Back at work on Monday, having been off since the end of March, found a childminder who I am happy with and had a reasonable 1st settling in session. Ds had a great time playing with the other child, though pleased to see me again and happy to go again tomorrow for 4 hours this time. Dd got very upset, as I knew she would, as the only time I've left her before is when she has been asleep. Well she is still bf on demand.
The one nice thing that has happened today is got a reply from my boss (temporary boss as my boss is now on Maternity leave as well) who I spoke to yesterday about where I could express milk as follows:
"I've spoken to personnel and they have suggested the first aid room. they are going to speak to reception to let them know that you will be requesting the keys when you want to use the room. It will not be possible to use it on the 9th up to about 1pm as there are flu jabs being done in there, there is however a large disabled toilet (not the most hygienic place I know) if you are ready to explode !"
Perhaps I should also say temporary boss also female, with a 20 month dd (bf for 9 months)
So they may be S**y employers most of the time but they win hands down on family friendly policies. I have been on a 4-day week since ds was born (before they had to let me do it). They are always fine about childcare emergencies both for me and others. A good example is when Ken's daughter sick (asthmatic, so more frequent than usual) Ken would work long half days and his wife would be working for the other half of the day so someone always at home. Also when boss comes back she is coming back on a 4-day week as is hubby, who works for the same dept, so only using childcare Tues-Thurs. This is also in a dept that traditionally male-dominated.
Trying desperately to be positive about going back, please encourage me.
Sorry the post got so long