Feeling sad as maternity leave ends.

[TheHopefulMum]

I handed my notice in to return to work following maternity leave today and I'm feel quite sad.

DD has just turned 6 months old and I had hoped, and planned, to take a full years maternity but financially this isn't viable anymore. I have been very fortune to have had 6 months full pay and I will have a further 3 months SMT before I return but I am so sad that I can't take the full year, it would have been lovely to have the summer with all 3 of my DC's.

I realise I am very very fortune to have had this amount of time off with my LO but I feel guilty for going back to work.

For the record I have always worked FT and I enjoy working and having my own independence as well as contributing to the household but of course, as would most, I'd love to be able to stay home forever with my DC's.

I feel the same, I’m going back next month and I can’t believe how quick it’s gone 😥

@megsh85 it's heartbreaking isn't it. I had hoped to have the full year but it's not financially viable any longer with the cost of living. I'm lucky enough to have family support and not need full time childcare otherwise that would be another dent to the finances.

I'm trying to stay positive and think of my annual leave and days off, and I also feel like human interaction may be good for me! haha

Similar to me. I wanted to take the full year but we can’t afford it so my DD will be 10 months when I go back. At least we can have a hot drink again when we go back to work 😂will make the most of my days off with her when I’m back

You can't be everything to everyone and you are making the best decision weighing everything up. Trying to spin it on its head, think of how exciting it will be for your child to start in childcare and what that will add to their life - new people, new experiences, growing up! Sure it's tough but it has to happen at some point. I wouldn't beat yourself up for going back earlier, but equally it's okay to feel a bit sad!

I know I'm making the right decision but having two older DC's really seems to have put in to perspective how fast time really does go and how I'll never get these moments back. I know I'm not the only one that feels this way and I know I will soon be back in the swing of balancing work and home life.

I had to go back last month and I'm not going to lie the first few weeks will be hard. There will be tears. From you not baby. My DS is 9 months and absolutely loves the childminder. He gets to play with the other babies and his face when I pick him up makes my absolute day.

I posted something similar a few months ago. It will be hard but as people said to me then you are doing what needs to be done to make sure your child has the best childhood they can and a roof over their head.

Stay strong mumma ❤️