying to juggle work & family and working nights. But then, if you can pull yourself away from the baby for 3 days straight, you'll have 4 (well, besides sleeping after the last work night) off to completely spend with him/her. Any way you could just work 3 8-hr shifts, lol?

[HealinghandsRN]

For me, 8-hr shifts are not as hard on my body as the 12-hr ones when trying to juggle work & family and working nights. But then, if you can pull yourself away from the baby for 3 days straight, you'll have 4 (well, besides sleeping after the last work night) off to completely spend with him/her. Any way you could just work 3 8-hr shifts, lol?

Thanks for your timely response...........I wish!! lol then I would bring home part time pay ;( anyway, that is what I am starting to think....there are a few people who work the 8's and tell me it is less on their bodies too. Thanks again.

[SCRN1]

You are quite welcome. I wish I could help you more in deciding, but as you know, only you can decide what works best for you and your family. Congratulations in becoming a new mama!! Hope all goes well!

[MelissaRN]

Have you thought about working evenings (3-11)? If your husband is working during the day you could do 3-11 and only have to worry about a couople of hours of childcare. You'll have the morning and part of the afternoon with the baby and then you're out at 11:00. If little one is up into the wee hours you have some time to sleep in in the morning if he/she will allow.

[MrsWampthang, BSN, RN]

even if you have to cut corners financially, stay home if at all possible. Nursing jobs will always be there, but your baby will only be little once. There will only be one first smile, first step, first word and work isn't worth missing that. It's nice that your husband can stay with the baby, but there are more important things in life than "things." Just my opinion.

Pam