#mombassadorchat Moms, Today's chat is with @jordyn_beth on: Finding your Balance as a Working Mom

@jordyn_beth Do you and your fiance work/go to school similar shifts, or opposites? My daughter is 2 and we are expecting another in July, but I feel like working different shifts isn't really working for us.

@mommy.to.sterling, my me time is either when I’m driving or right after bedtime before I start my homework. When I’m driving, I listen to podcasts (check out coffee and crumbs, it’s an awesome one about motherhood). After bedtime, I sit down and think about the day and just do absolutely nothing. I also get up super early and workout at least 3 times a week!

@wheelercharle4, we generally have the same shifts, so my son is in daycare. I’m lucky enough to have my daycare expenses covered by my job! I also have a discounted rate for being a student (it’s a daycare through my university). Different shifts can be hard. Yes you’re saving money, but then you end up never seeing your SO😞 I hope you guys find a solution!

@mama_kat89, I forgot to add you to my comment above 😞

@jordyn_beth. What are you supposed to do if you're so tired all the time that you can literally only do the things that absolutely have to get done? I already feel that way and already feel like I'm losing who I am bc I don't have energy for my hobbies and interests. How does one acquire the SuperMom gene?

@jordyn_beth Daycare would be lovely lol we live in a very small town and both daycares are generally full. I'm for sure on that waiting list, though!! Thanks for your response.

Going back to work next week and afraid. Any suggestions on how to over come anxiety of leaving the baby?

@seanvna, I asked for pictures constantly! I even called on especially hard days. If your work is okay with it, work your way back to full time! I did that so I could get used to leaving and getting used to the routine of going to work and daycare drop off. Are you nursing? If so, I have some pumping advice too!

@jordyn_beth, I’m having a hard time finding that balance. I just recently started college full time and I work and am a mom of three. I’m struggling with super bad exhaustion where it’s hard to keep myself motivated to stay up and get everything done. I can’t really make much of a schedule since I work a schedule that isn’t solid and varies a lot, school work all is due certain days which I get it done but it’s always a time crunch because I only get so much time and help to actually focus on my school work. My SO works 2pm-10pm Monday through Friday and I work in the early mornings (7am-2/2:15 but there may be days that I’m sent home early) and we only have 1 vehicle which means I have to pick him up from work at night. That takes an hour out of my night to do any real of anything. I’m thinking about switching to an overnight job but that in itself will bring challenges. Advice?

@mamaofzuri, honestly, I don’t 😅

When I am able to clean, it’s usually on the weekends. During the week, I set 20 minute timers and try to get as much done during that time. I clean the bathroom during bath time! I fold my laundry while my son plays

@mama_kat89, I hope you find something soon!! What are you looking into?

@wheelercharle4, of course 💜 hopefully a spot opens soon! Do you have any relatives that would be able to? Or at home daycares?

@mama_kat89, unfortunately it’s usually not the case with me 😭

@jordyn_beth, yes. I am. Also trying to save some breast milk for baby

@seanvna, get a haaka! They collect milk on the side you aren’t nursing on. Super helpful 🙌🏻

Set reminders to pump and never skip a session.

Keep extra parts at work or in your car.

Know your rights as a pumping mom and speak your mind.

Let me know if you have any questions or want to talk 😊

@jordyn_beth I will be returning to work full time in 3 weeks. I currently nurse. Any advise for pumping at work ? I pump now but only have only been doing about 8oz a day to start a stash.

@jordyn_beth just saw your above comment 😊

@jordyn_beth, are you able to have healthy sleeping habits juggling all your responsibilities? I feel I cannot get anything done while my daughter is awake and end up pulling all-nighters. It’s exhausting

@brihopson, ugh this could be a post on its own! I pumped for 11 months and have been nursing for 17 months so far. Let me know if you have any other questions!

@jordyn_beth do you have any information on work from home jobs for moms?

@scoons637, I have to plan out every minute of the day. Every free moment is dedicated to school so I don’t have to stay up super late. I’d look at each day and see where you can squeeze in work. When I have a lot to do, I will get out a toy my son hasn’t played with in awhile or a new toy so he stays busy longer. I hope this helps! I get how stressful it is

@jordyn_beth, thank you! It is hard, my daughter is 1 and is a straight mommy’s girl so wants to have my full attention and snuggles most of the day; if she wasn’t so clingy it would be much easier to do my school work

I have done all. Working mom, sahm, and currently venturing into the wahm world. I'm finding this to be the most difficult transition.

@jordyn_beth, what tips do you have for keeping up with household chores on top of everything else?

Hey @jordyn_beth, do you have a favorite planner? I’ve used Erin Condren for years but am considering a switch to May Designs!!

@erinflaherty818, the planner is a great idea

@briannaalycia, I’ve tried the electronic method with Google calendar and text alerts, but I need pretty pens and paper.

@erinflaherty818, I think the pens and paper would do great for me I struggle with the electronic version🤦🏾‍♀️

@briannaalycia, May Designs are SO much cheaper than Erin Condren and they have tons of designs to select from. Being a teacher, I need two...One for my personal life year January-December and one for my professional year August-June 🤣🤣🤣

@erinflaherty818, 😂😂

@bitchcraft going from work mode to mommy mode is difficult for me. Each day it's like there is no transition time. It's hard to explain. Like when you work, you have the drive home to change modes. Lol but when you work from home, you don't have that....im definitely missing that.....

@bitchcraft un-accomplished is how I end the days feeling. I keep telling myself i will figure it out. Trying to stay postive so I don't give up.

Ok so im a working mom . i work 9 hour shifts 5 days a week 7:30-4:30 at a pre school i pump once a day for a one year old little girl named Neosha.And then home school my 4 year old after school So my question is how do i balance my life when i get off im so exhausted and latly even more exhausted than usual ( i might be pregnant im scared to take the test i dont need any more kids). All i want is to spend more time with my kids. And have more time to help my son with his learning and all in the same have play time with them as well... Desparte mama in need of help

@jordyn_beth we both come from very small families, so it's hard to find someone to watch children. Neither of mine or my husband's parents are alive, his siblings are older and not trustworthy, my brother passed away. My grandparents on my father's side are living but not in great health (they already keep her quite a bit so he can sleep) and his grandmother is in her 80s and we just don't think she could keep up with our daughter lol. We are in a tough situation.

@jordyn_beth, my son is almost 6 months old. Any suggestions on sleep tips? My son can’t fall asleep or stay asleep if he isn’t on the boob so I end up in bed with him at 7PM after working all day which means nothing is getting done around the house and my husband isnt getting much attention lol

@erinflaherty818, I get a cheap one from Walmart that is hourly 😂 I’m so hard on my planners, and so far it’s the best one I’ve had. It breaks the hour up in 4ths so I can say “at 8:15, drop Bradley off” or something like that

@bitchcraft, definitely take advantage of when baby is sleeping! Baby is still pretty small, so I know it’s hard to find independent activities that don’t feel like you’re just sitting him in front of something. If he will chill for a little bit with a toy or in a bouncer, take advantage of it! Independent play is definitely a good thing and it will allow you to get some work done 😊

I’m a working mom of five. I also went back and got my masters degree. It was very hard but doable with good support from my husband. He took over a lot of the daily chores and that allowed me to concentrate on school. Having a supportive equal partner is vital when both parents work.

@pettybetty, I struggle with that too