11 month old with separation anxiety - going back to work part time in 2 weeks...!

[MumbleMumm]

Separation anxiety... how long does this phase last? Will my going back to work make it worse, or help her realise that when I leave, I am coming back again?

It is getting really bad - I can't even leave the room, and if the room is unknown then she won't even leave my arms.

I've been leaving her with her Nana for increasingly long durations to try and do it as gently as possible. I've been giving her extra hugs, comfort and attention when she is with me... not sure if this is the right way to go - but it feels the right thing.

She has also just started to venture into the world of walking - so think this is all caught up in it.

Need some reassurance if possible. I am absolutely dreading leaving her :-(

Hi, I didn't want you to go unanswered, so hopefully bumping up for you! My son's separation anxiety was awful for around a month, then gradually started easing off. Will your dd be going to nursery or staying with your mum when you go back to work? I found (even though ds was 10 months when it kicked in) playing peekaboo with him seemed to help, I'd go out the room and lean round the door to shout "peekaboo", also like you are doing, I'd try to leave him with someone else, while that person distracted him, it really seemed to help him

hard one its very painful to have to leave them my son was similar when he was about 4, I went back to work when he was about 1 yr old and his dad then looked after him he had to work then he went to his grans or pre-school and leaving him with his gran fine, but preschool and it was like I was sending him to his death or something, they were very understanding and just took him in and within a few minutes he was quiet and playing. Did take a few weeks of doing this every week day to get him to be less clingy it does hurt though hearing them scream and cry and hanging on to you for dear life...but they will get over it.

My dd had a bad time with seperation anxiety at 11-12 months (funnily enough the time she started walking too - perhaps they are scared of their powers!) but now at 15 mths shes over it (till the next time!) so you might find that she is over it before you need to worry.
It sounds like you are doing the right thing by leaving her with other people, peekabo, hiding round corners etc.

When you go back to work she will be fine - because she has to. It will become the new normal and it might take a wee while, but she will be fine (as will you). Good luck!

Thanks everyone. I think it is just something we are going to have to ride out - but I wish I could reassure her in some way! I've made sure that I tell her where she is going and when I'm coming to get her, and wave her off etc but not sure how much she understands.

She will be with her Nana for one day, and nursery for two days a week. Nursery settling in visits are next week and I am just dreading it.

It is good to know it will pass. I definitely think it is tied in to the walking in some way. She has also stopped sleeping for more than 2 hours at a time - so there is lots going on for her at the moment