going back to work and finding childcare?

[oregonchick]

I am wondering how long should I wait after I have this baby to go back to
work. I understand that this is a very individual decision, but I would
really appreciate some feedback. I have a great job right now, one of the
best I've ever had. They are very flexible to my needs, whether I want to
work 4 hours or more or less. I've been working between 4-6 hours a day,
but take time off when I need it for doctor appts and whatnot, and I know
they will continue to be flexible like that.

I really feel that I need to work outside the house, for sanity sake and to
feel productive. But I don't want to do something that will have a negative
impact on the baby, me or the family in general. I plan on feeding
breastmilk, but via bottle - so I would pump throughout the day at work.
How long should I allow for maternity leave?

And, how do you find/choose a childcare center for an infant?

[Ericka Kammerer]

oregonchick wrote:

> I am wondering how long should I wait after I have this baby to go back to
> work. I understand that this is a very individual decision, but I would
> really appreciate some feedback. I have a great job right now, one of the
> best I've ever had. They are very flexible to my needs, whether I want to
> work 4 hours or more or less. I've been working between 4-6 hours a day,
> but take time off when I need it for doctor appts and whatnot, and I know
> they will continue to be flexible like that.
>
> I really feel that I need to work outside the house, for sanity sake and to
> feel productive. But I don't want to do something that will have a negative
> impact on the baby, me or the family in general. I plan on feeding
> breastmilk, but via bottle - so I would pump throughout the day at work.
> How long should I allow for maternity leave?

You mean you plan on exclusively feeding EBM via bottles?
If so, that's one heck of a challenge to keep up your supply by
pumping alone. There are women who manage, but I'd wager the
majority are not successful at making it through a year that way.
If it is important to you that your baby get breastmilk for the
first year, you might consider nursing while possible and
pumping just to handle times you can't be there.
As far as maternity leave goes, that's a tough one,
though it's easier when you're facing the prospect of going
back to part time rather than full time. "Standard" leave
is 6-8 weeks for an uncomplicated vaginal or c-section birth,
and most women are probably feeling physically capable of
returning to work at that time. Whether it will have other
negative effects is tough to say, as much depends on your
baby and your family. If you are still struggling with feeding
or pumping issues, 6 weeks may be on the early side. You're
likely to still be pretty sleep deprived at that point, but
when that will stop is anybody's guess. Some people find
3 months an easier time to go back to work, but then again,
some folks prefer 6 months or a year or not until the kid is
in preschool or elementary school ;-)
For myself, I work part time, but mostly from home.
I was back working very shortly after my last birth (hmm...
maybe a week and a half?) because there were many deadlines
looming. Because of the nature of my work, however, I didn't
have to be away from home long enough to require pumping until
she was a bit over 6 weeks, and even then it wasn't often.
I have always had a pretty easy time breastfeeding, and my
supply was pretty well regulated by 4 weeks. Some others are
still struggling at that point.
>
> And, how do you find/choose a childcare center for an infant?

I think all you can do is go around and visit and
ask lots of questions and, most importantly, observe very
carefully what's going on. I think you tend to get a vibe
very quickly about the appropriateness of a center.

Best wishes,
Ericka

[ModernMiko]

