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SomewhereOverTheRainbow
06-04-2010, 15:15
DD is 8mths old and BF, and about a month ago I returned to work part time (weekends and mondays). I'm a registered nurse, and did make it clear that I would only be able to work those days as evenings etc. I've been back for 3 weeks now and when I checked the roster I have 2 night duties on the next roster. :(
I spoke to my boss and she has told me that I have to work them, they are part of my contract there and we are short staffed etc... I'm also in charge for both of them so pretty sure I can't swap them because of our staffing issues.

I know this probably wouldn't be a big deal at all...but DD isn't sleeping through. In fact on a 'good' night she wakes 2 or 3 times...most nights lately are horrendous (teething I think maybe?) and she co-sleeps with us but only in my arms. The thought of being away from her for a night makes me want to cry..and I just don't think DH will cope without me there, and I don't think she will sleep without her boobies to cuddle.

At the moment on my evening shifts I am pumping milk once in the evening after my tea break but it's relatively easy because supply is low at that time of day. She fusses about taking an EBM bottle and won't drink much and is usually unsettled of an evening but I am home by 10:15pm so it's OK.
But I just can't imagine how she'll go for a whole night without feeding from me/snuggling next to me. I know it's silly but it has me in tears. Just a rant more than anything. :crying:
I hate my job sometimes. :gloomy:

Mmm Dessert
06-04-2010, 15:32
I'm also a shift worker and was in the same situation as you when I returned to work after having my DD. I was terrified of leaving her as she always settled with a feed during the night.

Luckily she was fine with being left with DH, however she developed such a love of the bottle that she self weaned within weeks. She was nine months old at the time and, until I returned to work, had always refused to take a bottle.

Sorry I just realised that's not very helpful at all is it? Is there a chance that you and your DP could have a few 'practice nights' to see if she will settle for him without any help from you? That might help to ease your mind and get her used to things...

mummyrissa
06-04-2010, 15:37
She might sleep better if she can't smell your milk. Also I'm pretty sure workplaces have to allow you time to express/breastfeed.
I hope things go well for you and night shift isn't to stressful. Will you be alright the next day? Or is someone there to care for your dd?

Jaspat24
06-04-2010, 17:25
oh that sucks, but i'm sure your DD will be fine and make up for it later. I'm also an RN and before we fell pregnant i moved to recovery and now work 2 days a week 8-4.30.
Could you maybe say you can't do the shifts cos you're breastfeeding? does your workplace have a BF friendly policy etc that you could use to pull strings?

Mathermy
06-04-2010, 17:28
Sweetheart! :hugs::hugs::hugs::kiss: