Galley Gossip: A question about being a mother and a flight attendant

Of course you're going to feel like quitting, we've all been there, but do me a favor and give it at least six months before you make any drastic decisions. I say this because I know many new mothers who wanted to give up their flight attendant careers the year their babies were born, but then, later on, were glad they continued to work. With a job like ours, there's no reason to quit! Remember, the first year is always the hardest.

SUPPORT: If your significant other is supportive and understands your job, you'll be just fine. While my husband is a great guy, he's a hard worker and doesn't always know when to turn it off. Because I live in Los Angeles and work out of New York, he gets frustrated when I'm gone for a week straight. In the beginning, it was my husband who stressed me out the most, not my job. I can't tell you how many times he begged me to quit flying. But I stood firm and reminded him of our second date when I told him I would never quit - EVER! Thankfully my husband has gotten much better when it comes to my job and taking care of our son. It took two years, but he's now handling the situation like a pro.

FAMILY: The hardest part about being a flight attendant and a new mom is worrying about your child when you are away from home. If you know your child is in good hands with people who love him, you'll be more at ease. In my post, A question about being a flight attendant when I have a small child at home, I mentioned that my parents and in-laws have helped me out immensely during reserve months. Without them, I don't know that I'd be able to do my job, not when my husband travels as often as he does for business. While line months are doable, reserve months are killer. While it's hard on my husband and I when I'm working away from home, my two year-old son is just fine.

"Ready to go back to California?" I asked my son as we walked to a nearby park in Queens, New York last week. It was my day off of reserve and my mother-in-law had just dropped him off to stay with me.

"No," he said matter of fact as he held on tight to a big yellow bouncy ball.

"No?" I repeated, reading his face for any signs of distress. "You don't want to go home?"

He smiled. "Not yet." Then he added, "I like New York!"

Me, too!

And there you have it. My son is happy in New York, even though mommy is working. Me, not as happy, not when I'm on reserve for the entire month. But knowing my son is doing just fine makes flying a lot easier on me. While I miss my son greatly when I'm working, my son is getting to know his father and grandparents in a way he wouldn't have if I didn't have my job. So if you've got family nearby who are willing give a helping hand, take the offer and run - er, fly!

DAYCARE - During the months I hold a line, I take my son to a preschool / daycare. He's been going to this facility since my four month maternity leave and six month personal leave of absence came to an end - he was just ten months old. Trust me when I tell you that it was harder on me than it was for him to go to daycare. The key, though, is finding a place that you are comfortable with, a place that you can trust. Because most daycares have waiting lists up to six months long, make sure to start your daycare search as soon as possible. While I still feel a little sad dropping my son off at school, I know he's fine, especially when he says, "I had a fun day at school, mommy!" when I put him the car at the end of the day. At first I would only take my son to daycare when I worked, which was about eight days a month. Now I make sure to take him at least twice a week, even when I'm not working. I don't want each time he goes to daycare to be like his first time. To alleviate stress, I try to be consistent. Even when I want to keep him home with me.

NANNY - While I didn't go the nanny route, I did entertain it. The reason I chose not to use a nanny is because the nanny could get sick and if that happened who would watch my son while I was flying and my husband worked? We do not have family or friends nearby who can step in at the last minute in case of an emergency. However, I do know many flight attendants who use nannies and even a flight attendant who shares a nanny with another flight attendant. They alternate work days. One flight attendant I know placed an ad in the newspaper for a sitter at night and found an elderly woman who ended up working for her until all three children were grown. I know another flight attendant who found help through her church. Just keep your ears open and talk to flight attendants and other mothers around you.

Like I mentioned above, you've got option, options, and more options, it's just a matter of figuring out which combination works best for you. Even if you try them all and still nothing works, at least you gave it a shot. You'll be able to look back with no regrets. Hey, flying is not for everyone, I know that, especially when you've got the most important job in the world - caring for a child.

Hope that helps,

Heather Poole

Have a question? Ask me! Skydoll123@yahoo.com