Five resources for going back to work

Earlier this week, I posted five tips on how to handle your first day back at work after having a baby. But the first day is just that: one big hurdle to this season of life juggling being a new mom. It may seem like it will never get easier. Some seasons may be harder than others but eventually, you will find your groove.

These are all resources I used when I was preparing to go back to work in August of 2017 after seven weeks of maternity leave. These all have great information and I've been able to build upon the things I learned from other online resources.

Here's even more encouragement for that first nervewracking day back.

Here's the Pinterest board I created while on maternity leave of meals that require almost no hands-on prep time in the kitchen. No need to order expensive takeout or spend your precious moments at home with a baby that's awake cooking dinner! This recipe is one of our favorites in particular and the leftovers go great on a salad the next day!

If you're still going to be nursing and pumping, learning about pace feeding is SO crucial!

Don't forget to pack a pumping bag! One thing I'd add to this great advice is a kitchen towel. I never can manage to unhook myself from the pump without dripping some so I set the towel on my lap to avoid mishaps. I also don't use a dedicated pump bag because at my most recent job, I was able to keep all the supplies I needed in my office and I had my own mini fridge. This will be subject to change when I start my new job this coming week.

A hands-free pumping hack! I've had to use this a few times once when the zipper busted on my hands-free pumping bra. Then, since the Walmart near my office didn't have any replacements, I bought a cheapo strapless bra and cut slits in it. So there's yet another hands-free hack.

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