At 12 weeks postpartum, I’ve stepped back into work, and that transition hasn’t been easy. I miss my baby so much throughout the day. Since he’s exclusively breastfed, I’m pumping at work and doing everything I can to keep providing him with the nutrients he needs. It’s a labor of love, and while it can be exhausting, it’s so worth it.
Our days start early, usually around 4am when he wakes up to nurse. After feeding him, I pump, and by the time we’re both done, it’s somewhere between 5:00 and 5:30am. From there, I start getting everything ready, his bag, my bag, making sure we have everything we need for the day. By 6:30, I’m getting myself dressed, and around 7am, he’s ready to nurse again. I feed him, get him dressed, and we’re out the door by 8.
I work until 5pm, followed by about an hour drive home. I’m so grateful that my sister-in-law watches him and lives nearby, it gives me peace of mind knowing he’s in loving hands. Once we’re home, the evening begins, making dinner (which definitely takes longer these days because his needs always come first), spending time together, and soaking up every moment I can. Before I know it, it’s time to wind down, and we’re usually in bed between 9 and 10.
The days feel long but somehow go by so fast at the same time. Being a full-time working and nursing mom has taught me how important it is to have a routine, it keeps everything moving, even on the hardest days. Still, there are so many moments where I wish I could just pause time, hold him a little longer, and soak in every bit of this season of life.