"Ericka Kammerer" > wrote in message
...
> oregonchick wrote:
>
>> I am wondering how long should I wait after I have this baby to go back
>> to work. I understand that this is a very individual decision, but I
>> would really appreciate some feedback. I have a great job right now, one
>> of the best I've ever had. They are very flexible to my needs, whether I
>> want to work 4 hours or more or less. I've been working between 4-6
>> hours a day, but take time off when I need it for doctor appts and
>> whatnot, and I know they will continue to be flexible like that.
>>
>> I really feel that I need to work outside the house, for sanity sake and
>> to feel productive. But I don't want to do something that will have a
>> negative impact on the baby, me or the family in general. I plan on
>> feeding breastmilk, but via bottle - so I would pump throughout the day
>> at work. How long should I allow for maternity leave?
>
> You mean you plan on exclusively feeding EBM via bottles?
> If so, that's one heck of a challenge to keep up your supply by
> pumping alone. There are women who manage, but I'd wager the
> majority are not successful at making it through a year that way.
> If it is important to you that your baby get breastmilk for the
> first year, you might consider nursing while possible and
> pumping just to handle times you can't be there.
> As far as maternity leave goes, that's a tough one,
> though it's easier when you're facing the prospect of going
> back to part time rather than full time. "Standard" leave
> is 6-8 weeks for an uncomplicated vaginal or c-section birth,
> and most women are probably feeling physically capable of
> returning to work at that time. Whether it will have other
> negative effects is tough to say, as much depends on your
> baby and your family. If you are still struggling with feeding
> or pumping issues, 6 weeks may be on the early side. You're
> likely to still be pretty sleep deprived at that point, but
> when that will stop is anybody's guess. Some people find
> 3 months an easier time to go back to work, but then again,
> some folks prefer 6 months or a year or not until the kid is
> in preschool or elementary school ;-)
> For myself, I work part time, but mostly from home.
> I was back working very shortly after my last birth (hmm...
> maybe a week and a half?) because there were many deadlines
> looming. Because of the nature of my work, however, I didn't
> have to be away from home long enough to require pumping until
> she was a bit over 6 weeks, and even then it wasn't often.
> I have always had a pretty easy time breastfeeding, and my
> supply was pretty well regulated by 4 weeks. Some others are
> still struggling at that point.
>>
>> And, how do you find/choose a childcare center for an infant?
>
> I think all you can do is go around and visit and
> ask lots of questions and, most importantly, observe very
> carefully what's going on. I think you tend to get a vibe
> very quickly about the appropriateness of a center.
>
> Best wishes,
> Ericka
>

Just wanted to say that exclusive EBM/pumping can be done if you want to go
that route. Ericka is correct in that it might be challenging (it hasn't
been for me so far however). I made it 18 mos with DS#1 and 7 mos so far
with DS#2. Of course I am an n of 1. I also invested in a Pump-in-Style. As
for maternity leave, I had a job I disliked so I quit before DS#2 was born
and did per diem work for the last 2 mos before he was born. I started
feeling a bit stir crazy in April after 5 mos at home. However, DS#2 didn't
sleep through the night as early as DS#1. I was in grad school with #1. I
don't see how I could have worked or done school with this one until about 3
mos. Between dipping into savings more than we wanted and my wanting to
think about going back to work, I have been doing some consulting mainly
from home last month and this month that turns into an office clinical job
next month. It's flexible and part-time so I should be able to work around
DHs schedule so no daycare is involved. I'm a little ambivalent about it but
am going to give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes.

--
JennL
DS 06/26/98
1 tiny angel 11/03
DS 12/03/04

aka CatnipSlayer @ livin-it-up.net
--
Leader of the Cult of Worshippers of BiPolar Long-Haired Sexy Anime Guys
with Swords

[KC]

I had to go back to work with my first dd, and I went back when she was
9 weeks old. I had to go back by the time she was 12 weeks old to keep
my job, but I could have chosen to take those last 3 weeks off unpaid
(and I could have afforded it), but my dh was being a SAHD and it just
seemed like overkill to have us both there all the time, so I went
back. I totally regretted that and wished that I had stayed with her
as long as I could. So, my advice is to take as much time off as they
will let you without losing your job. Issues can happen with bf that
are hard to overcome if you have to work, and you just will never get
the time away from the baby back, so you might as well maximize the
time you get with your baby.

KC

[Dagny]

"ModernMiko" > wrote in message
news:gmkze.16687$Fy4.2382@trnddc04...

>
> Just wanted to say that exclusive EBM/pumping can be done if you want to
> go that route. Ericka is correct in that it might be challenging (it
> hasn't been for me so far however). I made it 18 mos with DS#1 and 7 mos
> so far with DS#2. Of course I am an n of 1. I also invested in a
> Pump-in-Style.

Well, sure, but didn't the recent German research on artificial nipples and
physical development of the mouth show that you risk causing the need for
orthodontia if you don't nurse? I believe it was that the harm from the
artificial nipple use could be overridden if the baby also nursed?

Just so that this mom is making an informed choice ...

Dagny

[L.A.]

Hi...

