Working nights with a new baby

[mgalla]

Hi everyone -

I may be faced with the prospect of changing to nights (7p-7a). I'll have a newborn soon and am trying to conceive of life on the night shift while newly returned from maternity leave. I've read the advice on black out curtains and the importance of ensuring that everyone in the house understands the imperative of allowing me to sleep during daytime hours, but hoping for some comments on how functional nights have been for those new moms who either have or are working nights. How did it go/how is it going?

I ask because I may have the chance to stress to my director that nights would create undue hardship and I'm wondering if I should go that route.

Thank you in advance for your input.

[rhudo]

When I worked night shift, I was out of sync for days. Nothing flowed right in my system. I would work a 12, sleep for 6, get up and lay around, sleep a little more, and then return to work. Most over nurses were envious I could sleep for 6 straight hours a day. This was with a newborn and two small other children and on weekend option. My husband ( also a nurse) worked days so we didn't need daycare. My parents also helped out greatly. Honestly though, I couldn't get my biorhythm down to adjust to night shift. I would frequently pick up 8s during the week on 3rd for extra $. Despite adequate sleep, overwhelmingly helpful support system, and a family schedule flow, I simply couldn't do night shift. I worked nights 10 years prior, but I was much younger. I attempted the aforementioned schedule for 8 moths with no relief. I eventually switched to second shift, 3-4 days per week. That was much better. We rearranged schedules and just tolerated not seeing each other much.

So, I know I'm rambling and not directly answering your question. I would encourage you to break out a pen and paper with all the pros and cons for an "off" schedule. It works for some nurses and not for others. The greatest lesson I learned was my career and family must work together.

Best wishes and Congrats! on the baby.