Husband back at work - I'm nervous!

[WhyNotSmile]

My husband has just gone back to work after his summer holiday / paternity leave (teacher, so off since June). Our son is just over 2 weeks old. So I'm home alone with the baby, and feeling a bit overwhelmed. I've been my own with him a few times already, for a couple of hours or so at a time, but now it's suddenly hit me that this is what I'll be doing every day for a while!

I know I can cope, and so far today has gone ok, but I'm a natural worrier, and getting a bit panicky. I assume most mums go through this at the start. Any tips for coping?!

You will be fine. My dh wasn't even at home for three days when our twins came home from special care at two weeks old. They are 10 weeks today. I am still standing (sometimes crawling as pretty knackered).

Nothing really matters except you and your baby. Have the TV on, have lots of cups of tea and cuddles and feeding. As soon as y can get out of the house. I don't drive so tend to get on the train and go somewhere most days.

Congrats on your baby

I would agree with getting out of the house if you can, weather permitting. A walk around the block, or to a park, the shops etc is good for you and your baby (congrats btw!).

Take your time and just do what you feel comfortable with. Maybe have a look online to see if there are any baby classes or groups you'd like to go to.

Oh, and if/when the baby sleeps (and if you can put him down) then DON'T rush around trying to do housework or whatever. Have a nap if you can, or just relax and sit down.

Thanks! The Community Midwife is coming this morning at some point, and then I had said I'd maybe take the baby over to my husband's work to meet everyone (he's in for preparation for a couple of days, and we thought it would be good to go in before the children are back). Might leave that till tomorrow though. It's not a bad day here; maybe we'll go for a walk one the midwife is finished.

My DH has been off for quite a while, so even more nervous about when he goes back! My plan is to get out for a walk every day and sleep! I will also be looking into clubs/groups.

I'm sure you will be fine. DD is 3 weeks old tomorrow and it's day 2 of DH being back at work. Yesterday was fine, in fact it was lovely just being able to spend the day with her doing as we pleased. I've got the midwife and a friend coming this afternoon so I'm feeling like I need to get the house looking a bit cleaner and tidier but I'd rather just stay snuggled on the sofa with baby.

We moved to the country recently which is lovely but I'm feeling restricted as I can't just take DD out for a stroll to the shops or around and about.

I was a total nervous wreck when I was left alone with my first baby. It suddenly hit me too, that this was going to be my life for a considerable time and that the baby was relying on me totally.

I made the mistake of staying in most of the time trying to do everything 'right' - baby, housework, etc etc. so I agree with what someone else has said - DO make an effort to go out and try to join a group where you can mix with others in your situation because it really does help and it takes the pressure off.