I'm assuming you're asking this of US posters? Here in Canada, we are
permitted by law to take a year off with unemployment benefits after a
birth or adoption. This, however, is a recent change. On my first
baby, the time allowed was six months. But for me, I couldn't go back
to work and leave a small baby behind, even though I love my job and I
had a wonderful sitter lined up. I took an additional six months
without pay, which we couldn't really afford. But the time with the
baby was worth it, and we eventually paid off the debt we accumulated.
Last time, I took the paid year, and that was wonderful. I plan to do
the same again this time. The way I look at it, it's a nice change of
pace to be at home instead of at my busy job. I will return to work
for many years after the baby is older, so I won't be eliminating my
chances of being part of the workforce. And my babies are only babies
for a short time, so I want to spend as much of it as I can with them.
Work will always be there...babies won't. So, I would advise staying
with your baby for as long as you can without jeopardizing your return
to your job. Good luck.

L.A.

oregonchick wrote:
> I am wondering how long should I wait after I have this baby to go back to
> work. I understand that this is a very individual decision, but I would
> really appreciate some feedback. I have a great job right now, one of the
> best I've ever had. They are very flexible to my needs, whether I want to
> work 4 hours or more or less. I've been working between 4-6 hours a day,
> but take time off when I need it for doctor appts and whatnot, and I know
> they will continue to be flexible like that.
>
> I really feel that I need to work outside the house, for sanity sake and to
> feel productive. But I don't want to do something that will have a negative
> impact on the baby, me or the family in general. I plan on feeding
> breastmilk, but via bottle - so I would pump throughout the day at work.
> How long should I allow for maternity leave?
>
> And, how do you find/choose a childcare center for an infant?

[oregonchick]

"L.A." > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Hi...
>
> I'm assuming you're asking this of US posters? Here in Canada, we are
> permitted by law to take a year off with unemployment benefits after a
> birth or adoption. This, however, is a recent change. On my first
> baby, the time allowed was six months. But for me, I couldn't go back
> to work and leave a small baby behind, even though I love my job and I
> had a wonderful sitter lined up. I took an additional six months
> without pay, which we couldn't really afford. But the time with the
> baby was worth it, and we eventually paid off the debt we accumulated.
> Last time, I took the paid year, and that was wonderful. I plan to do
> the same again this time. The way I look at it, it's a nice change of
> pace to be at home instead of at my busy job. I will return to work
> for many years after the baby is older, so I won't be eliminating my
> chances of being part of the workforce. And my babies are only babies
> for a short time, so I want to spend as much of it as I can with them.
> Work will always be there...babies won't. So, I would advise staying
> with your baby for as long as you can without jeopardizing your return
> to your job. Good luck.

We definitely don't get that kind of deal in the US! I think it's 6 weeks
unpaid here. Anyways, money is not the issue. Hubby makes an adequate
salary for us to live comfortably on. This is more of an issue of just
personal needs. I want to satisfy my desire to get out of the house, do
something of my own, contribute to the household, and be around some adults
during the day. I know that it won't be long before I get stir crazy at
home all day!

[Nikki]

oregonchick wrote:
> I am wondering how long should I wait after I have this baby to go
> back to work. I understand that this is a very individual decision,
> but I would really appreciate some feedback.

I took 12 weeks off with both of mine. I felt like I went back way to
early. I had no choice as I was the only one with a job :-) It is hard to
say with any authority what I think would have been a good time because I
only got the one experience. I'd be a SAHP if I could be as I'm the right
personality for that. I think as far as ease on mother and baby 15 months
or so would be a good time to go back to work.

> And, how do you find/choose a childcare center for an infant?

Start early. Visit them in person. Talk to staff and the director. IME
you'll get a pretty good feel right away for which centers are good and
which aren't. You might look for a home care setting. I found those better
for infants. Some are horrid though so you have to do lots of checking etc.
They worked well for me as they were really flexible and so was I. I had to
adjust my schedule often for the sitters sick kids and personal obligations
but then...I could do that and still do my job. You might also have a
couple selected in your head. The first one I had didn't work out. She
just wasn't a match for my baby so I switched after 4 weeks. The second one
was a great match and worked out really well.


--
Nikki

[Cuddlefish]

"oregonchick" > wrote in message
...

> We definitely don't get that kind of deal in the US! I think it's 6 weeks
> unpaid here. Anyways, money is not the issue. Hubby makes an adequate
> salary for us to live comfortably on. This is more of an issue of just
> personal needs. I want to satisfy my desire to get out of the house, do
> something of my own, contribute to the household, and be around some
> adults during the day. I know that it won't be long before I get stir
> crazy at home all day!

