It's almost time to go back to work...

Slpafford

So a little intro...I am a first time mom and had my little man on August 3. I will be going back to work on the 23rd and the closer it gets the more anxious I feel. LO will be going into day care at that time.

I was wondering do any of you have advice or words of encouragement to maybe make the transition a little easier? I'm already crying about it and it is still 2 weeks away.

Also, the week after he starts day care he is getting his 2 month vaccinations. Should I be concerned he is getting his vaccinations after he starts daycare? Anyone have experience with this?

jlaOK

My only advice would be to tell you that it will be hard.  It sounds counterintuitive, but you need to be okay with the fact that it'll be hard, you will cry, and your baby will take some time to adjust to the new schedule.  Give yourself a break and know that it will get better.  Good luck!

jf198400

Do a practice run before your first day, get up early, get ready as you would for work, get LO ready for DC. It will help you adjust your morning routine, b/c most likely it will take longer than you anticipated.

Also take care of any errands you can before you go back to work- get yourself a haircut, buy any new clothes you need for work, get your pump ready if you are BFing, wash LO's clothes in the next size up, finish any baby thank you cards, clean your house, prep some meals. Basically do whatever you can now b/c you'll have less time later.

And finally pick out some nice photos of your baby and put them in frames for your office. It will be exciting to show them off to your coworkers and will cheer you up when you're feeling sad. It will be hard in the beginning, but I promise it gets easier over time.

daisy662

It's very hard to go back that is for sure. It took me about a week before I stopped crying and a month to stop feeling crazy guilt. Then you get into a routine and even though its still hard, it does get a bit easier every day. Don't worry about the shots. Maybe give your little one some Tylenol beforehand as he/she could get a low grade fever but no biggie. Best of luck!

bionic4me

I also started crying two weeks prior to coming back to work. It's a hard transition and as time goes on, you do become more accustomed to the schedule and looking forward seeing LO at the end of the day.

Like you, I had to come back to work before LO's shots. We talked with the nurse and were able to move our appointment up to an earlier date, so she had her shots before starting daycare.

Good luck!!!

skibunny59

Going back to work super sucks.  It is hard but you will get through it just like everyone else.  I think I cried everyday for the first 3 weeks back at work.  Some things that helped me were thinking of the positives in my life.  I had to leave my baby and work which sucked BUT I do like my job and I really am proud of the work I do.  You will be fine.  The ladies on this board are very supportive so come on here and post whenever you need to.

Slpafford

Thank y'all so much! It is nice to just hear that it gets better from moms who have gone through it already!

jess9802

For me the anticipation was much worse than actually going back. I was a little teary the first morning, but it's been perfectly fine ever since.