To All Working CF Moms

[Melly527]

I am 29 w/CF and my husband and I are are about to start 'trying'. Most of the feedback I've gotten from CF Moms are from Moms who are able to stay at home. Unfortunately we are dependent on both of our incomes, so if we do have a baby, I will have to work full-time.

I know that everyone says the hardest part is taking care of the baby after it's born. So I was just looking to hear how life is for working CF Moms?

Thanks!
Mel

 

[Melly527]

I am 29 w/CF and my husband and I are are about to start 'trying'. Most of the feedback I've gotten from CF Moms are from Moms who are able to stay at home. Unfortunately we are dependent on both of our incomes, so if we do have a baby, I will have to work full-time.

I know that everyone says the hardest part is taking care of the baby after it's born. So I was just looking to hear how life is for working CF Moms?

Thanks!
Mel

 

[Melly527]

I am 29 w/CF and my husband and I are are about to start 'trying'. Most of the feedback I've gotten from CF Moms are from Moms who are able to stay at home. Unfortunately we are dependent on both of our incomes, so if we do have a baby, I will have to work full-time.

I know that everyone says the hardest part is taking care of the baby after it's born. So I was just looking to hear how life is for working CF Moms?

Thanks!
Mel

 

[Melly527]

I am 29 w/CF and my husband and I are are about to start 'trying'. Most of the feedback I've gotten from CF Moms are from Moms who are able to stay at home. Unfortunately we are dependent on both of our incomes, so if we do have a baby, I will have to work full-time.

I know that everyone says the hardest part is taking care of the baby after it's born. So I was just looking to hear how life is for working CF Moms?

Thanks!
Mel

 

[Melly527]

I am 29 w/CF and my husband and I are are about to start 'trying'. Most of the feedback I've gotten from CF Moms are from Moms who are able to stay at home. Unfortunately we are dependent on both of our incomes, so if we do have a baby, I will have to work full-time.
<br />
<br />I know that everyone says the hardest part is taking care of the baby after it's born. So I was just looking to hear how life is for working CF Moms?
<br />
<br />Thanks!
<br />Mel

 

[Jeana]

Honestly, the hardest part for me was during my pregnancy, because I got so sick. As for after my son was born, I find having a routine is key. Do not neglect your treatments, even if you are tired.

I'm on summer break right now (I teach), so I'll just tell you my routine for when I'm working. I wake up at 5 am and do my xopenex (albuterol) and Vest. Then, I do my regular get ready for work stuff. Usually, at about 6:20 I feed and change the baby (this alters if he starts crying earlier) and pump to get rid of excess milk. I begin work at 7:15.

I pump at 10:30 during a break in my day and then feed the baby at about 3:00 when I'm home from work. Then, after feeding the baby I do my Pulmozyme and Vest. We eat dinner early and I continue to attend to the baby as needed. At about 8 pm, I get my four-year-old ready for bed and then do my nightly Xopenex treatment and Vest. After that I am in bed.

I find that breastfeeding is easier, since I don't have to really wake up to make a bottle/feed the baby. I would highly advise breastfeeding. I sleep with my baby in bed with me, but I also have a co-sleeper next to my bed if he is hogging too much bed space. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">

Cleaning is where I fall short. I try to clean more on the weekends, but I really rely on my husband to help with this and we still don't keep up. Sometimes we get so behind on laundry that I plan what we will wear for the week and only do that much laundry.

Oh yeah, my husband and I alternate cooking. I know that many recommend making a bunch of meals on the weekend and freezing. I am not all that great of a cook anyway, so I stock up on ready made food, like Stouffer's lasagna, frozen pizza for those days when I just am too exhausted to do anything else.

One last thing, having a lot of friends/family to help out can be a life-saver. PM me if you want with other questions. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Jeana]

Honestly, the hardest part for me was during my pregnancy, because I got so sick. As for after my son was born, I find having a routine is key. Do not neglect your treatments, even if you are tired.

I'm on summer break right now (I teach), so I'll just tell you my routine for when I'm working. I wake up at 5 am and do my xopenex (albuterol) and Vest. Then, I do my regular get ready for work stuff. Usually, at about 6:20 I feed and change the baby (this alters if he starts crying earlier) and pump to get rid of excess milk. I begin work at 7:15.

