Going back to work next week

drvst8

So my FMLA is officially over this week. But my job said I could take as much time as I wanted. So i'm taking off till after Christmas. Part of me is sad that my time is up. And I don't want to go back. The other part of me is excited to get back. I love my job. Which makes me feel guilty. How can I go back to work and leave DD? Thankfully she is going to stay with my Mom during the day...that makes it a little easier to leave her.

hopefulmom81

If I am being 100% honest, I really like being back at work.

The night before I went back, I bawled like a baby and could barely even look at her without crying.

The next morning, I woke up, showered, put on "real" clothes, dropped her off and went to work without an issue.

Honestly, and this is just me speaking for me, I am a very anxious person, and it creates a healthier environment for me to have a little separation from DD.  I think it makes our relationship that much stronger that I have separate interests.

She is still a complete mama's girl, so it didn't affect our attachment in the slightest.

Good Luck and remember, you can always change things around in your life and reconsider, you aren't committing to work forever. 

drvst8

hopefulmom81:

If I am being 100% honest, I really like being back at work.

The night before I went back, I bawled like a baby and could barely even look at her without crying.

The next morning, I woke up, showered, put on "real" clothes, dropped her off and went to work without an issue.

Honestly, and this is just me speaking for me, I am a very anxious person, and it creates a healthier environment for me to have a little separation from DD.  I think it makes our relationship that much stronger that I have separate interests.

She is still a complete mama's girl, so it didn't affect our attachment in the slightest.

Good Luck and remember, you can always change things around in your life and reconsider, you aren't committing to work forever. 

Thanks! I think once I get back I will be fine. I work with some wonderful people. I'm only working a half day the first day. So hopefully that will make it a little easier

adoxyinherear

You have nothing to feel guilty about! It sounds like DD is going to be in good hands and working is healthy for many mamas GL!!

ewilliams1127

I bawled the first week, but it does get easier.  My MIL watches him so I feel a little better leaving him knowing she will take great care of him.  It's been good for DS to be away from us and he's become a well adjusted toddler with  no separation issues. 

It's hard, but good for both momma and baby! GL! 

tbone_bride

Good luck! I'm sure you will be fine.

I have been home for a year and will be working again, if all goes well, sometime in the spring if next year. I love being home but am realizing I need my own life too. We have to be happy, balanced moms to be good moms to our kids!

drvst8

Thanks ladies. You guys make me feel much better about the whole thing. I know it will be good for both of us. And knowing she is in good hands during the day helps!

big_noise

hopefulmom81:

If I am being 100% honest, I really like being back at work.

The night before I went back, I bawled like a baby and could barely even look at her without crying.

The next morning, I woke up, showered, put on "real" clothes, dropped her off and went to work without an issue.

Honestly, and this is just me speaking for me, I am a very anxious person, and it creates a healthier environment for me to have a little separation from DD.  I think it makes our relationship that much stronger that I have separate interests.

She is still a complete mama's girl, so it didn't affect our attachment in the slightest.

Good Luck and remember, you can always change things around in your life and reconsider, you aren't committing to work forever. 

This all the way. The transition back is hard. It will be nice to have your mom watching her. That helped me - my MIL, sister and my mom's friend watched DD and she didn't start daycare until 5 months. The tip about not committing forever is great. If it doesn't work, hopefully you can come up with some options to readjust. I am in the boat that staying home just wouldn't work for me. However, right now I am seriously considering cutting back to part-time, even 30 hours/week, after my mat. leave. But I know staying home isn't the right choice for me. Hope it goes ok. I think working a half-day the first day is a great idea.

SouthernBellaKS

**Hugs** It's hard at first but it does get a little easier.

KJohnson826

Yesterday was my first day back, I cried yesterday morning, but like PP, I actually kind of enjoy being back at work. I kept having to remind myself that I am being a good parent by going back to work since I pay for DD's medical insurance. It is hard, but I am glad to be out of the house, after 9 weeks off, I was feeling pretty cooped up.