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I got one of those bouncy exercise balls, wore my babies in a sling or wrap all work day long, and bounced up and down while typing at a desk to keep them entertained. Once they got a little mobile and didn’t want to be held I got a jumper and would work nearby on a laptop while they bounced until tired... them put them right back in the sling and used the bouncy ball until they slept.
I did a lot of calls while taking the baby out for a walk in a stroller, or a carseat driving around. When I had multiple kids my favorite trick was mid-day bath, big lunch, then car ride until they fell asleep. I could get at least an hour and a half uninterrupted car work time parked in front of my own house or any Starbucks with a WiFi.
Once they start walking and exploring, then it gets hard, because for a couple of months they always seem to fall over if you’re not an inch behind them 24/7. THAT’S when I appreciated outside help the most. Until then they sleep a lot and mostly just want to cuddle and feel you nearby, and don’t care if you’re building a deck or writing copy or doing laundry or whatever.
Also, something I learned about wearing a baby is that they don’t really cry all that much if you’re right there with them skin to skin all day long. I breastfed, and would whip it out and feed the baby under a shawl even while on video calls or conference calls, and except for the occasional whimper no one was any wiser. The mute button became my friend.
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My husband and I both work for the same agency and have been WFH since March. Our company recently told us they have no expectation that we be back working in the office until at least June 2021 (other than our studio team).
We have 2 kids (4 and 1) and recently withdrew them from FT daycare because we didn’t believe it would be safe to send them. We are doing a 3 day/wk nanny share with one other family we trust.
For WFH without care, we have been taking shifts with kid care and have each still been able to work 7-8 hours/day. It’s exhausting but doable! The benefit for you of the early infant days is your kiddo should hopefully nap a lot, and also be able to lie on the floor and play a bit while you work. Once they get mobile, it’s harder to multi-task!
Same boat. And maybe I’m wrong, but being a creative seems like it would be a lot harder to try to juggle a newborn and assignments/meetings/concepting/etc etc day in and day out.
I’m still in my maternity leave but three months doesn’t feel long enough and I feel like if given the opportunity I’m going to want to keep the baby at home while trying to work - I just don’t know if it’s actually possible.
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Do you have any help at all? Even for a few hours a day? My guy was six months old when we started quarantine, so I understand to a degree. It’s tough, but doable with help.
One thing - if you’re breastfeeding or pumping, it helps to block off regular times throughout the day for that so people don’t schedule over it.
I’m breastfeeding and trying to pump. I absolutely hate pumping but need to if anyone is going to help me during the work week. What I am afraid of is that my daughter needs constant stimulation or she will throw a fit, and I just won’t have the time and energy to tend to her while working.
@CD1 I think if I’m there than I will absolutely breastfeed because you’re right, so much easier. And I guess as far as pumping, I guess I can always just do that at night.
OP do you have a family member that can help you? I know a few mamas at my company who have been in this situation and they literally just moved in with their parents or in laws. When I had mine my mom moved in with us for 3 months and saved my sanity- and that was non pandemic times!
OP, just here to say I sympathize with your mom situation so deeply. My circumstance is similar and it’s been super painful for me because I really need the support — and we live in a new city where we have zero social/family network so I really can’t get it elsewhere. Sucks when you realize that having your own kid in some ways amplifies any dysfunction that already exists.... but glad to know I’m not the only one dealing with this. You’re in my thoughts.
I know nannies are expensive but two potential thoughts:
- nanny share with another family brings cost comparable to daycare but lower risk of exposure to Covid. You can find a family who might be willing to host 100% of the time.
- part time nanny and try to work your meetings around the time she’s there. I’m sure things will come up but at least you’ll have some coverage and a nanny can help save time in other ways (cleaning nursery, baby’s laundry, etc.)
We have a 4 year old and an 8 week old. In a similar boat trying to figure out how to logistically make it all work in our city apartment and knowing my oldest won’t be in school full time.
Good luck!