It's working for Jamie B
Andover, Massachusetts
4 children
"Communication is the most important factor in co-parenting. Make sure you take time out to spend with each other."
What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?
I wish I had known that I would have needed my masters degree to teach online so I could stay home and work, too.
What was your primary motivation for deciding to return (or not) to work? How early did you tell your employer?
I was a teacher before my girls were born. I have been home with them pretty much since they were born because it wasn’t worth it to put them in Daycare. If we only had one, I would have continued my career as a teacher. I’ve been out of the field for almost 5 years. I feel like a lot has changed and I’ve been out of the loop too long. My confidence in getting a job I want is pretty low.
FOR MOMS: If you breastfed, was there a place for you to pump that met your needs and was conducive to your success? If you breastfed, how did you decide to continue? FOR DADS: What, if any, adjustments did you (or your workplace) make to your schedule after having a baby? Was it specific to your manager or larger, whole work culture?
I breastfed one of my babies and pumped for the other because she wouldn’t latch.
How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?
I took 12 weeks off of work, went back to finish the school year and have been home since.