Heck, I totally understand that! I have *never* needed to work financially -
hubby can provide, no problems. But that desire to work and that enjoyment I
get from contributing is huge. I also get lots of positive feedback from my
students, parents and fellow teachers and I know I will miss that when not
working. Plus my job is actually lots of fun. :-)

I am in Canada and so will get 17 weeks off at 95% of my pay and then
another 35 weeks off with some pay, but probably closer to 50% - it is all a
nice bonus actually. :-) I am horrified that you do not get that in America
too especially given how much rhetoric I hear from that country about the
importance of family etc. etc. It seems like a huge disconnect. I am
actually Australian, and have no idea how maternity leave works in that
country... I wonder which country it resembles more.

--
Jacqueline
#1 Due late Jul/early Aug

[ModernMiko]

"Dagny" > wrote in message
...
>
> "ModernMiko" > wrote in message
> news:gmkze.16687$Fy4.2382@trnddc04...
>
>>
>> Just wanted to say that exclusive EBM/pumping can be done if you want to
>> go that route. Ericka is correct in that it might be challenging (it
>> hasn't been for me so far however). I made it 18 mos with DS#1 and 7 mos
>> so far with DS#2. Of course I am an n of 1. I also invested in a
>> Pump-in-Style.
>
> Well, sure, but didn't the recent German research on artificial nipples
> and physical development of the mouth show that you risk causing the need
> for orthodontia if you don't nurse? I believe it was that the harm from
> the artificial nipple use could be overridden if the baby also nursed?
>
> Just so that this mom is making an informed choice ...
>
> Dagny


Well, I don't read many research articles so I can only go by what I know.
My DH and I were BF. Both of us (and all of his siblings who were BF) needed
braces. DS#1 might but he's still too young to tell. And it's WAY too early
to tell with DS#2. My intent was to help her with an informed choice as
almost everyone debates BF-ing vs. formula feeding. There is another choice
for those who would otherwise give up on BF-ing and go straight to FF-ing.
*getting up on soapbox here* I am in support of BF-ing. I wish I could have
BF. I didn't even come close with DS#1 due to NICU and PPD issues. I tried
with DS#2 and even worked with the BF-ing specialists at the hospital. It
did not go well. I get tired of feeling like a second class mother because I
did what I thought was best and worked for us before with pumping and
feeding EBM. I am going through a lot of effort to provide the best
nutrition I can and now I have to worry that I am going to precipitate the
need for braces? Sorry Dagny, I don't mean to attack you directly. I'm
feeling a bit snarky and tired of feeling like a second-rate mother because
I don't BF my child, I had an epidural, and I might go back to work
part-time.

--
JennL
DS 06/26/98
1 tiny angel 11/03
DS 12/03/04

aka CatnipSlayer @ livin-it-up.net
--
Leader of the Cult of Worshippers of BiPolar Long-Haired Sexy Anime Guys
with Swords

[Ericka Kammerer]

ModernMiko wrote:


> Well, I don't read many research articles so I can only go by what I know.
> My DH and I were BF. Both of us (and all of his siblings who were BF) needed
> braces. DS#1 might but he's still too young to tell. And it's WAY too early
> to tell with DS#2. My intent was to help her with an informed choice as
> almost everyone debates BF-ing vs. formula feeding. There is another choice
> for those who would otherwise give up on BF-ing and go straight to FF-ing.
> *getting up on soapbox here* I am in support of BF-ing. I wish I could have
> BF. I didn't even come close with DS#1 due to NICU and PPD issues. I tried
> with DS#2 and even worked with the BF-ing specialists at the hospital. It
> did not go well. I get tired of feeling like a second class mother because I
> did what I thought was best and worked for us before with pumping and
> feeding EBM.

I don't think there's anything second rate about pumping and
feeding EBM. My concern was only that most people report it's a
hell of a lot more difficult than nursing, and I have heard many
people who really *wanted* their babies to have breastmilk end up
having to switch to formula because they just couldn't keep up
with exclusively pumping. I think it's very admirable for anyone
to persevere and make exclusive pumping work, but I wouldn't want
anyone to choose that route thinking it was likely to be easy.

Best wishes,
Ericka

[Ericka Kammerer]

oregonchick wrote:

> We definitely don't get that kind of deal in the US! I think it's 6 weeks
> unpaid here. Anyways, money is not the issue. Hubby makes an adequate
> salary for us to live comfortably on. This is more of an issue of just
> personal needs. I want to satisfy my desire to get out of the house, do
> something of my own, contribute to the household, and be around some adults
> during the day. I know that it won't be long before I get stir crazy at
> home all day!

