I just realised how utterly petrified I am of my DP going back to work...

[weeblueberry]

I've been very lucky that my DP has had a months with of paternity leave. The problem it's posed is that I've very quickly got used to him being around and helping me parent our daughter. I'm not exactly a natural mum and get pretty stressed when she starts fretting. So much that I realised earlier I basically spend the day just worried she's going to wake up and start crying unless someone else is looking after her. When DP goes back to work I'm not going to have that crutch and am going to be the only one to soothe her from 8-6.

Is it normal to be so worried about this?

I was the same but actually found my feet a bit more once I was the only one there and wasn't worrying if DP was thinking it was doing things wrong (not that he did I just thought he might). You'll quickly get into a routine of your own

My dh had 2weeks off and i panicked when he went back to work but i got through it. I understand you are worried but you'll cope. There'll still be the few rough days but you'll manage. I did!

Thanks both. I think I'm just thinking 'oh god-I'm going to be the only person entertaining her for the entire day' and its got me a bit worried that I won't be able to do that if you know what I mean?

It is very normal to be worried about being on your own with your DC. I still remember the first day my DH went back to work. Within an hour of getting up at 5am my DD had, had two changes of clothes because she had pooed on one, then was sick on one! It's normal to get a bit stressed when they are fretting. It honestly does get better as you get used to it. If you find you are at your wits end, try taking your baby for a walk. I always found this helped me a lot as it was just a break from staring at the same four walls. I also went along to the local baby groups they helped again by getting out of the house and knowing you aren't the only one feeling like that.

You need to be kind to yourself and give yourself time. After all you have only been a Mum for a month and its a huge life change that takes some adjusting to. Your hormones will still be settling down.

It doesn't last for long, you will get to know your baby better each day. And don't stress if you don't get dressed until the afternoon or don't get the housework done, you will look back in a few months and not recognise yourself.

You can do this, you are perfectly normal.

Try to have a shower while he is getting dressed so you're not showering to the sound of a wailing baby. If you can feed at 7, or after your shower at 8, and be heading out for a walk or whatever with the baby in the pram around 9 its a bit of a lifesaver. I found if I missed that window the day sort of evaporated
Even if its pouring with rain and you go back to bed for an hour the joys of the pfb, no chance when you have a toddler too with the baby when you do get up you'll feel more with it.

You'll be fine honestly, you just need to work out your routine.