Going back to work... I can't do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[brilaunt]

Hi, I was just wondering whether anyone is in the same boat as me at present. My LO is 8months on thursday and I'm going back to work on Mon full time... I'm very lucky to have my lovely Mum, my husband and my MIL doing the childcare initially (although MIL isnt being as cooperative as I anticipated and will be having her for 2 whole days). I'm so upset about it, I cant even imagine how anybody will look after her as well as I do and will all her needs be met? I'm a teacher and get good hols but I dont feel ready to leave her at all and it's making me so sad to think of her being away from me all day... There is no way I can take longer off as we have seriously run out of funds and my MAT pay finishes. I'm a bit pathetic I know, as there are there are trillions of women in the same situation as me.... I just want it all to be ok!
Sorry to moan ladies!

Well, I think you're being a little unreasonable as far as your dh is concerned. He's just as capable of you are as looking after his child. If you're not entirely happy with relatives doing the other childcare then think again. Having care you are really happy with rather than going for the cheapest option is vital

Other than that- the important thing is your dd will be fine! So will you. It will be a change, and will seem hard at first, but getting into a routine is key. Once you've been back a few weeks youll be flying

It will be fine. It's heartbreaking isn't it. This will be in LO's best interests. It's so tough in job market ATM. View it as being that you are in the fortunate position of being able to go back to a career that will allow you to support your LO now and in future.

I understand that you want to care for your LO and noone else matches-up, but you're always LO's mum, and you can keep childcare in the family which can really help. It's never going to be straightforward especially where in-laws are concerned but ups with downs and think about those holidays. LO will be loved and cared for - don't worry too much.

im in the same position as you right now :( I know my mum will take care of them while im at work but it makes me sooooo sad to know Im not going to be there all the time.

Hope you feel better soon xxx

Hey come on,chin up,in your list of childcare dont forget to include yourself,youll still be doing the majority of care-your baby is so lucky to be in a family that is able to maintain all his care themselves .

Theres after school hours weekends and holidays to share.

Its just getting back into the swing of it all and think how useful you will be with your childs education as he/she gets older - your in a really positive position much better than most- it will work it will be fine its just new for you.

Its a bit like the 'back to school september' feeling.

shhhh dont tell anyone, its mumsnet, we dont do this ....((hug)).

Have you done any KIT days? I did and it made it a lot easier, I realised I quite enjoyed the freedom of a baby-free day, and left DD with DH with just one item I really wanted him to do (in my case: you MUST put her down for a nap even if she seems awake!). He did fantastically well, I didn't phone him or anything so he knew I trusted him. I was tempted but thought if he needed anything, he'd be the one to call.

DD had a lovely day, and only cried when she saw me walk in at the end of the day! She was 7 mo at the time, and starting to enjoy being entertained by other people.

It seems really hard but you'll get more out of it if you focus on the positive aspects, your LO will be able to bond more with her family and build solid loving relationships with other people.

Good luck! :)

I don't think you are moaning, my heart goes out to you. I agree with callmemrs, your husband is just as capable as you as he has the bond with your child. I was in your position but didn't go back to work but I left on becoming pregnant and informed school immediately. I would only recommend anybody do this if they are as stubborn as me. Parent teachers I have kept in touch with who's children are a little older are dropped off at their school at home time and have even accompanied them to school events. You are also in a position when your child is older if you wanted to get child friendlier hours still in education. I'm not sure if it is applicable to your degree but Primary or Secondary teachers can easily move to FE/HE and do evenings. I have friends who did this as their children became older and child care costs were an issue. I wish you luck.