Separation Anxiety in mothers!

[Trampoline]

I've heard of babies having separation anxiety, but what about mothers?! Is anyone else dreading and worrying about the return to work (or did you feel like this when you returned)?

I'd thought I'd be desperate to get back to work....but I'm not. Most women I talk to are looking forward to returning to their careers, whereas I've found being a mum so rewarding, and it's kind of taken me by surprise. The thought of leaving my precious bundle sickens me - am I over-reacting?

Any tips appreciated - thanks!

I dont think you are overreacting at all, I have been back at work now for 6 wks and in all honesty it has been the hardest 6 wks of my life. The appreciation you are told you get for work over being a mother has yet to be bestowed upon me and my son has managed to pick up every bug going. The silver lining on this glumy cloud however is that he has also picked up the art of waving, clapping, learnt to crawl and is definately more talkative at the age of 10 & 1/2 months than he was at 9! I am trying to find out more about this study headlined on the front page of The Observer today which refers to "Babies not suffering when Mums work" but of course the article doesnt really tell you anything and directs you to www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118539445/home but then asks you to pay for the article. as Siobhan Freegard (cofounder of Mumsnet is interviewed in the Observers' article I was hoping we would be able to read more about it on this site - has anyone got any ideas?

Going back to work
It's my first day back at work tomorrow after a year off. Feeling really sad tonight. Been a brilliant year. Very lucky as going back part time and being looked after by grandparents but I'm realising how hard I will find it not being with her every day and not being in control. Yes grandparents is a lovely option but sometimes harder than strangers saying what u do and don't want to happen...not that it's stopped me already :-) x

Hi I know it's 6 years later but I wanted to know how you got on returning to work. I've sold my business and have just started a new job so I'm adapting to working for someone else and leaving my baby boy. Major anxiety.

Hi I hope your transition back into work went well. I'd like some advice. I've had my own business for 8 years which I've now sold and I started a new job yesterday and am really struggling with being out of the house for 12.5 hours a day and only getting half an hour with my baby boy per day. I've got really bad anxiety and my alarm bells are ringing but I just keep getting told to deal with it as it'll be ok.

I felt terrible because I didn't have to work for financial reasons. Dd was really struggling with nursary, we moved her to a well respected child minder and that still didn't work so I ended up leaving a career I absolutely adored and was good at.