Will my baby forget me?

[Shinystar909]

I had my daughter in December she is 8 weeks old now.

It looks like I will have to attend a course at college much earlier than expected and I will be leaving her from 12 weeks where she will spend full days at a nursery I breastfeed and will be expressing for her to take from a bottle while she is there but I'm so worried she's going to forget who I am, am I being daft?

Does anyone have any experience in leaving their DC so young? I have a 2 year old who went to nursery at 8 months and I don't remember this feeling at all! I feel filled with dread thinking about leaving her

A generation ago this was the normal time to go back. In the US it still is. It will be hard for you, but your baby will be fine.

I know you are right penguins. Thankyou for that

My cousins are only early 20s and that is when their mum went back each time. Closest family I know

In some ways it is likely to be easier than 8/9 months for her too as she'll be settled before separation anxiety kicks in

I went back to work when both of mine were 16 weeks old, 12 hour shifts, they have survived

Oh that's so reassuring! Thanks so much.

Yes my DS that started at 8 months did have horrible separation anxiety and that wasn't nice at all. Made me feel wanted though

oh im glad they have survived dalmation . I'm feeling much more relaxed now already that other people have done this. Thankyou

My mum purposefully went back to work full time when I was a little baby to allow herself to go part time when I was more toddler age and far more aware of separation and would be 'wanting' to spend time with her. (1990's)

oh and I know I was breastfed not that I'm sure how she 'worked' it

Don't forget babies have no concept of time. She will be fine

My mum went back to work when I was 11 weeks old. I'm now 30 and she's my best, best friend. All will be well.

Bless you! She won't forget you. You're the one feeding her, and there for the important bits (bedtime etc.)
Good luck, and good on you for doing something you don't really want to do, but is best for her in the long run.

oh that's lovely of your mum dressinggown. I take it you survived too then?! all these different experiences are making me feel so much better

Dd's been in nursery since she was 4/5mo, she's now 10mo and definitely doesnt forget

Oh thankyou all so much! Yes patatas you are right she won't know how long I've gone for.

And creamoftomato I love that. I'm so glad youve shared that with me.

I know it will be best for her in the long run, I just need to get this qualification!

I had to go back to working when my two eldest were 11 weeks old. 4 12 hour shifts a week. They didn't forget me and both are now confident and independent lovely individuals. Biased? Me? Nooooooo

Thankyou for your kind words ch1134.

Moomin thankyou, I don't know what I was so worried about now

Rhyme! Love that im sure they really are lovely individuals. So glad to hear all these stories and all hearing of all these babies that have survived haven't forgotten their mum! Hoorah!

Another way of looking at it - many dads are back at work from 2 weeks. My dh was. My dd recognises and reaches for him (and that's without the added closeness of feeding) so of course they'd remember mummy!

Oh wow squizita how very true! Never would of thought of it like that

I meant would HAVE not would OF

She won't forget you. Have you considered co-sleeping so you feel like you are closer to her. Anecdotally it is more common in America as it allows mums to bf at night and still sleep when working.

Also maybe consider a childminder rather than a nursery for a baby so wee as they'll get more consistency with just one person.

We already do co-sleep mynameissecret and I love it. You're right it does make us feel close.

Yes I have considered a childminder toofor that reason. I will look further into that, thanks for the advice