Those with high pressure jobs, what was worse, maternity leave or the job?

[Desupi]

First time mum here due in March and very clueless! I work as an Executive Assistant to a high profile indivudual. Don't get me wrong I do like my job most of the time, but it can be highly stressful too.

I keep seeing all these posts on social media about how being a new mum is depressing, exhausting, you lose your identity etc, and it is making the whole thing quite daunting. However, I will have 9 months off work and think to myself how nice it will be to spend time with my baby and not have to think about work at all.

I appreciate that as I have never had children before I likely have no idea what is coming. But i guess what I am looking for is for some opinions on how you found maternity leave?

For me I loved maternity leave. Loved every minute of it despite it being hard work especially at the start. I went back to work after 9 months, working 4 days in a stressful job and I just wish I could stay at home/work less days. Everyone is different though and you won't know how you feel til the time comes

OP people can fill your head with so many assumptions about this, at the end of the day it’s time to spend bonding with your child and everyone responds differently to that, enjoy the time the best you can.
take a walk/get fresh air/ slow your pace and fall in love with your child

I'm 3 months into maternity leave with my first. So far I've found it to be a breeze!

When I was pregnant I was worried about how I would cope, having had mental health issues in the past, prone to low moods etc but I have been thriving. I get out with baby 3/4 times a week to free baby groups, but if I don't feel like going one day I have no obligation to go. I am starting to make friends with other mums as well which is nice, as I'm new to the area and don't have many friends here.

I haven't been sleep deprived, although my baby is a good sleeper and my husband is supportive. He will do the last feed at 11ish while I am in bed, then I will do the night feed and early morning feed so that he can sleep and be good for work.

So far, I don't want to go back to work, although I'm the breadwinner so unfortunately I have no choice but to go back full time. I'm definitely making the most of these days. Everyone will tell you how quick it goes and you will brush it off, but it feels like I've been off for 3 weeks and not 3 months! Time really does fly!

Best of luck, you'll do fine.

With first baby I really wanted to go back as I like my job and doing full time baby care is much harder I think! Also first child is the biggest shock , with second now and I’m looking forward to working but not looking forward to leaving babies I basically want to do both 😂 I’m sure you’ll smash it !

I have twins and we do lots of days out, museums etc. Agree much less portable than a singleton and swimming is a no go without another adult but I do a lot of things in the quote you've posted no probs, we go out most days.

I have a high pressure professional job, currently 7m into mat leave and have yet to be bored. I enjoy both my job and mat leave, both difficult in different ways. Think it depends on your baby and what you choose to do with mat leave, you can do as little or as much as you like.

My whole point was much less portable. I also only noted swimming and museums. Not sure what the 'lots of things' referred to were.

I absolutely LOVED maternity leave, and will be going off on maternity again in January - I can’t wait!

I can see how it could be lonely, so you have to be prepared to put yourself out there - reach out and find local groups, find other mums expecting around the same time, create a community if you can. It’ll also depend on how much family you have nearby, or if you have friends with young children.

I see it as an amazing opportunity to spend quality time with my baby & family that is so fleeting and you won’t get to experience very often so try to make the most of it.

A lot will depend on the baby and your temperament.
I had two "easy" babies, so loved being off with them.
Throw in colic/reflux and it can be a whole other story.
(To anyone hating me right now...my kids more than made up for the easy years when they hit the toddler & preschool year and became stubborn arse wildlings! 😅 Don't even get my started on school mornings!)

I am an executive assistant too. But couldn’t wait to get back to work after 6 months… I found it very boring and isolating on maternity leave