I pump at 10:30 during a break in my day and then feed the baby at about 3:00 when I'm home from work. Then, after feeding the baby I do my Pulmozyme and Vest. We eat dinner early and I continue to attend to the baby as needed. At about 8 pm, I get my four-year-old ready for bed and then do my nightly Xopenex treatment and Vest. After that I am in bed.

I find that breastfeeding is easier, since I don't have to really wake up to make a bottle/feed the baby. I would highly advise breastfeeding. I sleep with my baby in bed with me, but I also have a co-sleeper next to my bed if he is hogging too much bed space. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">

Cleaning is where I fall short. I try to clean more on the weekends, but I really rely on my husband to help with this and we still don't keep up. Sometimes we get so behind on laundry that I plan what we will wear for the week and only do that much laundry.

Oh yeah, my husband and I alternate cooking. I know that many recommend making a bunch of meals on the weekend and freezing. I am not all that great of a cook anyway, so I stock up on ready made food, like Stouffer's lasagna, frozen pizza for those days when I just am too exhausted to do anything else.

One last thing, having a lot of friends/family to help out can be a life-saver. PM me if you want with other questions. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Jeana]

Honestly, the hardest part for me was during my pregnancy, because I got so sick. As for after my son was born, I find having a routine is key. Do not neglect your treatments, even if you are tired.

I'm on summer break right now (I teach), so I'll just tell you my routine for when I'm working. I wake up at 5 am and do my xopenex (albuterol) and Vest. Then, I do my regular get ready for work stuff. Usually, at about 6:20 I feed and change the baby (this alters if he starts crying earlier) and pump to get rid of excess milk. I begin work at 7:15.

I pump at 10:30 during a break in my day and then feed the baby at about 3:00 when I'm home from work. Then, after feeding the baby I do my Pulmozyme and Vest. We eat dinner early and I continue to attend to the baby as needed. At about 8 pm, I get my four-year-old ready for bed and then do my nightly Xopenex treatment and Vest. After that I am in bed.

I find that breastfeeding is easier, since I don't have to really wake up to make a bottle/feed the baby. I would highly advise breastfeeding. I sleep with my baby in bed with me, but I also have a co-sleeper next to my bed if he is hogging too much bed space. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">

Cleaning is where I fall short. I try to clean more on the weekends, but I really rely on my husband to help with this and we still don't keep up. Sometimes we get so behind on laundry that I plan what we will wear for the week and only do that much laundry.

Oh yeah, my husband and I alternate cooking. I know that many recommend making a bunch of meals on the weekend and freezing. I am not all that great of a cook anyway, so I stock up on ready made food, like Stouffer's lasagna, frozen pizza for those days when I just am too exhausted to do anything else.

One last thing, having a lot of friends/family to help out can be a life-saver. PM me if you want with other questions. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Jeana]

Honestly, the hardest part for me was during my pregnancy, because I got so sick. As for after my son was born, I find having a routine is key. Do not neglect your treatments, even if you are tired.

I'm on summer break right now (I teach), so I'll just tell you my routine for when I'm working. I wake up at 5 am and do my xopenex (albuterol) and Vest. Then, I do my regular get ready for work stuff. Usually, at about 6:20 I feed and change the baby (this alters if he starts crying earlier) and pump to get rid of excess milk. I begin work at 7:15.

I pump at 10:30 during a break in my day and then feed the baby at about 3:00 when I'm home from work. Then, after feeding the baby I do my Pulmozyme and Vest. We eat dinner early and I continue to attend to the baby as needed. At about 8 pm, I get my four-year-old ready for bed and then do my nightly Xopenex treatment and Vest. After that I am in bed.

I find that breastfeeding is easier, since I don't have to really wake up to make a bottle/feed the baby. I would highly advise breastfeeding. I sleep with my baby in bed with me, but I also have a co-sleeper next to my bed if he is hogging too much bed space. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">

Cleaning is where I fall short. I try to clean more on the weekends, but I really rely on my husband to help with this and we still don't keep up. Sometimes we get so behind on laundry that I plan what we will wear for the week and only do that much laundry.

