Back to work next week

[RedRobyn2021]

Feeling anxious about being apart from DD who is 12mo

I have been able to go down to 3 days

Any tips on how to deal with the anxiety?

Also breastfeeding and don't know how to do that. Do I just stop or do I have to pump in the day?

I really struggle with big changes

Anxiety, I’m no expert but did return to work twice after having my DC. I found it difficult both times, crying in the car on my way into work after dropping them off at nursery. When I got into work I found I was still a little emotional but ok as I was busy getting back into the flow of my job. There should be somewhere that you can go to express or even feed your DC if that’s what you want, not sure exactly how that works as I’d stopped breastfeeding when I went back. It is a big change returning to work after a child probably more so with Covid. I’m sure you’ll be fine just be kind to yourself. Whatever we do as mothers we can make ourselves feel guilt but we shouldn’t.

It's perfectly normal to feel anxious. It's a big change.
I did it slightly differently, in that I had to go back to work at 8 months (part time) so both my DC had to start younger but I made sure to put them into the nursery a few weeks before I was due to start work to handle any transition issues. Is this an option for you?
When I dropped DD off I went home & cried & fretted till lunchtime when I rang the nursery to see how she was doing - she was fine, loving it! Made me feel better.
DS was similar, & it was easier the second time.
So if possible can you get some settling in sessions sorted over the next two weeks or even bring forward the start date so you can manage the transition?
In terms of breastfeeding, I breastfed both mine; when they started nursery they were only feeding a few times a day by then, so I'd feed them before nursery, & again at tea time. If you get uncomfortable then your work should provide you with a room in which to pump. They should also provide a fridge if you wish to keep the milk, or you can pump & dump.

I hated returning to work after the 1st, she was almost 7mth. Family looked after her though so I could call and message to check how she was getting on which made it much easier. We were formula feeding.

If you can check in at some points through the early weeks it will help with anxiety, it does get easier as the weeks pass.