I can't do this...

cbusgirl

I'm a sobbing mess. I know millions of mom's all over the world go back to work, but this is so hard. And I'm not even back full-time yet! I go back full-time on the 14th and am just working part-time these next two weeks to ease back into it. I am so thankful that my boss suggested this to me and knows how hard it can be - he's a big work/life balance advocate. I was supposed to be off until Jan. 4, but was taking December as unpaid leave and had to go back early because we need the money. So that makes it a little harder.

My DH gets to stay home with DD during the day since he works in the evenings, and I know that having the opportunity of having a parent stay with your LO is amazing if it works out that way, but it's not ME staying with her, ya know?

Please tell me this gets easier! Ok, sorry for the incredibly whiney post. 

jenna0627

It sucks, I fear that Trent will not remember me and that he will want to be with everyone but me. I started last Wed so this is kind of my second week. It is getting easier but still sucks. At least your DH is with her, think of that. My son is with MIL and it's bittersweet, nice yet I'm jealous he will spend so much time with her.

dionnemd10

it gets easier.   it really does and pretty soon you are like-hmm you need to go see grandma for a week!   they enjoy the time away and you eventually do as well

rinny627

I'm not very sympathetic. You're going back part time first... I went back full time right away. DH gets to watch your LO... I have to hand mine off to a stranger everyday. Yeah, it sucks to go back to work, but you've got a GREAT deal going on for you. Feel blessed that your LO isn't in daycare.

Bridezookie

I went back to work last Monday 11/23 and worked 3 days before the holiday break. I cried Monday and Tuesday so much that I was a blotchy red mess. I also cried for about a week leading up to that first day back. Today starts my 2nd week at work and I still cried this morning when I left my house. My son is with my husband 3 days a week (he's partially laid off) and with me 2 days (I'm using up vacation time through December and return full time in January). So like you, we're lucky to not have to use other people yet. But it still is a really tough transition. Luckily, most people are sympathetic, and time does make it better--I am holding out hope that all the moms I've talked to are telling the truth that it does get easier after a few weeks or a month. I'm looking forward to not crying! For now, I just take each day as it comes and count the hours til I can see my baby after work and count the days til the weekend.

It might help to not make ANY plans for the first couple of weeks on the nights & weekends so that you can just soak up the baby! Do you breastfeed? If so, you should really check out the book Nursing Mother, Working Mother. It has great sections about how the breastfeeding connection you develop with your baby really helps you get through separations like work. It also helps to think that when your little one is not with you, she's being exposed to a whole new way of doing things, which can be really good for her. 

I wish I could tell you it gets easier, but after a week back to work, I still cry constantly. Maybe we can be cry-buddies or something. haha.