Leaving 8mo DD for a whole entire week - tips?

[surgicalwidow]

I have to go away for work for a week next week. I normally work 2.5 days a week and she goes to nursery for childcare. DH is going to work from home for the week (long hours mean he can't do pick ups / drop offs when actually in work) and she'll be in nursery for an extra day that week.

I've been fine with it all (kind of looking forward to the break!) but now as it approaches I'm getting really nervous!! I've no worries about DH managing her, she's generally happy and content, but her sleep has got a bit trickier recently and I'm a bit worried about that. We'll Skype etc but of course I'm imagining her not recognising me or getting really upset when I come back . Has anyone any similar experiences (good / bad) or survival tips?

I went to the US a couple of years ago and although mine were older (3 and 4) it was really hard. IThe time difference was so big though I had to drag myself out of bed at 6am to speak to them at lunchtime. I missed them terribly and got sent some pictures of pictures they had drawn at nursery etc bit mostly, I enjoyed being an adult again (i was at a conference) and enjoyed the uninterrupted sleep (oh and the shopping of course). I got got of cuddles and love when I got home, and presents helped . Of course she will recognize you......she'll be fine. Enjoy x

I'd go off sick personally
A whole week, no bloody way

Surgicalwidow, I left ds with dh for 12 days when he was 7 months old. It was hard. But we all coped.

Be prepared for dd to be a bit unwilling to be with you in the beginning when you get back. Ds didn't really respond to me at first until 3am when he was wanting a feed!

I did try to make it as painless for dh as possible because I felt guilty. Prepped stuff in advance and also gave him some time off when I got back. Also, dh, bless him, wasn't as tuned in so he would text me in the morning to say how night had gone and get my advice about the day!

We skyped and face timed lots and dh sent me pictures.

Try to enjoy the positives - I loved knowing I was getting into bed and could sleep until I needed to go up. Ditto, the break from constant baby work was nice

Also, ignore people who tell you that you re crazy etc.

Svrider thanks for the tip but my career is important to me and this is entirely voluntary

Svrider - I'd go off sick personally

Awful thing to say to someone who has no choice but to work.

I had to leave my DD a few times for 4/5 days at a time when she was about a year old. We skyped and I got photos from husband. I missed her loads but she definitely remembered me and got really excited during Skype time.

Also I went back to my home country with DD when she was about 10 months old for a week without DH. There was no chance to skype as no internet, but she still recognised DH when we got back.

Don't listen to unhelpful advice. You'll enjoy grown up time, although of course you'll miss your baby and will want to hear all the tiny details of their day. Good luck!