Back to Work: Childcare, Schedules, and Pumping

The End of the World as We Know It: A First-Time Parenting Podcast

There’s a lot about going back to work after maternity leave that is hard. Childcare in particular - especially in the midst of a pandemic! - is a baffling paradox where none of the choices seem even remotely appealing. Do you put your kid in daycare, miss them desperately all day, and hope they somehow don’t get sick? Do you hire a nanny or an au pair who then suddenly becomes a permanent fixture in your household, whether you like it or not? If you’re lucky enough to have family nearby, can you convince a relative to watch your baby full or part time? Should one of you just quit your job?!
This episode was recorded in two parts: one right before Maya went back to work, and the other a few weeks later. Spoiler alert: basically nothing turned out the way we thought it would.