Help! Feeling sad and anxious about returning to work in June

[mumtobe23]

I am a first time mum of my beautiful 7 and half month old DD. I love her so much and have built up a very strong bond, the thought of not being with her all day everyday is making me feel sad, anxious and actually a quite depressed .

It has been the best time of my life since she arrived. I have my mum and MIL looking after her - and I KNOW they are family and they are the next best thing & will look after her just fine but i can't help feeling she is MY baby and no one can look after her like I can. I dont want to miss a second of her growing up especially in this first year.

I have to return to work for financial reasons so theres no way out of it. Please can someone reassure me i will snap out of this (my BF thinks im being silly) & tell me II'll feel better when i do return. At the moment i feel very silly & childish and I'm being clingy to her knowing my time left is limited!

In my personal experience, that dread during the last little bit of ML was MUCH worse than the reality. I really hated the idea of going back, but like you, financially there was no choice.

Being happy with your childcare choices makes a big difference. Of course it a wrench at the start. I would recommend putting dd with your mum or mil the day BEFORE you start work. Then when you sob hysterically for an hour, at least you don't have to go to work sraight afterwards. Use the time to get your hair cut, buy a new work outfit, have a bit of time to yourself....

It will be strange at first, but appreciate the advantages of hot coffee, adult chat etc.It DOES get easier!

I couldn't even think about it let alone talk about returning to work without crying in the months before I went back after DC1. Don't feel silly, it's normal!! You will survive and so will she.

When you return to work, work hard at work, make the time you are there count and don't take work home. When you are at home, make the most of your time at home, including making some time for your and your partner. (Get a cleaner, do online shopping, anything to make your life easier.) Treat yourself, your DP and your DD with your first pay packet.