Did anyone enjoy their baby more after they returned to work?

[bargainsgalore18]

I love DD to bits but I’m not really enjoying Mat leave. It just feels like such a slog. I’m “on duty” all the time.
Every second of every day I’m thinking about DD. When does she need to feed? When should she nap? Is she hot/cold?

It doesn’t help that DH works excessively long hours so I’m on my own mon - Friday.

Did anyone enjoy parenting more after returning to work when child in childcare for part of the day?

Yes. And I was a much better mum. I didn't particularly enjoy maternity leave. I'm much happier working and being a mum simultaneously.

How old is your daughter?

I went back to work three days a week when my son was 10 months old (he's now 1.5 years) and I definitely feel like a better parent and enjoy my time with him more since then.

I don't know how much is the adult company/lack of childcare responsibilities for a few days and how much is that it's a bit easier now that he's not a baby that is completely reliant on me, but I'm properly enjoying it now. Whereas I definitely found it very tough at times early on.

My daughter is 4 months old

Yes! It helped that we’ve done shared parental leave so I’ve returned to work at 6/7 months but it was another 4/5 months til baby as in nursery, but I was a much better and happier parent for it. Although knackered as they both fed through the night excessively...

Oh god yes. I had DD in nursery three days a week from 3 months. Slept for a month, then got to work. Things got a lot better right away. At 9 months she's there 4 full days and I'm pretty happy.

It definitely gets easier as they get older! At four months she's still completely dependent on you - I certainly felt like I never got a break. Whereas when they're a bit older they start to sit and play and you get a lot more back from them.
Hang in there - the baby stage doesn't last forever, however much it feels like it might...

Yes definitely dd went to nursery 4 days a week at 13 months I love spending time with her now baby phase wasn’t my favourite part

It will be (in part) a lot more to do with them becoming more independent than the fact you are at work. I had to back at five and a half months and was pregnant again at that stage. At least at work you get a coffee break and company. The drive to work is quiet and I enjoy listening to the radio to and from work.

I would love a four day week though.

Me...i went back to work part time when both of mine were 12weeks.
Much happier

Hell yes!