End of maternity leave :-(

[myotherbagisgucci]

So tomorrow I'm back at work from 8am-5pm, DD who is 9 months old will be going to my MIL's and thankfully I'm only having to work two days a week (Monday & Tuesday).

I know I'm very lucky for this, but I keep finding myself about to burst into tears at the thought of leaving her tomorrow morning. I'm not even that bothered with the thought of going to work, it's purely just leaving her that is making me feel so upset.

Has anyone got any helpful tips on what they did on their first day, to help ease anxiety. I don't want to go into work crying my eyes out.

I was dreading my first day back (12 years ago now!). Cried in the car on the way to the office, but once I was actually in the office, it didn't feel as if I had been away (even some things in my in-tray that I had left at the beginning of my maternity leave 12 months earlier ). As it felt as if I had never been away, I think that helped me cope.

The thing I found the hardest was when I went out at lunchtime and saw other mums with pushchairs. However, I also enjoyed being able to go into shops without having to negotiate a pram.

I hope tomorrow goes ok. I went back part-time, 3 days a week, and that helped too, as had more days at home with DS. DS was very happy in nursery, and I used to view that he had 3 days of just being able to play rather than having to fit round shopping, housework etc

Thanks @ineedaholidaynow that really is helpful and reassuring. I'm 16 weeks pregnant with DC2, so I won't actually be back for very long, which is somewhat helping me to come to terms with leaving her. Although I wish I didn't need too.

I also know that she'll love it at my MIL's, but the thought of only seeing her a few hours a day, is really upsetting me.

Oh OP I'm exactly the same. Back tomo and my 9 month old with DP for the first four weeks then nursery. I'm in bits! Feel you about missing her. I'm also anxious as she is fairly high needs. I'm bf but not able to express unless I'm full which never happens as she is constantly on and off me! Has taken a couple of ozs of formula so hoping she'll take that tomo and I'll express as I fill up at work. Had nursery settling in session this week and they called me 1.15 hours in as she was refusing food and upset so now I feel so worried.

I hope tomo goes well for you both. Am sure if she's at Grandmas she will love it!

I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling too @Catheroooo. I've just had the biggest cry to DH, but I still feel like there's more inside.

I really hope tomorrow goes smoothly for you, and please let me know how it went. Xx

Oh I know how you feel. I've cried for days whenever anyone talks about it.

We'll message tomo and see how each other got on. Lots of luck x

You too @Catheroooo

I just wish I didn't have to go. 😢