Oh yeah, my husband and I alternate cooking. I know that many recommend making a bunch of meals on the weekend and freezing. I am not all that great of a cook anyway, so I stock up on ready made food, like Stouffer's lasagna, frozen pizza for those days when I just am too exhausted to do anything else.

One last thing, having a lot of friends/family to help out can be a life-saver. PM me if you want with other questions. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Jeana]

Honestly, the hardest part for me was during my pregnancy, because I got so sick. As for after my son was born, I find having a routine is key. Do not neglect your treatments, even if you are tired.
<br />
<br />I'm on summer break right now (I teach), so I'll just tell you my routine for when I'm working. I wake up at 5 am and do my xopenex (albuterol) and Vest. Then, I do my regular get ready for work stuff. Usually, at about 6:20 I feed and change the baby (this alters if he starts crying earlier) and pump to get rid of excess milk. I begin work at 7:15.
<br />
<br />I pump at 10:30 during a break in my day and then feed the baby at about 3:00 when I'm home from work. Then, after feeding the baby I do my Pulmozyme and Vest. We eat dinner early and I continue to attend to the baby as needed. At about 8 pm, I get my four-year-old ready for bed and then do my nightly Xopenex treatment and Vest. After that I am in bed.
<br />
<br />I find that breastfeeding is easier, since I don't have to really wake up to make a bottle/feed the baby. I would highly advise breastfeeding. I sleep with my baby in bed with me, but I also have a co-sleeper next to my bed if he is hogging too much bed space. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />Cleaning is where I fall short. I try to clean more on the weekends, but I really rely on my husband to help with this and we still don't keep up. Sometimes we get so behind on laundry that I plan what we will wear for the week and only do that much laundry.
<br />
<br />Oh yeah, my husband and I alternate cooking. I know that many recommend making a bunch of meals on the weekend and freezing. I am not all that great of a cook anyway, so I stock up on ready made food, like Stouffer's lasagna, frozen pizza for those days when I just am too exhausted to do anything else.
<br />
<br />One last thing, having a lot of friends/family to help out can be a life-saver. PM me if you want with other questions. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[JazzysMom]

I agree that a routine for the baby AND you is key. There will be some rough times, but a routine makes the whole thing a bit easier. Of course a lot is luck on how good of a baby, how prone the baby is to ear infections etc.

My daughter was a great baby. However; one time she had bronchitis & the only place she would sleep was on my chest while I was sitting up. That made for a long couple of days. If she wasnt sleeping she was happy anywhere else, but sleepy time had to be on me or she just wouldnt.

That was the roughest. Ear infections & teething we got through because my husband was able to satisfy her during those times.

That being said.....daycare is another important factor. Many people have passionate views on this. Some think you should stay home no matter what, some think you should get a private sitter & some are for open day care. My daughter went to a lady who had about 10 kids total.

She was less sick there then she was after starting school so it really depends on a few factors. All I know is that its important that you have a good relationship with who will take care of your child. The last thing you want is to worry that your baby isnt in good hands when you drop him/her off.

One thing I do want to bring up which has nothing to do with your ??, but I feel I need to mention it so take it with a grain of salt.....

If/when at some point (whether being a parent takes a toll or CF just progresses) you need to stop working ..if you cant survive without 2 incomes NOW then after a baby it will be that much harder.

Even if you file for disability there is a time frame (unless you get short term or long term disability thru work & even then not 100% sure) that you will have one income!

I worked for 1 1/2 years after having 5 months off after delivery. Now granted that during that 1 1/2 years....6 months I was like a single Mom because my husband took a job many hours away so a lot fell onto my shoulders. I dont know how much of that single parenting style life took a toll......I just know that I got to the point where I couldnt work.

We also lived a 2 income lifestyle, just bought a house & BAM were knocked down to 1 income.

I am getting off track I guess.....

Many Moms have done it with CF, but as my doctor told me if its a challenge for a "healthy" Mom then the challenge will increase as a CF mom!

Any specific ?? give a shout!

