How to survive going back to work after maternity leave?
Lilly asked:
I used to love my job, but I just had my baby in June, and I feel awful going back to work (I have two more weeks of maternity leave left). My mom will be taking care of my baby boy while I am at work, so at least I don’t need to worry about leaving him with a stranger. Unfortunatelly, staying at home longer is not an option for me. I feel guilty, sad, and I cry every day. How can I make it easier both for my baby and for myself?
Don
I used to love my job, but I just had my baby in June, and I feel awful going back to work (I have two more weeks of maternity leave left). My mom will be taking care of my baby boy while I am at work, so at least I don’t need to worry about leaving him with a stranger. Unfortunatelly, staying at home longer is not an option for me. I feel guilty, sad, and I cry every day. How can I make it easier both for my baby and for myself?
Don
Tags: Job, Maternity Leave, Stranger
September 6th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
It is very difficult to do, but you have to do it. Usually only the first day back is hard. Keep yourself busy at work, and you should be fine.
September 9th, 2008 at 4:18 am
wow. its like reading my story…only my son is now seven months old.
my husband is in iraq and so when i had to return to work full time i knew that it was going to be really hard. some days i feel like my mom gets more quality time with him than i do (i work nights)
i won’t lie to you. i still have ups and downs with it. it isn’t easy. but he knows i am mom. he loves me and lights up when i walk in the room. you will probably continue to feel guilty at times…i feel most guilty when on a day off i ask my mom to watch him for a little bit so i can actually get out for a day. but as you get into a routine it gets easier.
sometimes i still get frusterated and angry that i can’t just be home with him all the time….
just remember that your son will always know you are his mom. if you ever need to vent to a TOTALLY understanding ear. feel free to get in touch.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:50 am
I think you should concentrate on your luck that you have your mom there to help you. If I did, I would feel ok with leaving my 10-month old with her. Instead I stay home watching the Doodlebops and Elmo all day long, which I love but has it’s downside too!
My friend had to go back to work and she leaves her baby with a sitter who leaves the kid in a car seat all day. At least you have someone who you know loves him and will take great care of him. It might make the transition easier if you go back for half-days first before you work a whole straight 8 hour work day.
Good luck!
September 14th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
1st of all you’ve got 80% of your problem fixed.
Also you have a Beautifull reason to go home after work.
(Your mom will be watching your baby)
Yes, its going to be hard to leave your baby when you start back to work. He’ll be on your mind the entire day.
But, little by little it will get eaiser to go to work each day.
I’m sure your co-workes will want you to bring Pic’s.
You now have NEW MOMS Bragging rights
September 16th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Awww sweetheart, you and the baby will be fine…smile That’s called separation anxiety, also woman are still pretty emotional after having a baby and let’s be honest, who wants to go back to work anyway! I have been on vacation for two weeks and go back Monday and I’m dreading it, but like you, staying home is not an option of me either..smile But don’t feel guilty, your baby is going to be with grand mom and he’ll be just fine…smile He knows who mommy is and yeah, you hate to feel that your leaving those little sweetie pies but you’ll be home after five and you can see him then. Everything will be fine, don’t worry…smile If your still feeling a little funny see your doctor, like i said, the body can be a little emotional after birth so that’s normal..also, visit. There is alot of information on there. I wish you all the luck..take care…smile
September 20th, 2008 at 1:45 am
Take baby steps… Have you let your Mum look after bubs when you are not around yet? if not do it now, just an hour one day, a couple of hours another day and so on, so you can both get used to being apart (go shopping always a good pick me up although you’ll find yourself buying something for bubs). Leave 1/2 hour before you need to on your first day so you can have a big cry and still be able to pull yourself together before you go to work. Once you get going you’ll be amazed at how good it is to talk to others about adult stuff not just goo goo and gah gahs. It does get easier and I will pre-warn you that your baby will know whats going on and when you get home maybe a little standoffish at first but then will give you the best cuddles you’ve ever had. Goodluck.
September 21st, 2008 at 10:30 am
Bring a pictures of her to work. Stick it on your monitor frame. Say “i love you” to your baby every single time before you go out. Be Strong! you are not alone!