Do you have to tell work now what you plan to do? Many
people surprised how they feel after the baby arrives (in either
direction). Seems to me that the ideal thing would be to simply
wait until you felt ready to go back to work, but I don't know if
your employer would be willing to be *that* flexible ;-)

Best wishes,
Ericka

[ModernMiko]

"Ericka Kammerer" > wrote in message
...
> ModernMiko wrote:
>
>
>> Well, I don't read many research articles so I can only go by what I
>> know. My DH and I were BF. Both of us (and all of his siblings who were
>> BF) needed braces. DS#1 might but he's still too young to tell. And it's
>> WAY too early to tell with DS#2. My intent was to help her with an
>> informed choice as almost everyone debates BF-ing vs. formula feeding.
>> There is another choice for those who would otherwise give up on BF-ing
>> and go straight to FF-ing. *getting up on soapbox here* I am in support
>> of BF-ing. I wish I could have BF. I didn't even come close with DS#1 due
>> to NICU and PPD issues. I tried with DS#2 and even worked with the BF-ing
>> specialists at the hospital. It did not go well. I get tired of feeling
>> like a second class mother because I did what I thought was best and
>> worked for us before with pumping and feeding EBM.
>
> I don't think there's anything second rate about pumping and
> feeding EBM. My concern was only that most people report it's a
> hell of a lot more difficult than nursing, and I have heard many
> people who really *wanted* their babies to have breastmilk end up
> having to switch to formula because they just couldn't keep up
> with exclusively pumping. I think it's very admirable for anyone
> to persevere and make exclusive pumping work, but I wouldn't want
> anyone to choose that route thinking it was likely to be easy.
>
> Best wishes,
> Ericka
>

Thanks Ericka. It's not easy maybe but it's really not hard either at least
to me. In my opinion (and it is my OPINION certainly), it's not a lot more
difficult but does require dedication as does BFing sometimes. I certainly
think one should try BF first before going right to the pump. I also think
the pump should be tried before going straight to formula if BF-ing doesn't
work out for some reason.

--
JennL
DS 06/26/98
1 tiny angel 11/03
DS 12/03/04

aka CatnipSlayer @ livin-it-up.net
--
Leader of the Cult of Worshippers of BiPolar Long-Haired Sexy Anime Guys
with Swords

[[email protected]]

Your best bet is to have one parent at home or a close relative (such
as your parents or your in-laws) who have a vested interest in loving
and raising your child. And yes, there are research studies indicating
that daycare might impact a child negatively.

Regards...

oregonchick wrote:
> I am wondering how long should I wait after I have this baby to go back to
> work. I understand that this is a very individual decision, but I would
> really appreciate some feedback. I have a great job right now, one of the
> best I've ever had. They are very flexible to my needs, whether I want to
> work 4 hours or more or less. I've been working between 4-6 hours a day,
> but take time off when I need it for doctor appts and whatnot, and I know
> they will continue to be flexible like that.
>
> I really feel that I need to work outside the house, for sanity sake and to
> feel productive. But I don't want to do something that will have a negative
> impact on the baby, me or the family in general. I plan on feeding
> breastmilk, but via bottle - so I would pump throughout the day at work.
> How long should I allow for maternity leave?
>
> And, how do you find/choose a childcare center for an infant?

[oregonchick]

"ModernMiko" > wrote in message news:crzze.137 I'm
> feeling a bit snarky and tired of feeling like a second-rate mother
> because I don't BF my child, I had an epidural, and I might go back to
> work part-time.

Oh, sometimes I feel the same way. Everywhere I go, women who have had
children offer really strong opinions about what's "best". It's like
everything else - everyone has an opinion, but you have to do what's best
for you, pulling from the knowledge that you have and applying it to your
own personal circumstances. You need to just glean the pieces that are
helpful to you and disregard the rest. I too plan on an epidural, only
managed to BF for 4 months last time, and intend to go back to work also.
We aren't second rate!

BTW, my mother didn't breastfeed at all me or my sister. We both have
perfectly straight teeth...

