How long did it take you to settle back inot work after mat leave?

[shazzg]

started back 5 weeks ago (p/t) after a year mat leave with 2nd baby.since then work and home life have been utter crp -stress,rows,no sleep,crap quality of life and weekends etc

work is soo busy and no supprt from manager and whole new team/boss.i'm off today with stress and been in tears since 4am this morning.

is it worth it? does it get better?any one with experience to share please do.

Don't have any experience of this yet, but just wanted to send a hug and just be easy on yourself, it's a tough job!

Yes it's worth it IMO, you keep your earning capacity so even if you don't desperately need 2 incomes now you will be better placed in the future e.g. when you are paying for university.

Yes it does get better but I would say give it at least 3 months to see an improvement as you settle into the new pattern. It is a big change and with sleep issues and your hormones tying you to DC it can be really rough. It was the worst time of my life but it does get better, honestly!

Tips:

• sleep is the main problem so take turns lying in / napping at the weekend
• get a cleaner if you don't have one already - if necessary take laundry for a service wash at the weekend
• internet grocery shopping with lots of healthy ready meals if possible or if you can prepare in advance then do so
• discuss with DP/DH that you working part time does not mean you do 100% of the housework and the less he wants to do the more help you'll need to buy in
• consider asking your mum to come and stay and help with looking after you (same as when baby is born)

thank you both for messages and top tips.much much appreciated