Is it normal to have mixed emotions going back to work after maternity leave?
I am feeling quite sad after being with my baby 2 months and now I have to go back to work. I feel somewhat guilty. If you are a working mom, please let me know how you handled going back to work after maternity leave. Thanks!
I sure hope so! I definitely had mixed emotions. They kept building as the big day approached, and I cried after leaving him at daycare the first day. It helps when you know your baby is happy and well cared for at daycare. The daycare teacher called me just to reassure me all was well that first day. It slowly gets easier, but the highlight of my day is always getting that big grin at pickup time. And I REALLY look forward to Fridays now because I know I have 2 full days with my sweetheart.
Enjoy being there full-time now. Put a lot of effort into finding the best childcare arrangements possible so that you won’t have to worry so much about whether baby is well cared for. When you go back to work, talk to other moms. They’ll be able to sympathize with you. You’re not alone.
Yes it’s normal to feel guilty
Some mom’s, if the can, end of going part time or leave work totally
Just remember, you are doing what is best for you
Good luck
The thing that helped me when I had to go back to work was to know that my daughter was in a really good daycare that I trusted and that she would be taken care of. I hated having to go back to work and felt so guilty because I wanted to stay with her, but you have to be able to buy food and clothes and provide shelter for your children so working is a necessary evil. I just think that without working I won’t be able to buy her all the little cutsie things I want to.
because i missed being with my child, worrying if he was ok i decided to work from home so i could have comfort that he was safe and i could be with him all the time
It was hard for me too…You just have to make sure your baby is with someone you TOTALLY trust! Luckily I pay my mo to watch my son for me and I only work 6.5 hours a day and sometimes I still catch myself wondering about him and stuff but I don’t think that ever changes even when they get big…
the day i went back was the worst day of my life.. but it does get easier as time goes on.. have you discussed your options with your husband.. what about going back part time..
Awww… I never went back to work… I could never bring myself to leave my baby with anyone else
But I just wanted to say, yes it is very normal.
PERFECTLY normal!!!! I remember the same feeling, I cried every time I dropped him off for the first week or so. My son is now 2 1/2 and it still saddens me some days that I have to drop him off and go to work. It will get easier but it does take some time. Go by & check on him/her as often as possible thoughout the day, if you can; that will help ease your mind.
Very, very normal.
Yes, it is completely normal. I had to go back to work about that time and luckily my husband and grandparents were able to keep him for a few extra weeks before he started daycare. I was so jealous of them for getting to spend time with him. And once he started daycare I definitely felt guilty. It is very hard to leave your little one to go back, but it gets easier over time. What we’ve noticed now is that our baby actually loves daycare, watching the other children, and having other children to play with. I think it has actually helped his development in some ways. So, I know this doesn’t help now, but you will slowly begin to accept it and it will become easier.
That sounds so familiar!
After my c-section I was home for two months. I was so wrapped up in baby & home I didn’t want to get back to my other life. But, necessity won over (husbands student loans, etc….) and I had to go back to work. It gets easier over time, especially if you have a day care you trust.
The baby is thriving & I get to keep my sanity. I don’t think I would have done well staying home exclusively. She gets to see other kids, which she loves & I get to enjoy her in the evening & on weekends.
She’s six months old and the light of our house and things are going well!
Trust me, it will get better.
It’s VERY difficult. I just sucked it up, drove off while my husband stood in the yard with both kids waving, and I stopped once I knew they couldn’t see me and BAWLED MY EYES OUT. But after a little while I was okay. Now it’s my escape more or less.
Just keep in mind that you are not a bad mom for working, just like you wouldn’t be a bad mom if you didn’t.
Oh yes! It is very difficult to leave your little one after 9 moths of being together all the time..then being home for 2 months with baby ..It is awful at first..But I think as long as you know your baby is with someone who would take great care of him/her it makes the transition that much easier. It’s definitely hard to leave them at daycare with other children also there. But it helps to check in often. To know they are doing well. Call as much as you want to! if it helps you and eases you stress or anxiety of separation from your baby. I have had to do it a few times now..and I am expecting my 4Th baby any day now! It will be hard for me to go back to work…but I have her Grandmother watching her while I work too..so that helps even though it will be hard. It does get easier though…So Good Luck!! Hope it all works out well!
It very much sucks!!
I remember crying the first week back to work. I would call my husband just to hear my daughter cry (he watched her while I worked – he worked nights).
My daughter is 2 now and I am 22 weeks with #2. I am already trying to gear myself up to coming back to work after that…….it does get better!!!
I did with my first and it is very difficult. It will take time a lot of tears and guilt however you have to decide what is best for you and your family. Don’t focus on the time you are away make the time you are with your baby quality special time. I didn’t want to go back and started my Mary Kay business so I was fortunate to be able to stay home after the second one.