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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be panicked about leaving my baby

17 replies

DragonMummy14182 · 01/09/2019 11:55

I'm due back at work from mat leave in a couple of weeks and I am freaking out.
My baby is breastfed, we co sleep even for naps, I've never been away from her for much time at all, I've had to take split shifts at work which suck but I didn't want to be away from her too much in one go.
I don't know what to do, my anxiety is off the charts. I can't afford not to go back to work.
I'm only doing two days for goodness sakes! I'm frustrated with myself and angry that I've not tried harder to make her more independent.
Someone just tell me my girl will be fine with her grandparents! 😭

OP posts:
MsPavlichenko · 01/09/2019 11:59

She will be fine with her grandparents.

athenagoddessofwar · 01/09/2019 12:00

It's natural to feel anxious. Be kind to yourself.

Amara123 · 01/09/2019 12:00

How old is she? My chap is 11 MTHS and also breastfed and I'm going back to work nearly full time. You can help your baby adjust in the coming weeks, I've been getting my baby ready and it doesn't take long to get them ready for a few routine. They are far more adaptable than we are!

NavyBlueHue · 01/09/2019 12:01

Of course she’ll be fine. Not only fine but she’ll thrive from spending time with loving GPs and benefit from the independence she’ll gain.

It’s normal to worry. Once you’re doing it it will all become normal very quickly.

Elieza · 01/09/2019 12:08

She will be fine with her grandparents. Perhaps you could start doing some of the things you will need her to be used to in advance. Less co sleeping during the day (as you will be at work) expressing milk and bottle feeding some feeds and things so it’s not all new to you both on day one. That should get you both ready and let you see the baby will be fine.

DowntonCrabby · 01/09/2019 12:12

She’ll be totally fine.

Split shifts and only 2 days is great, it shouldn’t interfere too much with BF and you can hopefully still have a lovely co-nap when you’re home in the middle.

FlowersFlowersFlowers

mistermagpie · 01/09/2019 12:43

She will be fine, kids always are. But I agree that you need to maybe start preparing for the change, perhaps try to get her napping alone as a start?

You are very lucky to only be working two days and have loving family for childcare. That isn't the norm and most other kids who are in nursery etc do fine, so yours I'm sure will be absolutely ok.

My babies went straight to nursery at 11 months and it was harder for me than them!

Original poster
DragonMummy14182 · 01/09/2019 13:13

Thank-you everyone for the reassurance!

My eldest went into nursery at 11 months but he was bottle fed and my dh was able to change his hours to fit around mine.

Thats what I was hoping for this time but it's not worked out that way. 😔

I'm going to start trying to get her napping alone, it's a small step but still a step right? 😬

OP posts:
Original poster
DragonMummy14182 · 01/09/2019 13:13

Oh sorry, to answer, my baby is 10 months old.

OP posts:
Bambamber · 01/09/2019 13:14

She will be fine. I found the anticipation of going back to be worse than actually being back

Passthecherrycoke · 01/09/2019 13:14

You have to get her on a cup or bottle though. Otherwise you’ll only have to take time off work to do it x
She’ll be fine though

SignedUpJust4This · 01/09/2019 13:38

I felt like you OP. My DD is now 5 and has the most wonderful relationship with her grandparents. She will be fine.

Newmumatlast · 01/09/2019 13:41

I will be taking only a few months leave with partner then taking over. It does concern me but it's what will work for our family. If you haven't already started preparing her for the change, adjust the routine now and she will be fine I'm sure. It's worse for us than it is for them

ShakeItOffShakeItOff · 01/09/2019 14:35

If the baby is drinking water it will be fine! You'll be fine. You'll eventually enjoy some child free time. Don't let it ruin the rest of your maternity leave. It was going to happen at some point ThanksThanks

Amara123 · 01/09/2019 14:39

Don't worry. Get her onto a cup and drinking water and formula/breastmilk asap. Good cups include the munchkin 360 or the munchkin latch transition cup, I've found them the best for my little chap who was a committed bottle refuser.
Try some naps on her own, start with the nap she goes down easiest for.

Chillisauceboss · 01/09/2019 15:29

I'm 6 weeks ahead of you and I promise she will be fine. She will settle in new ways with her grandparents and will still retain the exact same bond you have now. My 13 month old is so happy to see her Nana in the mornings and spends all day there so happily.

DonnaLou2401 · 01/09/2019 16:35

I could have written your post myself!! Right down to the naps. I've been back at work for 4 weeks now and it has been absolutely fine. DD is with her nanny and grandad one day and DH the other two. She naps for them, she drinks expressed milk. All the things she wouldn't do for me basically Grin. It really isn't as bad as you think it will be, and this is coming from the one who spent the entire weekend before going back sobbing! You'll soon be in a routine and your DD will settle into it. And you get to have adult conversations and actual hot drinks!! Good luck xx

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