Returning to work with chronic illness and a six month old

[SausageDogMum95]

I’m due to return to work in October when DD will be 6 months old. I had very ill health before and during pregnancy which meant I had to take leave earlier than I would have liked, and so will be returning after 9 months off. Work are being supportive with agreeing to a phased return of 3 days a week.

Financially, I can’t afford to take any more time off. DH could take care of all the main finances but wouldn’t be able to cover my own expenses or for us to have anything extra if I didn’t at least return part time.

I have found it really hard since having DD. My illness has become chronic, I now have nerve damage in addition to the chronic pain I suffered from before, have had numerous infections in the c section site, and now have severe inflammation of the joints which is making caring for DD a challenge. I’m exhausted waking early for feeds and then getting up in the morning with DD as it is, so I’m now starting to become anxious about how I’m going to cope when I have to go to work - get her to nursery early, drive an hour to an office etc. I am on strong medication and being monitored by GP for help.

not sure what I’m hoping to get from this post, maybe a reality check from mums who manage this every day and have been through it and can tell me it gets better?

I think that you and DH need to sit down and come up with a workable plan. Including what happens if you are too ill to do your part on a given day.

Are your work willing to allow WFH?

This was me. I had to go back to work when my baby was 7 months. I was /am the breadwinner, DH' s income is far lower.

Pregnancy worsened a genetic condition and I was/forever will be in a lot of pain now. It causes a lot of pain in my joints and muscles and wreaks havic with my blood pressure. I thought I could power through, i had good support. I ended up having a breakdown when DS was 18 months. I took a few months off unpaid, I'm back at work now and it's unbearable. It's made worse by DS not quite sleeping through (he's age 2).

We are now reviewing everything and might have to totally change our lives as I can't carry on. Pregnancy has literally destroyed my health, forever. Sorry I can't be of more help but I wanted to share so you are not alone. All the women around me have bounced back by age 2.

That being said, I don't have the option of working part time. I went straight into 50 hour weeks, still breastfeeding and a baby waking every 2 hours. I think working part time is excellent and hopefully it will work for you.

My only advice is once you're at work, take all the help. All of it. Don't be superwoman or some domestic goddess, don't try to do everything.

I myself being a new mother can understand all that you are thinking and very similar feelings I faced a couple of months ago. I also joined work and my baby was of 3 months. Yes, this is true gradually things get better as you get to know that you can do this and everything gets to their place. It gives stress, and yes it is hectic as well but you will be able to manage it when time comes. For the chronic pain it is better that you get some help for the baby or for you at least in the day time so half of your work is done wither of baby or of home.