Tips for survival?!

nolagal79

Good morning ladies!! I have only posted a handful of times, I guess I wasn't looking forward to actually joining this group bc I was in denial about going back to work - not bc of the people in the group for sure!!

I'm a speech language pathologist and director of the rehab dept at a skilled nursing facility and will be returning to work tomorrow after having our first daughter back in January. My job isn't the best and is crazy stressful. Fortunately I talked to my boss about reducing my hours and I will be working 4 days/week in the building and one day from home. To add to the stress, my husband's last day in the Navy was yesterday and is applying for school system jobs and won't hear anything for 2 more months.

I never thought leaving Em would be this hard on me, but wow! I'm sure you all know the feeling. I am fortunate that Em will be staying between my husband and my mom so I don't have to deal with day care yet. So it really is the ideal situation for having to return to work.

So any tips for survival? Alcohol, chocolate, punching bag, cheese to go along with my whine?? Thanks for listening!

nolagal79

Thank you @CourtandNate‌ that's exactly what I needed to hear. I just never imagined it would be so hard. I have no clue how I'm going to get through the day tomorrow without crying. It may be extra hard for me because my mom didn't work outside the home when we were kids. So I guess that's what I'm basing my situation off of, and I feel so guilty for leaving her.

But thank you for what you said - it's spot on!

momtojad

My husband is a SAHD as well.  It gets easier, then gets harder and then there are days where you treasure the dance party you have in your car on your way home.  Hang in there and just try to get into a routine.

rockychryslerb2010

My advice to friends as they make the transition is to give it time.  The first few days/weeks will most likely be difficult.  For you, baby and hubby.  Don't make any decisions during this time.  Once things have calmed down and you've settled into a routine, it gets better.  Or it won't, and you will figure out something else. 

I loved maternity leave because it  made me realize how much I value my career, and being a stay at home mom just wasn't for me.  I love that E will grow up with a strong female role model with a successful career.  I'm sure it will get harder has he gets older and I have to miss stuff for work and travel, but I'll worry about that then.

Besides, the time you do get to spend with them is all that much more special.  Quality over quantity.

thedash

It is a huge transition for your family and for you. Don't freak out if the first few weeks and even months are hard. In the big picture of your life this will be a short time and it really does get better.

My advice is to make time for just you and DH as well. Even if it's just opening some wine and sitting down to chat on a Friday when your LO is asleep. You need to remain partners in this and take care of your relationship.

Reilly626

I was a wreck myself and got myself sick over it. It was hard the first month, but soon the twins became accustomed to it and love it. I would say take deep breaths, call midday the first week to check up on them, and when you get them home hug and spend lots of time with them. Chocolate helps too! PS don't blame yourself either! I was at home for the first year and loved that time but it was hard hard work, more so than my job. I cannot walk away from a great job as hard as it is while they are sick. Best of luck!