12 hour shift

[Neesii]

Hi all,
new mama here with a 5 month old. Iv taken a full year of mat leave, crazy I know but I’m somehow managing. 😢

im so anxious with going back to work I know I have time but I’m really struggling. I don’t know what I’m gonna do.

some background info I work 3 days a week 12 hours shift and the shift are not set so it’s a mixture of days and night and I get Friday and Saturday of. My husband has his own business and he works 4pm to 12midnight everyday. So as you can imagine I’m really worried with what Or how I’m supposed to go back to work. Not working is just not an option at all.

im so anxious with how I’m supposed to leave her because I’m the only one she goes to sleep with and he not home to even try. Unfortunately he can’t just leave his job at anytime as he doesn’t have full time staff available. I’m literally so scared and have been since she hit 3 month old and I don’t know what to do. I do have support as in both sets of grandparent but I’m not sure if I can burden them with this as they are getting old and it will be hard for them.
Any help or advice would be appreciated
AnxiousMama x

What has your husband proposed? Surely you’ve discussed it with him? The child has two parents, this is not only your job and burden.

Who will care for your daughter when you and your husband are both at work, and how much will that cost?

I started caring for a 4 week old, for 11 hours per day, one day per week. She soon got used to taking feeds from me, sleeping in her Moses basket or more often on me, going out for a walk (they also had a dog, which gave a good reason to get out of the house for a bit) with her in the pram, and then in carrier as that was more practical.

She is now age 5 and I still do one day per week of childcare.

Babies adapt. They like consistency so try to find a childcare solution that will work for a few years if possible.

It doesn't work when you both do shifts.
Both DH and I do shifts and we already decided before I got pregnant that he would give up his job as mine is better paid. He's looking for a mon-fri 9-5 but if he can't find one he will stay home with the baby. We don't have family to help.

I'm going back in July so from April DH will have to start getting to grips with doing bedtime and night feeds as she's still breastfeeding atm so he can't do it yet.

Could you afford a nanny?

Don't worry baby will settle. Bumpy at the start maybe. I would be more concerned about you. I am sat here now ready to set off to a 12.5hr shift and I mentally already cannot cope. It's a new job and I LOVE it but I am struggling, my child is 12 and hubby is self employed so I'm fortunate for that. Don't burn yourself out returning to work on 12hr shifts with a baby. It's hard enough without one, but speak to your hubby and see if he has any ideas in regards to childcare. Take care x