Going back to work/baby starting nursery - how to cope

[Wmoejg]

Hi,
I'm due to go back to work (part time - 3 days a week) on Friday. My daughter will be 8 months old. I've heard mixed things about returning to work, I feel so sad to be leaving my daughter for those days but very grateful that I have the privilege of working part time and spending Sat-Tuesday with her.
I just wondered if anyone had any tips on how to cope as parents with this transition? When I posted this on my personal social media, I just got lots of "don't return to work" which isn't helpful as I have no choice but to return due to finances.
How did your little ones do with the transition and how can I make it easier? She is doing 2 days a week at nursery and one with my mum. She is doing the settling in days at nursery to help warm her up.

Otherwise I just want to know how to make it easier for both myself and her as I'm currently so worried and really sad that this 24/7 time with her is coming to an end.

Thank you

Think of all the positives about it. Everything that she and you will benefit from with her going to nursery.

Give yourself some time to adjust, it will soon become your new normal.

I agree with pp about thinking about the positives.

Your daughter will benefit from all her experiences at nursery
You are providing for her financially
She will grow up watching you work which is setting her a good example of work ethic and how you can be a mother and work too

You'll both be just fine, I promise.

Ah it's such a sad time isn't it. I went back a month ago when DS was 9 months and I also went back 3 days a week. I can't lie the first couple of weeks were really hard. But I actually enjoy being back and doing something for myself now. I don't particularly love my job either, it's just time where I only concentrate on myself and I get to drink my tea whilst it's hot.

Practical tips. Prepare everything the night before. Let partner take on a lot of the load whilst you adapt. Expect baby to be unsettled for a couple of weeks. They will get used to it! This is their first steps to independence. It's a positive.

P.s I made a post on here around the same time just about car naps and also got told.... Don't go back to work 🫨🔫