Have to go back to work but it's breaking my heart!

[Nicki1979]

I start back at work next week and will be leaving my 4 month old daughter with a childminder. Thought I would be at home with her until she started school but to cut a long story short, financially we cannot live on my hubby's salary alone. I don't get maternity pay and our income does not cover our outgoings.

I did try to find a very part time job but they are few and far between. I will be working 8:30-3:00 every day although will have all summer holidays off.

I have an almost 4 year old son who will be at preschool 3 days and with my mum 2 days which I know he will absolutely love but am so worried about missing out with my daughter.

Read lots of posts about mums going back when children are 9 months old and 4 months just seems sooooo young.

Childminder is good and comes very recommended and my daughter has had a few settling in visits but she is essentially still a stranger.

Has anyone else left their child so young?

I'm a SAHM so I haven't done this, but I am a 1000000000% sure your wee one will be fine.

Far better a childminder with a home setting than a nursery.

I left mine at 8weeks. I am lucky enough to have GPs close but they hadnt spent too much time with DC at the time so were strangers in that sense. Very young babies adapt quicker I think because separation anxiety isnt kicking in. And although he spends alot of time away from us we are still Mummy and Daddy and get the best smiles :) It aches to leave him but I appreciate the time I do spend all the more I think, and I feel I am more attentive than when I was with him all the time. Good luck hope it all goes well for you xx

I Think It's true that younger babies Adair more easily. She will be fine in the loving hands of another experienced person (better than nurseries at such a young age in my opinion). The hard thing is accepting that they will and must bond with that person. That is the ideal situation, hard for a mum to accept (I'm just returning to work this week after my maternity and am feeling the exact same thing - you are not alone). Raising a child is a lifelong job and you have done the best by your dd by choosing an appropriate daycare solution while you keep her family running smoothly. Well done you!

Sorry -that should have read 'adapt' not adair!