 

[JazzysMom]

I agree that a routine for the baby AND you is key. There will be some rough times, but a routine makes the whole thing a bit easier. Of course a lot is luck on how good of a baby, how prone the baby is to ear infections etc.

My daughter was a great baby. However; one time she had bronchitis & the only place she would sleep was on my chest while I was sitting up. That made for a long couple of days. If she wasnt sleeping she was happy anywhere else, but sleepy time had to be on me or she just wouldnt.

That was the roughest. Ear infections & teething we got through because my husband was able to satisfy her during those times.

That being said.....daycare is another important factor. Many people have passionate views on this. Some think you should stay home no matter what, some think you should get a private sitter & some are for open day care. My daughter went to a lady who had about 10 kids total.

She was less sick there then she was after starting school so it really depends on a few factors. All I know is that its important that you have a good relationship with who will take care of your child. The last thing you want is to worry that your baby isnt in good hands when you drop him/her off.

One thing I do want to bring up which has nothing to do with your ??, but I feel I need to mention it so take it with a grain of salt.....

If/when at some point (whether being a parent takes a toll or CF just progresses) you need to stop working ..if you cant survive without 2 incomes NOW then after a baby it will be that much harder.

Even if you file for disability there is a time frame (unless you get short term or long term disability thru work & even then not 100% sure) that you will have one income!

I worked for 1 1/2 years after having 5 months off after delivery. Now granted that during that 1 1/2 years....6 months I was like a single Mom because my husband took a job many hours away so a lot fell onto my shoulders. I dont know how much of that single parenting style life took a toll......I just know that I got to the point where I couldnt work.

We also lived a 2 income lifestyle, just bought a house & BAM were knocked down to 1 income.

I am getting off track I guess.....

Many Moms have done it with CF, but as my doctor told me if its a challenge for a "healthy" Mom then the challenge will increase as a CF mom!

Any specific ?? give a shout!

 

[JazzysMom]

I agree that a routine for the baby AND you is key. There will be some rough times, but a routine makes the whole thing a bit easier. Of course a lot is luck on how good of a baby, how prone the baby is to ear infections etc.

My daughter was a great baby. However; one time she had bronchitis & the only place she would sleep was on my chest while I was sitting up. That made for a long couple of days. If she wasnt sleeping she was happy anywhere else, but sleepy time had to be on me or she just wouldnt.

That was the roughest. Ear infections & teething we got through because my husband was able to satisfy her during those times.

That being said.....daycare is another important factor. Many people have passionate views on this. Some think you should stay home no matter what, some think you should get a private sitter & some are for open day care. My daughter went to a lady who had about 10 kids total.

She was less sick there then she was after starting school so it really depends on a few factors. All I know is that its important that you have a good relationship with who will take care of your child. The last thing you want is to worry that your baby isnt in good hands when you drop him/her off.

One thing I do want to bring up which has nothing to do with your ??, but I feel I need to mention it so take it with a grain of salt.....

If/when at some point (whether being a parent takes a toll or CF just progresses) you need to stop working ..if you cant survive without 2 incomes NOW then after a baby it will be that much harder.

Even if you file for disability there is a time frame (unless you get short term or long term disability thru work & even then not 100% sure) that you will have one income!

I worked for 1 1/2 years after having 5 months off after delivery. Now granted that during that 1 1/2 years....6 months I was like a single Mom because my husband took a job many hours away so a lot fell onto my shoulders. I dont know how much of that single parenting style life took a toll......I just know that I got to the point where I couldnt work.

We also lived a 2 income lifestyle, just bought a house & BAM were knocked down to 1 income.

I am getting off track I guess.....

Many Moms have done it with CF, but as my doctor told me if its a challenge for a "healthy" Mom then the challenge will increase as a CF mom!

Any specific ?? give a shout!

 

[JazzysMom]

I agree that a routine for the baby AND you is key. There will be some rough times, but a routine makes the whole thing a bit easier. Of course a lot is luck on how good of a baby, how prone the baby is to ear infections etc.

My daughter was a great baby. However; one time she had bronchitis & the only place she would sleep was on my chest while I was sitting up. That made for a long couple of days. If she wasnt sleeping she was happy anywhere else, but sleepy time had to be on me or she just wouldnt.

