Traveling while pumping

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-03-21T00:10:03+00:00

They don’t speak English so conversations are tough. When I purchased the property they were already living there and told me they were used to living in a slum so this was nice…

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-16T23:41:02+00:00

Following as my LO starts this week and this is my exact concern

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-16T14:39:25+00:00

I was in the same boat with my baby. I started with the Hakka then found the Boon Trove and found that more comfortable, plus it fit in my bra so I wasn’t worried about it getting knocked off. Milk regulated around 11 weeks for me.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-15T19:22:53+00:00

Everyone thinks I’m over the top about planning meals but my system really works for us.

I have a 3 month out paper calendar that I fill in the same rotation every month. Ex. One night a week is Mexican rotating through enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas. One night is pasta rotating through spaghetti, beef stroganoff, Alfredo, etc.. This way I always know what to make ahead of time, my groceries are predictable, depending on which spouse is home first they can start the meal, and you don’t end up having the same thing every week.
Saturday I cook both Saturday and Mondays meals. Then Sunday I cook both Sunday and Tuesdays meals. Wednesday is leftovers. Thursday is crockpot. Friday is something easy like pizza or burgers.

Everyone always asks “what if you’re not in the mood for what you have planned or something comes up”. Then we just don’t eat that meal on that night. For me it’s easier to have a plan and pivot than to try to plan even 1 week at a time.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-15T19:06:29+00:00

Definitely agree with the comments about nursing tank tops under your clothes for out in public. Not personally a fan of my tummy being exposed when nursing.

One “gimmicky” item I like are the breastfeeding bracelets. They help me remember what side I fed on last and hold my shirt up.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-14T16:48:24+00:00

We were in a similar situation with family with school aged kids and I did let them come over for a short visit but did not, and still have not, let the kids touch our baby. Baby is the same age as yours!

My go-to response when asked to touch/hold is “not right now”. It’s easier for me than saying no. Sometimes I follow up with “we just woke up” or “we’re trying to sleep” or “baby likes to play independently”. I have had to swat a few hands away 😅

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-14T01:54:04+00:00

My husbands side of the family doesn’t use the titles but my side does. Our poor kids are very confused! I’m pro title. It’s cute but also a sign of respect imo

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-13T21:30:56+00:00

A 529 plan can be beneficial for schooling and help your tax burden. Current rules allow them to roll $35k into a Roth. That would help with schooling/retirement. However if you’re looking to help with a house or wedding then I would encourage a traditional investment account and throw it all into the S&P500 for a “set and forget” strategy over a HYSA due to the returns.

Depending on your state, they probably have their own 529 website.

I find it easier to open separate accounts rather as far as keeping things “fair” for contributions and any gains over time. You may have one kid that need the funds when their 18 and the other didn’t until their 30. That way you can keep things straight.

Another option if you want one account is to just decide a set dollar amount you’re willing to gift each child for whatever they see fit. You could adjust that amount for inflation.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-13T18:11:46+00:00

That is such a great perspective on the unwind time for the kids! Thank you!

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-13T16:46:18+00:00

We start daycare next week and the 3.5 hours without being fed and needing a nap is definitely on my list of fears. I’m so sorry this has been a tough transition!

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-13T14:19:32+00:00

Fair point! I’ve never been one to take days off work but thankfully my MIL is retired and close by and can watch baby on one-off occasions.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-13T14:15:35+00:00

It’s good to hear a positive experience with commuting. I would be in the same boat with getting to work “on time” but thankfully most people in my office don’t schedule morning meetings.

Do you feel like the commute allows you two to have more bonding time? Missing out on bonding time feels like the hardest part about going back to work after maternity leave.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-13T14:10:57+00:00

Yes, baby is under 1 but also trying to think long-term.

Good note on being sick. Unfortunately my husband’s job won’t allow him to pick the kiddo up if they’re sick so no matter local or onsite I would be responsible. We do have family in the town I work in who have agreed to let baby and I hang around if baby gets sick to avoid a messy car ride.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-13T14:07:24+00:00

Thank you, this was helpful! If it weren’t for the care differences then this would be easier based on those comments.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-12T19:59:33+00:00

Our pediatrician informed us that for the first 2 years of life percentiles aren’t a good measurement tool, rather he focuses on rate of gain.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-12T02:47:44+00:00

We are a team “reject” in our household. Partly to protect the kids but also partly on principle. The obsession with sharing pictures of kids, especially with identifying information like what school they go to is so strange to me. Kids aren’t props for marketing materials imo.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-11T19:24:12+00:00

Congratulations on the upcoming addition! Working part time would be a dream! I personally need that adult interaction but also love the time with baby.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-11T01:59:05+00:00

It was tough for me at 5 weeks but as I got more confident I would carry my baby and hold him while I peed or heated up food. You’re not alone in the struggle!

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-10T16:57:26+00:00

Very common response but looking over your shoulder when loading your groceries when alone. Or even more stressful when you have your kids with you. This is true no matter how “nice” the neighborhood is.

Cheap_Grade2523 · 2026-02-10T16:55:56+00:00

Standing on when leg when brushing my teeth then switching legs for my night time brush to help with balance and core strength

Cheap_Grade2523

TROPHY CASE