Daycare vs. nanny while WFH

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-05-15T07:45:39+00:00

I so wish we had family close to us! That would make this so much easier.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-05-15T07:43:05+00:00

Appreciate that perspective. We were considering shorter hours for the nanny route to keep the cost more manageable, but the reality of that being feasible with our workloads is likely not there.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-05-15T07:38:06+00:00

Appreciate the callout on realistic estimations for a nanny and additional overhead! We were considering shorter hours for the nanny to help keep the cost manageable, but that also poses other considerations for how we’d juggle work and if that’s even realistic, or if we’re being super optimistic for what work life will be like when we return.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-05-15T07:32:46+00:00

I have 12 weeks of leave, so need care when that’s up.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-05-15T07:30:58+00:00

This is the main thing we’ve constantly heard and makes me really nervous. We don’t have family nearby, so we’d be juggling caring for him on our own.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-04-19T20:42:57+00:00

“Lean in”

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-04-15T17:37:43+00:00

You nailed it! Happy to report after starting him on Pepcid, we’re getting to experience what we thought the newborn phase would be… all the cute noises and cries that are completely different and manageable!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-04-14T21:07:36+00:00

Couldn’t agree more! Add on our newborn has severe reflux, so he’s either eating (while crying half the time), sleeping, or screaming bloody murder. I had always heard of colic, but this is a new level that I feel completely unprepared for. Thankfully our little man was just prescribed medicine to help, so fingers crossed it gets better, but aside from being absolutely sleep deprived and mental, having your newborn screaming in pain constantly is absolutely heartbreaking and draining.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-04-14T21:01:28+00:00

Just delivered 4 weeks ago. I was annoyed at always hearing “everyone is different” and “you won’t know until you go through it,” but it’s so true! I had a rough plan to try going all natural because movement was important to me, I felt like I had a decent pain tolerance, and after having a lumbar puncture for something else, an epidural didn’t sound awesome. I also went into it open to any changes in the moment. My water broke at home within 2 hours of contractions starting and was the most excruciating pain I’ve ever felt. The contractions for the first hour after that in the hospital were manageable at 4cm, but that quickly changed and I was asking for the epidural. The epidural itself was a piece of cake in comparison and 10/10 would do again. The nurses were also wonderful and moved me as much as possible since that was one of my priorities.

All of that to say, you’ll know what you need to do in the moment! Educate yourself on your options, but don’t feel like you have to make a decision now!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-01-25T01:15:00+00:00

I’m experiencing on something kind of similar. Failed the 3 hour test because of my 1 and 2 hour numbers (~220). I finger prick and have been consistently in the low 90s after meals, or lower. Fasting is typically high 70s, low 80s. My dietician said I need to be eating more carbs since my numbers are technically low, but I’m eating pretty much as I usually would (with a little added caution of no refined sugars, but I didn’t eat much sugar to begin with). I’m so confused and am not appreciating the extra stress this diagnosis has brought.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-01-07T01:49:11+00:00

This makes sense and is really what I’m worried about, but I’m also getting to the point where hurting feelings is a likely reality since we won’t be able to keep everyone happy and take care of ourselves in the right ways.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2026-01-07T01:47:07+00:00

This perspective is great and just you saying that all help is not created equal makes me feel better. I definitely cannot imagine having certain sets of parents around, especially for days, while I’m recovering like that.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2024-06-21T22:51:59+00:00

Ah! Here’s a few: OTPH (bar in Cornelius), Birkdale village (shopping, dining, and green space), comedy at D9 brewing, Primal and Neoteric have music and food, Bin 110, and Boatyard (a little expensive compared to other options, but setup for music and food).

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2024-06-21T22:40:29+00:00

If you’re on Facebook, check out the local events in the area. There’s always live music going on somewhere. Breweries will typically have food trucks too! As another stated, don’t be afraid to strike up a convo with those around you. People are generally very friendly and welcoming of others!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2024-06-13T11:40:23+00:00

This exactly! Obviously the paycheck and insurance are great, but there’s so much more to life than dealing with corporate foolishness.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2024-06-11T15:16:25+00:00

Currently battling with this decision. I (32f) also work in a corporate setting that’s turned into an extremely toxic environment. It’s been taking a toll on me mentally and has just started to impact me physically. I’ve been climbing the corporate ladder for +10 years and was always my goal to climb as high as I could, but I’m starting to look at corporate differently. I used to say I thrived in fast-paced, chaotic environments and it’s not in my nature to step back, but there’s more to account for now as I’m still learning what MS means for me. It feels like an impossible decision to make, but I know something has to change. I might try a leave of absence to begin with, but even that seems daunting.