[oregonchick]

"Ericka Kammerer" > wrote in message
...
> oregonchick wrote:
>
>> We definitely don't get that kind of deal in the US! I think it's 6
>> weeks unpaid here. Anyways, money is not the issue. Hubby makes an
>> adequate salary for us to live comfortably on. This is more of an issue
>> of just personal needs. I want to satisfy my desire to get out of the
>> house, do something of my own, contribute to the household, and be around
>> some adults during the day. I know that it won't be long before I get
>> stir crazy at home all day!
>
> Do you have to tell work now what you plan to do? Many
> people surprised how they feel after the baby arrives (in either
> direction). Seems to me that the ideal thing would be to simply
> wait until you felt ready to go back to work, but I don't know if
> your employer would be willing to be *that* flexible ;-)

No, they're pretty flexible, and seem to be happy with whatever I can
contribute. I feel very lucky, I've never worked for a company like this
before.

[medgirl]

"oregonchick" > wrote in message
>I am wondering how long should I wait after I have this baby to go back to
>work. I understand that this is a very individual decision, but I would
>really appreciate some feedback. I have a great job right now, one of the
>best I've ever had. They are very flexible to my needs, whether I want to
>work 4 hours or more or less. I've been working between 4-6 hours a day,
>but take time off when I need it for doctor appts and whatnot, and I know
>they will continue to be flexible like that.

Obviously, this is a very personal decision and there is no answer that
would fit everyone. I can just offer my personal experience. I went back
to work when DD was 9 weeks old. I had an extremely difficult time for at
least the first month or more - this was more emotional than anything else.
Physically, I felt fine - I had a C-section, but my recovery was not bad.
My daughter was sleeping through the night at that point. I was nursing at
home and pumping during the day so she could have EBM by bottle, and that
was going better than I thought it would (and still is). DD stays with my
mom and my mother-in-law while I'm at work, and I know she is getting great
care from people who love her. Even with all of that, it took me a long
time to get over having a sick feeling in my stomach whenever I was away
from her, and I still feel that sometimes, though less often. I think part
of it is that I work long hours - usually minimum of 50 hrs/week, but it can
be up to 80 or more including some nights. It sounds like your job is much
more flexible, which is great. I think if I could work hours more similar
to those it would probably be a nice break in the day, but I think that
could be hard at first too. Those first few days I just felt like I was
leaving something behind. I seriously considered leaving my training
program and doing something else with my life. I'm staying where I am now
only because I know that when I finish in two years my options will be much
better. I plan on working part-time then.

I would suggest that you take as much time as you can - I wish that I had
taken the full 12 weeks that the Family Medical Leave Act allows. I think
it would have less stressful if I hadn't felt rushed back into things. As
others have mentioned, you may need to allow more time than you think to
establish breastfeeding. If you can work reduced hours at first and ease
back into your routine, that may help too. Again, all this is just my
personal experience. I know people who have had very different experiences,
including those who couldn't wait to get back to work because they were
going stir-crazy at home, and one friend who gave up a lucrative career for
which she had a lot of education to stay at home full-time. Good luck to
you - I know these can be difficult decisions!

Sarah
DD 3/1/05

[Emily]

Nikki wrote:
> oregonchick wrote:
>
>>I am wondering how long should I wait after I have this baby to go
>>back to work. I understand that this is a very individual decision,
>>but I would really appreciate some feedback.
>
>
> I took 12 weeks off with both of mine. I felt like I went back way to
> early. I had no choice as I was the only one with a job :-) It is hard to
> say with any authority what I think would have been a good time because I
> only got the one experience. I'd be a SAHP if I could be as I'm the right
> personality for that. I think as far as ease on mother and baby 15 months
> or so would be a good time to go back to work.

I think it totally depends on the people involved. I had planned
to stay home with DS for 6 months, but ended up going back to
work (part time) at 4.5 months, because a great opportunity came
along with that timing. We found a one-on-one care situation for
him, initially 12 hours a week (though I was working 20...), that
worked very well. And as it turns out, I was *very* ready to
get back into that part of my life.

This time, I'll have about 4 months of maternity leave (officially
only 12 weeks, but since they have to get someone else to teach
my class, it'll end up being more like 4 months). Then DH will
probably take a couple of months of (unpaid) paternity leave,
and then DS2 will attend the same center as DS1 does. Unfortunately,
working parttime is not an option for me this time (unless I wanted
to quit my job and look for something else, which I really don't
want to do --- I worked really hard to get a tenure-track job
and I love it!), but we're going to try to stagger schedules to
minimize the hours DS2 is in daycare for a while.

Emily