End of Maternity leave - feeling sad

[EmmaLouu]

I just feel so sad. I know so many people have done it before me and felt exactly the same.

Im lucky in the way that my mum is able to watch her so I can swerve nursery fee’s (temporarily) and that gives me some comfort because it’s my mum.

It sounds pathetic really because it’s a predictable part of life as a parent. I’m just sad and I start back tomorrow.

anyone in the same position/can offer advice?

Full time?

I am not due back for a couple of months but I’m also feeling quite upset about it. DS will be 10 months when he starts nursery and I’m so worried of leaving him. It’s only a few days a week and I know he’ll settle and be okay but I wish I wasn’t going back at all.

It’s good your mum can have your little one as that’s a familiar person to her at least!
Wish you all the best for your first day back!

@Goodgrief82 phased return but yes, full time. Had the discussion with DH about potentially going part time of it’s not working but with things being so expensive at the min.. I kinda need the hours.

@BeckyBoo16 thank you, you too! It’s good to know I’m not alone with this feeling

Me! Mine officially ended a few weeks ago and I'm taking a few more months unpaid. I'm starting to feel ready to go back (never thought I'd say that!) It's a full time and full on post but I feel back to myself again. Maternity leave has been amazing, and my last one so extra special.
What is bothering me the most is the logistics about getting my youngest to a nursery, then me and the other kids to school/work. Have had help with the school run that has now stopped so I'll be back into the rat race when I go back.

Is this your first Child? If so, it's hard to imagine a time when being a working mum is the new normal but you get used to it pretty quickly, in my experience. I always just made sure to work extra hard in the day to kind of justify (in my mind) being away from my kids, if that makes sense. My first maternity leave lasted 6 weeks (abroad) and I was still leaking milk and just recovering from my c section when I first went back, and even then I somehow managed to block out what was happening and manage emotionally. With my second, I got a year off and was so enthusiastic about going back to work but found the logistics tricky. So am expecting this time to be tough logistically but have faith that I will get used to the situation quickly.

Hope all that made sense, but I'm with you! It's tough!

I didn’t go back

and then went back part time

would 4 days a week be a possibility?

Then you can do baby classes / play group / establish local relationships with other mums (10 years later I’m still close to two!)

I was made redundant on maternity leave and start a new job in two weeks time. Really sad about leaving LO who is 14m. But realistically we need to pay the mortgage and I know she'll be fine at nursery. I'm not sure how I will get my head back into work mode or how I'll manage the new, huge commute.

I am doing 4 days though which us fab, I'd recommend, I did thus with dc1.

Once you are back at your desk it'll be fine. It's the build up which is the worst.

What is your relationship like with your mother OP?

And when you say temporarily… what is your plan then?

@Goodgrief82 thats absolutely what I’m thinking and luckily my manager is very accommodating so it might be a discussion I have when I go back.

My mum is brill and honestly wouldn’t mind having her every day I just don’t want to run her ragged if you know what I mean, take the mick if you like - she wouldn’t see it that way though.

@HappyJellyBaby oh man, I hope it all goes well for you! Thanks for the reassurance, I’ll just get my head down and crack on with it all. I hope it’s busy haha! Never thought I’d say it but it’ll be a welcome distraction!

@Darkdiamond thank you, wow.. it’s so daunting to think about doing the same with multiple kids, juggling everything that is but I suppose like others have said.. the thought is always worse than the reality! Good luck with it all and thanks for the reassurance!

Ahh... the first time back is the hardest and the build up is the worst. You will be fine and baby is being looked after.
I'm back nearly 7 months (that flew) after having my third and I went back when she was 13 months and now she's 19 months.
Remember to find time for yourself and go easy on trying to do everything. Let your partner either drop or collect where possible, split chores, get a cleaner if you can afford it and try to eat well. Best of luck