Struggling with mat leave

[Lijay]

I'm 39 weeks and have only been off work for 1 week but I'm really struggling with the boredom. Any advice?
Everyone I know works during the week, I've done all the housework, batch cooked, binged watched some TV. I actually considered contacting work to see if I can go back until I give birth. I just feel a bit isolated and I am worried this will only get worse once baby arrives.

Oh I was the same. Everyone will tell you to make the most of it, prep up, rest, take time for yourself... having a baby can be a lonely experience. Spend some time researching baby groups that you might want to attend when baby is here. I know I found it hard to adapt to mat leave, but honestly try and treasure it as now I'm back at work I miss it so so much! Good luck with everything - this time will fly past and you'll be with your baby- how long until you're due? X

Sorry you're 39 weeks so you won't have long at all and pretty much worked right upx

Are there any groups nearby for young babies and mothers? If you’re social you could always download the peanut app which is like tinder for mummies.

Having a baby can be quite boring to some, if you’re already struggling I’d start researching baby groups/acitivities local to you so you can get out with baby once they’re here.

You seriously can’t find something to occupy yourself for a week? Read a book

I'm jealous! My planned two week pre-baby vegetation period got scuppered by pre-eclampsia.

A few things I'd recommend:
If there's one in the next week go to your local sling library and try some out with a demo doll.

Figure out your car seat if you haven't already, it took us an embarrassing 45 minute struggle on the boiling hot mat ward.

Look at local support and baby groups and get a list together, I was at our breastfeeding one in the first week after birth.

Treat yourself, go for a proper pedicure, massage or treatment. Something to cheer you up.

If you're desperate for company, why not meet mates on their lunch for a coffee

These are all great suggestions thank you so much! Definitely going to try and find a sling library, download the peanut app (never heard of it before) and research baby groups etc ☺️

LOL at the car seat. It took us 2 hours to figure out. that base is never coming back out again.

@Regularsizedrudy oh babe 🤣 I've worked full time my whole life and I'm 33 now. Only had time off when on an actual holiday. I'm just a bit lost. No need for the sarcasm.

I think that’s a bit of a weird time for everyone. As others have said, find some local groups or classes. The only thing I would say is try to give yourself the first 4-6 weeks just to adjust, don’t go running out assuming you’ll be at 3 classes a week. At first when it’s stressful doing nappies, feeds, outfit changes, packing bags etc even trying to go to the supermarket feels like a lot. I didn’t find I was ever bored but did always structure my day a bit. I would aim to go a walk when baby would be likely to sleep and it always worked well. I’d put my earphones in and listen to a podcast and that used to feel like a wee break for the day, just to be able to listen to other people chat. Girls overheard was/is my favourite although there’s loads of mum ones (Kate lawyers, Happy Mum Happy Baby, Sam and Billie show). An audiobook is also good as you’ll look forward to getting to go out and listen to it. Arrange small things like a coffee with someone just to break your week up. It’s actually really enjoyable!

Also if you’re going to bottle feed make sure you know how to work EVERYTHING and give it all a test run now rather than when you’ve got a screaming baby waiting on a feed 😂

Thank you so much for this, it's good to know most people feel out of water to some degree at first. Love the idea of a walk with a podcast every day once baby is here. I have missed walking as I'm not as mobile at the moment.
Haha ok mission for today is figure out my prep machine then 🤣 great advice!

Go back to work - you might have another three weeks yet, and your time at home will be more valuable at the end of maternity leave than now.