help me feel less guilty :(

[GingerCuddleMonster]

Looks like I'm going to have to return to work in December and baby will only be 3 and a half months old .

I feel so guilty, like I'm abandoning him. he's still so tiny but keeping the roof over our heads and food on the table is understandably more important. I just can't shake the guilt.

has anyone else returned to work round about the 4month mark??

[Dynasty1989]

Don't feel bad remember you are doing this for your baby, he won't remember the day you went back to work!

[skaen]

My mum did and so did most people 10+ years ago. I'm not scarred by it! Good luck

[moraf2]

Please don't feel bad. I had to do the same. I was thankfully and gratefully able to spend my time off with him.I had to let the cleaning take second place as I treasured our time together more. Enjoy!

[LinesThatICouldntChange]

Yes, it's what we all did 20 or so years ago when maternity leave was much shorter. I'd echo the above posts: sort out good childcare and all will be fine. In fact I'd go so far as to say probably easier from the point of view that separation anxiety won't be an issue for your child, whereas if they are older when left for the first time, it can take a lot longer for the child to adjust.
Physically it's tougher, particularly if you're still bf and doing night feeds, but I honestly think emotionally its probably easier. If I'd had a year off work which seems to be the norm now, I suspect Id have felt very out of the loop with work and it would have taken far more adjustment for me and the dc

[GingerCuddleMonster]

Thank you all, feeling a bit better about it all now, have had a night to mull it over, speaking to the other half has helped too as he is fully supportive.

I'm visiting a few nurseries this week, is that too pfb?! I just assumed it was the normal thing to do, to go have a nose at the place.

[MrsMargoLeadbetter]

Glad you are feeling better OP.

Absolutely check out nurseries. I found they all 'felt' different. Having great childcare in place will help you feel ok with going back to work.

I am just looking through my DD (1.5) record from nursery. It is full of lovely pictures and stories from her time there. Her key worker really loves her. It is making my teary!