Anxious of return to work after MAT leave

[BobbyDazzler11]

My return to work is approaching in the new year after a year off and I am so anxious how I am going to manage.

I am going back PT, 3 days one week and 4 days the other each fortnight. Start time 7.30am but DP is gone by 5am each day therefore it's for me to manage drop off at daycare for 7am, 3 days a week. One day will be in an office but the rest from home (lucky in this respect!)

I have really loved my time off since getting over a tough patch at 4 months post partum and just want the bubble to continue..... but it can't. We don't have any help nearby just me and DP.

My mat cover has done really well in my role and although they still say lovely things about me, I can't help worrying they would rather keep her as she is fulltime.

Can anyone share their stories of returning to work and how it went?

Following with interest. I just put a post up about going back to work too!

Ah I’ve been there and it’s so hard. I really recommend reaching out to other mums in the workplace as they can be such a great support and soundboard as they’ve been there too. To a certain extent I just had to come to terms with not being as good as I previously was, not staying on late, saying no to additional work, but I think I became more efficient and better at prioritising as a result. You have a child to prioritise and you just have to able to drop things if you get the call from nursery that they’re sick etc. Best of luck with it, I’m sure they will be delighted to have you back x

@sofasofachair851 its tough isn't it - what hours will you be doing?

I will be doing very similar to you after Christmas and it’s a scary time, I just want it all to go well. The main thing we need to remember is that it’ll be tough for us initially however our little ones are going to develop into really independent and happy people knowing that we go to work and come home to them again

its so much easier that you can do some home days as that’ll make the transition that bit easier and I guarantee that everyone will be happy to see you and have you back at work. Give it a few weeks and I’m sure you’ll feel settled and in a new routine, that’s what I keep telling myself anyway! Good luck!

I found it worse thinking about it than it was doing it. It quickly becomes routine and while maternity leave is lovely, you will now make the most of the time you have off with your little one and that time is lovely too. You might also manage a hot coffee at work.

@BlueGlassVase I think I am spoilt as my little boy loves independent play every morning for 30/45 minutes so I always have a tea.
Then we are on x2 naps of 1hr and 2hrs so it's pretty bliss hahaha !

@Fergs1972 I already started him one day a week in daycare and he loves it. No tears at drop offs and looks like he has a great time so it is one worry off the list!

The worst part is the anticipation. Once you get that first day over with you will be fine. Get back to using your skills, having stimulating conversations - you will be absolutely fine. Enjoy your Christmas and don't stress about it too much.

You will be absolutely fine, sounds like you have planned the transition really well, baby will adjust and so will you. As PP said, the anticipation is hardest because you build it all up in your head. The reality is, you will both just get on with it and get through it 😊

I felt similar when I went back to work, I’m FT and DC is in nursery 3 days a week. I do find myself rushing around (I’m either on drop off or pick up) and do occasionally forget things (baby bag, coat, work pass, buggy 😂), I just embrace it for what it is, it’s going to be a full on few years and I will drop the ball occasionally, im not superwoman and that’s fine. Make sure you give yourself some grace, none of us are perfect!

I'm due back in February and although my work have been brilliant in accommodating my part time hours request, I'm still nervous and anxious and just don't want to leave my boy! He will have to attend nursery a couple of days a week, I start work at 6.30 am and finish at 7pm and my partner does 8-4 so he'll be doing the getting dressed... drop off... picking up and dinner. We've agreed to save bath time for me so I can still have some cuddles and read a story xx

The worst part is just before you back! It won't be as bad as you think. Your toddler will learn new things at nursery and be with other toddlers, they do painting and messy play for you so you can do easier activities on your days! You'll still have loads of time with your toddler. With the early starts can they have breakfast at nursery and can you eat breakfast at work? Have all clothes for both of you out the night before.