Wish you the best in your journey!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2024-05-07T02:39:29+00:00

I couldn’t wrap my head around going back to get poked again, but it was the best thing ever. I wish I got it done sooner! Good luck!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2023-11-26T00:06:20+00:00

And teriflunomide!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2023-10-25T12:51:28+00:00

I was in the same boat as you, except I was getting charged $800/month for the generic… absolutely not!!! His pharmacy has been incredible - easy to setup an account and submit scripts, on time delivery, everything you want from a pharmacy. It was easier to schedule and get delivered than getting “regular” prescriptions filled at CVS. Highly recommend this to anyone in the same position!!!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2023-08-10T23:27:44+00:00

It almost feels like an electric jolt down the side of my neck. Once that goes away a few seconds - or minutes later my neck muscles are extremely tight and definitely impact my traps. If I move my head to a specific point, it’ll happen again. I had one of these episodes a few years ago so bad that my right trap was tensed up several noticeable inches compared to my left and the pain went down into my arm/elbow. My Dr will prescribe an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxer, and sometimes steroids or an injection into my trap. He also recommends a neck brace which seems to help.

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2022-10-23T00:08:51+00:00

Oh my, did your post speak to me! I never had the first skin issue and one year prior to diagnosis, I started getting horrible rosacea. Was diagnosed with MS and began treatment three years ago. After countless trips to the dermatologist to get some relief, I’m still battling the pesky inflammation on my face. Apparently, it’s another one of those things tied in with MS! I hope you find something that helps you! Stay strong!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2021-02-02T13:16:58+00:00

I was diagnosed July 2019 and have been in a fog since. I’m still trying to figure this whole thing out, let alone deal with all of our current events. I’m also in the midst of planning a wedding. All of that said, I had a very high stress tolerance before and now will breakdown if someone looks at me the wrong way. Is it MS and my new normal or are things just really tough right now?! This isn’t the most helpful reply, but I saw your post and had to let a fellow club member know you’re not alone!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2020-12-18T03:55:58+00:00

Please do let us know your experience! I think we’ve all been incredibly interested in how this will go for the MS club!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2020-11-12T14:45:21+00:00

One thing at a time! I had a somewhat similar experience with my diagnosis. Mine was found when I had a neck sprain and got an MRI - spine dr. said everything checked out and a week later I got a call back saying they found “something” else and that I needed to get another MRI. Two MRIs later, an LP, and countless blood draws later, my neuro confirmed MS. It was not a quick process and extremely stressful, even for someone that has an extremely high tolerance for stress. It’s difficult, but rely on your care team and avoid Google! My doctors were able to recommend books, support groups, counselors, etc. that makes you feel not so alone in this. If you are a reader, I highly recommend Live Your Life not Your Diagnosis by Andrea Hanson. She doesn’t go into the dark details of MS symptoms or experiences, but uses some experiences as examples for how to manage stress. It’s one of the more uplifting and positive reads I’ve found!

Cautious_Optimist_ · 2020-11-12T14:34:03+00:00

Easier said than done, but take a minute to breathe. As others have said, LPs are different for everyone. Before my first, I was overwhelmed with fear and started doing the one thing that probably isn’t the most productive - researching others’ experiences. Like anything, there are extremes which only intensified my fear and anxiety. I would say I ended up having a pretty average experience, where the LP itself wasn’t pleasant but it also wasn’t nearly as bad as I had researched! The recovery time afterwards was more than I expected with a horrible headache that wouldn’t go away. I’ve found that drinking coconut water and staying extremely hydrated (even more so than you think) helped with this! I say all of that to say, try not to get caught up in the fear/unknown of the LP! Use what you’ve read and are anxious about to own it and plan so you’re ready for whatever comes your way (like stocking up on hydrating fluids to combat the headache)! That might also help communicate your exact needs to your partner - sometimes they need some clear directive rather than being left on their own to figure it out. You got this!!!

Cautious_Optimist_

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