That was the roughest. Ear infections & teething we got through because my husband was able to satisfy her during those times.

That being said.....daycare is another important factor. Many people have passionate views on this. Some think you should stay home no matter what, some think you should get a private sitter & some are for open day care. My daughter went to a lady who had about 10 kids total.

She was less sick there then she was after starting school so it really depends on a few factors. All I know is that its important that you have a good relationship with who will take care of your child. The last thing you want is to worry that your baby isnt in good hands when you drop him/her off.

One thing I do want to bring up which has nothing to do with your ??, but I feel I need to mention it so take it with a grain of salt.....

If/when at some point (whether being a parent takes a toll or CF just progresses) you need to stop working ..if you cant survive without 2 incomes NOW then after a baby it will be that much harder.

Even if you file for disability there is a time frame (unless you get short term or long term disability thru work & even then not 100% sure) that you will have one income!

I worked for 1 1/2 years after having 5 months off after delivery. Now granted that during that 1 1/2 years....6 months I was like a single Mom because my husband took a job many hours away so a lot fell onto my shoulders. I dont know how much of that single parenting style life took a toll......I just know that I got to the point where I couldnt work.

We also lived a 2 income lifestyle, just bought a house & BAM were knocked down to 1 income.

I am getting off track I guess.....

Many Moms have done it with CF, but as my doctor told me if its a challenge for a "healthy" Mom then the challenge will increase as a CF mom!

Any specific ?? give a shout!

 

[JazzysMom]

I agree that a routine for the baby AND you is key. There will be some rough times, but a routine makes the whole thing a bit easier. Of course a lot is luck on how good of a baby, how prone the baby is to ear infections etc.
<br />
<br />My daughter was a great baby. However; one time she had bronchitis & the only place she would sleep was on my chest while I was sitting up. That made for a long couple of days. If she wasnt sleeping she was happy anywhere else, but sleepy time had to be on me or she just wouldnt.
<br />
<br />That was the roughest. Ear infections & teething we got through because my husband was able to satisfy her during those times.
<br />
<br />That being said.....daycare is another important factor. Many people have passionate views on this. Some think you should stay home no matter what, some think you should get a private sitter & some are for open day care. My daughter went to a lady who had about 10 kids total.
<br />
<br />She was less sick there then she was after starting school so it really depends on a few factors. All I know is that its important that you have a good relationship with who will take care of your child. The last thing you want is to worry that your baby isnt in good hands when you drop him/her off.
<br />
<br />One thing I do want to bring up which has nothing to do with your ??, but I feel I need to mention it so take it with a grain of salt.....
<br />
<br />If/when at some point (whether being a parent takes a toll or CF just progresses) you need to stop working ..if you cant survive without 2 incomes NOW then after a baby it will be that much harder.
<br />
<br /> Even if you file for disability there is a time frame (unless you get short term or long term disability thru work & even then not 100% sure) that you will have one income!
<br />
<br />I worked for 1 1/2 years after having 5 months off after delivery. Now granted that during that 1 1/2 years....6 months I was like a single Mom because my husband took a job many hours away so a lot fell onto my shoulders. I dont know how much of that single parenting style life took a toll......I just know that I got to the point where I couldnt work.
<br />
<br />We also lived a 2 income lifestyle, just bought a house & BAM were knocked down to 1 income.
<br />
<br />I am getting off track I guess.....
<br />
<br />Many Moms have done it with CF, but as my doctor told me if its a challenge for a "healthy" Mom then the challenge will increase as a CF mom!
<br />
<br />Any specific ?? give a shout!

 

[mom2lillian]

it is hard, no fooling and as far as the 'cf' world goes I have a pretty easy go of things. I would highly encourage you to check out daveramsey.com to see if you can start working on your finances now so that in the future when you do need to go part time or no time you wont be in a heap of trouble. We should all keep in mind its not a matter of if we ahve to stop its when. ANyways that is my piece on that...

now as to scheduling oy vey!

