need reassurance about heading back to part time work...

[sharon137]

My DS is nearly eight months.. In two weeks I will be starting part time work - Mondays and Thursdays, 830 til 530.
I currently freelance from home, which I will still do, but wanted some regualr income too, and my old place of work happened to have an opening which they contacted me about. My DP is a musician and a bar tender and works nights, so he will be at home with DS - they have a fantastic relationship so I am sure they will hve a great time, but I just feel a little bit guilty.
Please tell me I am not doing damage to him, and tell me your stories about returning to work outside the home and everything being ok!! :)

Of course it will be fine! Though if you're not used to going out and about without him, for the first few days you will go to work with a strange feeling that you've forgotten something...

It will be ok! Your situation is better than most. Look at it this way your baby will get some real bonding time with his father, which can be quite difficult if mum is always there. And the mony will make your lives easier and reduce your stress and the stress you transfer onto your DS.

= 1 big happy family xxx

Thank you :) I think it will hurt me more than DS! I know DP is quite looking forward to it really.

you'll be fine off course you'll feel guilty we all do its motherhood and we're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Its part time not long full time hours ( which for mums who have to is just admirable)

He's with dad so no worries at all for you

Not with strangers

And you get some time to rest oh i mean sorry work.

I was so worried stressed guilt ridden when I went back two days a week but actually found out I had more emotional energy ( not physical) to give my little one.

I had something to talk about rather than nappies, feeding lack of sleep (lord knows why im up now) and enjoyed speaking to adults other people even other mums about their experience.

Extra income always helpful

It will also mean other half gets to really see how tough being at home is

Good Luck try it out give it go, you will feel guilty but that's natural so pleaaaaaaaasssssssse don't worry

If its not right at least you tried it

Big Hug

When I had my first son 11 years ago you only got 18 wks payed mat leave so I worked up until 2 wks before due dat so I would have max time with him when he was born. He was 2 wks late so I went back to working nights when he was 14 wks old....I still have guit about it now (was too young to go back). when I had my second, 4 years ago, the mat leave entitlement went up to 6 mths payed leave...so with all my AL added on I was able to be with him for 8 mths before I had to go back. I work nights but had a brilliant childminder second time around....I find I appreciate every minute with my boys after work & I actually enjoy the time away...when you are having a bit of a bad patch parenting wise (ie, hormonal mood swings with older one or naughty phase with younger etc) it just gives you a bit of time to put things in perspective ! Just tell yourself, you are very lucky to only have to work part time. Good luck, you & DS will be fine xx

PS... sorry so long winded ! I have a tendancy to go on a bit !!

I think you'll feel better once you see how your baby is thriving in his father's care. I felt so much better about returning to work when my baby was 10 months when I collected her happy and alert each evening from her wonderful childminder's house. It made me happy to see her so happy (and still does) though I still missed (miss) her and daydream about her all the time during the day!

Sounds like an ideal arrangement to me. We did something similar when DD was a baby and it was fine once DH got used to the routine. I wrote him out a rough list of feed times, sleep times etc. They had a great time and I never missed work because DD was ill - something that became a big problem when we went to using nurseries/cminders. Far less worrying when it's your DH doing the caring and I found it great to be back at work. The only thing I would worry about is your DH if he's worked til late at night the day before - might be a bit tiring for him. My DH gained a lot of confidence in the caring role and has always been very hands on since.

I went back part time when DD was six months DH has an understanding employer so I work 830am-1200pm and he does 200pm-1000pm Hes had quality time with our daughter many dads just never get.Weve shared the first steps/words.I get time with adults which doesnt make me miss her more but gives me time away and chance to make the time I spend with her count.Shes three now and you cant beat the toddler flying down the hallway shouting "mummy i missed you so much while you were at work"!

Sounds perfect to me, too. I regret not working just a little when mine were smaller. It is good for your confidence, you will have time to "miss her" (I know that sounds weird, but when she's a toddler you will perhaps be glad of some time apart). And she's in the care of her father. Winners all round, I'd say. Not selfish.