first pregnancy on AD

[Anonymous]

Hi, I've been AD for 4 years now. My civilian husband and I are getting ready to try for our first baby. Anyone else here had a child on AD? I don't have to worry about deployments with my AFSC, but I do work in a 24-hour ops environment with rotating shifts (which should make childcare interesting with my husband also working). Any tips or personal experinces (especially with having a first child in the military) are much appreciated!

dietcherrycoke80@yahoo.com

[Anonymous]

Finding the day care will be tough if you are changing shifts like that. Unless you use family. Is that really good for the child? Basically, your day care provider will be your childs mom. Do you want that? I don't know what to tell you. I had two children while active duty and it was tough. I always felt guilty and going through so many different day care facilities was not easy. To this day I feel guilty even though they are in their teens and I am retired. Good Luck.

Just make sure you check out your day care options and check references. What else can you do?


:
: Hi, I've been AD for 4 years now. My civilian husband and I are getting ready
: to try for our first baby. Anyone else here had a child on AD? I don't
: have to worry about deployments with my AFSC, but I do work in a 24-hour
: ops environment with rotating shifts (which should make childcare
: interesting with my husband also working). Any tips or personal experinces
: (especially with having a first child in the military) are much
: appreciated!

[Anonymous]

:I had a baby while I was on AD. It's hard, but manageable. You say your husband is civilian; what hours does he work? Will he be able to stay at home with the baby if you work an odd shift? Also, check with the base CDC. They are only open certain hours through the week, but they usually have a list of registered family care providers on base. Usually someone specializes in caring for children whose parents work swings or mids. Ask around your shop and seek out other AD parents. They should be able to offer you some suggestions. If you are stationed near a larger town or city, check the off base daycare centers, too. A lot of them are starting to be open 24/7. Welcome to the wonderful world of parenthood!


Hi, I've been AD for 4 years now. My civilian husband and I are getting ready
: to try for our first baby. Anyone else here had a child on AD? I don't
: have to worry about deployments with my AFSC, but I do work in a 24-hour
: ops environment with rotating shifts (which should make childcare
: interesting with my husband also working). Any tips or personal experinces
: (especially with having a first child in the military) are much
: appreciated!

miertsch@min.midco.net

[Anonymous]

It is hard, but don't feel guilty about it!! We have some of the best (cheapest) daycare available! My sister pays $1000 for part-time day care. I only pay $500 for full time. I say don't feel guilty because you can do both. If you make the most of your time when you are with your children than they will be able to adapt easily. Daycare also gives them the opportunity to socialize with other children and adults. Props to stay at home moms, but I could never do it!! I think I go crazy!!! I love my little girl and my job!!!