My 1 year old doesn't like me.

[ShrimpMumma]

Since my baby was 11 months old he's been favouring anyone but me! My Mum was in hospital and I was only home for a few hours each day and as soon as I returned home he rejected me.
He would sooner go to his father or my mother than me. He cries when I take him until someone takes him back.
This is absolutely destroying me and I don't know which way to turn.
My baby and I used to have such a wonderful bond - we breastfed for 7 months, we used to cuddle and play all day, singing songs, reading stories etc. I've never told him off or done anything to hurt him (even accidentally) but it's almost as though he doesn't even know who I am anymore. I call his name and he ignores me. Occasionally he's happy to laugh/play/cuddle but usually only when there isn't a better person around.
I try not to let my feelings show but it hurts so much. I just want my little boy back. Has anyone else experienced this?

I think that a lot of babies go through this and it seems like a natural reaction if you've always been there then we're suddenly missing fir long periods of time.

I know it can be distressing but it's just a phase.

My daughter did this to her mum. Just like you she stopped breastfeeding at 7 months, no idea if that's relevant or not. I took paternity leave at that point and my partner went back to work so like you my partner wasn't there all the time suddenly. It didn't start straight away - developed over a couple of months, and at it's worst lasted a few weeks and we always felt like she was 'punishing' her mum for the reduced contact.

She very much got over it though!