To think having to walk away from my baby crying is the hardest thing I’ve had to do

[justmymonday]

Bloody hate nursery drop off

It takes time for you both to get use to it.
It will get easier.
Gentle hugs

Oh OP it's awful. Big hugs to you. My 2.5 yo is a few weeks into nursery and he's just starting to come round. My littlest will be starting childcare in autumn and I'm dreading it. She'll be just 1. It will get easier though, and you know she is being well cared for 🥰

DD was the same, she cried every single drop off for 3 months (started at just over a year) and would cry so much she would throw up. She would be reaching out for me as she was carried off to some toys screaming 'mama'. I cried the rest of the way to work every time.

Then one day she just suddenly stopped. It was like a switch was flicked and she was ok and she hasn't cried since. She'll just toddle off after a cuddle and go play.

I arranged nursery so that dh did drop offs - not half the tears. Then I got to collect which was the best part! They will absolutely break your heart when you leave them; but mostly will be playing happily 5 minutes later.

What a nasty bitchy response

It doesn't last forever op we had a rough few weeks but toddler loves nursery now and we need to work so needs must

Working to provide the child a home food and clothes is definitely bloody important. Be real

I don't think anyone enjoys it OP but it does get better. Presumably this isn't a decision you took lightly- you will have good, logical reasons for why you decided to return to work. Remind yourself of those when things feel tough.
Getting into the new routine of being back at work after maternity leave can be really hard for the whole family at first but hang on in there, it will get easier with time. You're certainly not alone in having these feelings.

It will get better!
I always just go have a good cry in my car, and then get to work. I also used to ring nursery mid morning and see how she was and she had always stopped crying before my car had even left the car park!

It was the hardest thing I ever did too. I have had much worse things happen to me as part of the regular ups and downs of life. But I know exactly what you mean. I didn't have much choice either (money is important for food, clothes, shelter). But we are biologically programmed to feel distressed.

I remember this all too well and still get the pangs of guilt thinking back on the nursery days, my child is at school now.
I had to go back to work part time when my son was little over 6 months old. It was absolutely heartbreaking having to leave him inconsolable at the nursery drop offs, crying and reaching for me as I walked away.
I can still remember fighting back the tears on the train rides to work. It is a painful thing to endure.

Oh dear.. hope it gets better for you.
I was lucky.. mine only went to playschool and l helped out.