Back to work this week and I can't stop crying

[lilyO88]

I'm back to work this week after maternity leave. My DD is 8 months old.

I can't stop crying today at the thought of leaving her.

I have it lucky compared to most, I'm able to go back part time (I do have to go back, we need my wage), I'm only going to be working one shift a week for July while I'm using up last years annual leave, I'm leaving her with family so she doesn't have to go to strangers.

I just can't pull myself together. I know I'm being ridiculous, she will be fine, I need to go back, it's better than many people have it. I believe it will do me good to be back once I'm back into it all. But I just can't seem to stop crying.

Did anyone else feel similar? Or have any advice/ words of wisdom?

Going back to work is a big deal, so don't beat yourself up over it. It takes time to get back into it, get into your new routine (for both of you).

My DD was just over 1 when I went back, and I was ready to have something else to do by then - tbh at 8 months it would have been an awful wrench for me had I had to. However it's needs must and there is no right or wrong there.

Also remember that you're still full of hormones (takes about 2 yrs for them to normalise I thin) so that won't be helping.

I think it took me a year to get back into work properly. I went back part time 2 days a week. It took me about five years to get interested in my job again if I'm honest!

Hang in there - give yourself a few months to acclimatise. You might find you enjoy having a HOT cup of tea and some grown up conversation - which also doesn't make you a band person by the way.

@Isleepinahedgefund thank you so much for your reply. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that. I feel a bit better today and I'm trying to get myself all organised so I feel more prepared.

I knew I would find it hard going back, but it all just hit me out the blue yesterday and I felt so overwhelmed.

Ideally I would have longer off, but I don't know how much easier I'd find it even in another 3 months! I'm only very part time at first and then even when I'm back on my new full hours it's still more days at home than at work each week. My manager has been amazing, I'm so lucky.

I just need to keep reminding myself of the positives!