Is this an objectively stressful situation or am I being over dramatic?

[Illprobsregretthis]

First week back to work post maternity leave with 10 month old and 2.5 year old. Having to fly within the UK to spend 1 night away but 2 full days for the babies - all today and all tomorrow because I’ll be back tomorrow evening so they’ll be in bed. Flight is at 6am, taxi at 415. Baby woke at 2 and I could not for the life of me get back to sleep. Heart is absolutely pounding with anxiety and I just feel so, so tired and exhausted and just gutted to have to leave them. I don’t know where the anxiety is coming from, if it’s because I’ve to fly and get up so early? Not really sure why I’m posting tbh, need to go get ready. Ugh.

Definitely a stressful situation having to leave them, especially when you're only just back from your maternity leave. Will they be at home with their Dad while you are away? I'm sure they will be just fine in their familiar environment and with a trusted caregiver. Hopefully the time flies by for you I'm sure you will be busy working and hopefully make it pass quickly!

It’s a stressful situation.

Think of it as a future memory, though; and at least try to rest and do some breathing/mindfulness/meditation type stuff.

Have a cup of tea and some food if you fancy it.

It seems a bit poorly managed to expect you to do this your first week back after maternity. Did you explain how you felt at all?

I would have been delighted to get a night away at that age and a full night's sleep but we are all different. I hope you get through it ok and maybe have a conversation with your employer if it's too much to see if they can make adjustments for the short term.

Thank you. Yes, they’ll be with their dad and my parents will be round to help too, who they are close with. I’m sure once I have a coffee I’ll be fine but part of me feels like just going back upstairs and telling work I can’t go.

Okay I’ve had a coffee, a brief snooze on the flight and have seen the sun and I feel about 87% better 😂 Sorry everyone, these postpartum hormones are wild

Hey OP, don't be apologising for your feelings. I found it hard enough going back when I was 9-6 and going home the same day. If I'd have been asked to fly somewhere and spend a night away plus two full days then I'd definitely have freaked out. I probably wouldn't have been able to do it. Well done for making it to your destination and I hope the time flies quickly for you so you can get back to your babies.

Nothing wild about your hormones. It's called 'attachment' and as a Community Midwife and mum, I'd be concerned if you weren't feeling at least some of this! Try to enjoy the little bit of space though as you're there! Especially as you trust your little ones are in safe hands 🌞

First day I dropped my baby into nursery I burst into tears in front of the carers not even in the car I couldn’t hold it in. I was only going 3 miles down the road for 8 hrs😕.

You have done well but I think work have been unreasonable. Are you still breast feeding/expressing. In this new world of teams and unless you are inspecting something who needs to travel?

Think of the positives - a meal and uninterrupted sleep.

I would have found the whole lead up really stressful but the doing of it then fine, then the very last bit where I’m done but not yet home would I’d be impatient.
Hope it goes well and you get as much sleep in as possible.

I got 12 hours uninterrupted sleep and FaceTimed with the babies this morning, it was so sweet seeing the 10 month old’s face light up when he saw me! Completely agree with the impatience bit - am in the office being semi productive right now but my flight home is 7pm and I just know I’ll be impatient in the airport waiting to board etc!! Wish I could teleport