4:30 wake/treatments
5:30-6:30 gym
6:30-7:10 getting ready with DH and DD (yes its a rush!!)
8:00 work
4:00 TOBI @ desk
4:30 leave work
5:15ish arrive home with DH and DD (we carpool)
dinner, play time, what have you,
8:00-8:30 HTS/vest
rest of the evening rushing around to pack lunches and get ready to do it all again!

DH and I are working on our finances right now, we will be debt free in a year at which point we plan on having #2 and me going to 20 hours/week.

 

[mom2lillian]

it is hard, no fooling and as far as the 'cf' world goes I have a pretty easy go of things. I would highly encourage you to check out daveramsey.com to see if you can start working on your finances now so that in the future when you do need to go part time or no time you wont be in a heap of trouble. We should all keep in mind its not a matter of if we ahve to stop its when. ANyways that is my piece on that...

now as to scheduling oy vey!

4:30 wake/treatments
5:30-6:30 gym
6:30-7:10 getting ready with DH and DD (yes its a rush!!)
8:00 work
4:00 TOBI @ desk
4:30 leave work
5:15ish arrive home with DH and DD (we carpool)
dinner, play time, what have you,
8:00-8:30 HTS/vest
rest of the evening rushing around to pack lunches and get ready to do it all again!

DH and I are working on our finances right now, we will be debt free in a year at which point we plan on having #2 and me going to 20 hours/week.

 

[mom2lillian]

it is hard, no fooling and as far as the 'cf' world goes I have a pretty easy go of things. I would highly encourage you to check out daveramsey.com to see if you can start working on your finances now so that in the future when you do need to go part time or no time you wont be in a heap of trouble. We should all keep in mind its not a matter of if we ahve to stop its when. ANyways that is my piece on that...

now as to scheduling oy vey!

4:30 wake/treatments
5:30-6:30 gym
6:30-7:10 getting ready with DH and DD (yes its a rush!!)
8:00 work
4:00 TOBI @ desk
4:30 leave work
5:15ish arrive home with DH and DD (we carpool)
dinner, play time, what have you,
8:00-8:30 HTS/vest
rest of the evening rushing around to pack lunches and get ready to do it all again!

DH and I are working on our finances right now, we will be debt free in a year at which point we plan on having #2 and me going to 20 hours/week.

 

[mom2lillian]

it is hard, no fooling and as far as the 'cf' world goes I have a pretty easy go of things. I would highly encourage you to check out daveramsey.com to see if you can start working on your finances now so that in the future when you do need to go part time or no time you wont be in a heap of trouble. We should all keep in mind its not a matter of if we ahve to stop its when. ANyways that is my piece on that...

now as to scheduling oy vey!

4:30 wake/treatments
5:30-6:30 gym
6:30-7:10 getting ready with DH and DD (yes its a rush!!)
8:00 work
4:00 TOBI @ desk
4:30 leave work
5:15ish arrive home with DH and DD (we carpool)
dinner, play time, what have you,
8:00-8:30 HTS/vest
rest of the evening rushing around to pack lunches and get ready to do it all again!

DH and I are working on our finances right now, we will be debt free in a year at which point we plan on having #2 and me going to 20 hours/week.

 

[mom2lillian]

it is hard, no fooling and as far as the 'cf' world goes I have a pretty easy go of things. I would highly encourage you to check out daveramsey.com to see if you can start working on your finances now so that in the future when you do need to go part time or no time you wont be in a heap of trouble. We should all keep in mind its not a matter of if we ahve to stop its when. ANyways that is my piece on that...
<br />
<br />now as to scheduling oy vey!
<br />
<br />4:30 wake/treatments
<br />5:30-6:30 gym
<br />6:30-7:10 getting ready with DH and DD (yes its a rush!!)
<br />8:00 work
<br />4:00 TOBI @ desk
<br />4:30 leave work
<br />5:15ish arrive home with DH and DD (we carpool)
<br />dinner, play time, what have you,
<br />8:00-8:30 HTS/vest
<br />rest of the evening rushing around to pack lunches and get ready to do it all again!
<br />
<br />DH and I are working on our finances right now, we will be debt free in a year at which point we plan on having #2 and me going to 20 hours/week.