That was my question as I pondered this parenting style and the undeniable fact that I was returning to work. Nonetheless, I was determined to make it work!
As a teacher/educator, I have the benefit of added in breaks to my work schedule. Due to the fact that Harper was born via (emergency) c-section, this afforded me 8 weeks as opposed to 6 weeks of maternity leave. And my maternity leave ended right before Spring break, so I had 9 wonderful uninterrupted weeks with my girl! I was a babywearing, co-sleeping, breastfeeding junkie! And I loved every minute of it! As did Harper. Due to her small size at birth, I definitely wanted to do everything I could to ensure her health and development stayed on track.
Then came the dreaded day that I had to go back to work. I had to make sure everything was in place for my girl and our style. I found a great caregiver. When I started back to work, I came with breast pump in-tow! Fortunately, my position and schedule allowed me to sneak away at leaast twice a day to pump. My body certainly had to adjust to the new schedule. When it was time to pump, boy was I ready!!!
When we got home, it was babywearing and breastfeeding time! This allowed my girl and I to reconnect and allowed us to maintain our bond.
Almost a month after I went back to work, a wonderful thing happended... SUMMER BREAK! Two more months of time with my girl.
Now my high needs baby is a high needs toddler (different blog post for a different day!).
Yes, you can work and practice attachment parenting. Work to achieve the right balance for you and your family. And enjoy the ride!
