Working Moms

21 Weeks Pregnant, Stressing about going back to work after baby....

Hi, I'm 21 weeks pregnant, trying to get ready for life with baby and I'm planning on going back to work after my 6 week maternity leave.  The problem is, I'm feeling extremely weird about going back to work and missing 8 hours a day with my baby... I feel like I'm going to miss so much.. but I got hired at a really good job right when we found out we were pregnant, and I feel like I can't give up the job. Does anyone have any advice? I'm stressing out about it!

Re: 21 Weeks Pregnant, Stressing about going back to work after baby....

  • And it is hard.  I live in Alberta where the mat leave is one year so I feel for you.  I also couldnt imagine going back that soon...I have had a hard enough time going back after a year.  The only advice I can give is find child care early and that you feel good about.  Do as much planning for meals etc that you can and let your house be mess so yu can get snuggles with your lil monkey

     

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  • Too early to stress! I hear ya but you don't know yet how it's going to be, what this baby is like, or how your company will (or won't!) ease the transition. Of course you'll miss him or her but you will get used to it and you will get time with baby.

    Can you negotiate any more time off? Like 2 more weeks? Can you start back part time? Either of those options might help make the transition less scary.
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  • I know it is hard not to stress. But try not to focus on going back to work but on enjoying your last half of your pregnancy and enjoying your 6 weeks with your LO. DS1 is now 4.5 and I have been working since he was 12 weeks old. In retrospect I have never missed anything with DS. He loves DC and has learned so much more then I could ever teach him or think to teach him. He never forgot who his Mom is just like kids never forget their Dads. DS loves his teachers over the year and it is a great feeling when DS is excited about his day at DC and seeing his friends that he has literally known since he was 12weeks old. It will be fine. Working makes me a better mom it is about quality time not quantity.
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  • I'm trying to to "stress" about it, but it has been on my mind. I know it's one of those things that I don't have much control over, but it still bothers me.  Yall's advice is very helpful! and I will look into getting a little bit longer for maternity leave.  I am very willing to do prepping at night for the next day, I think that will put my mind at ease a little bit. Thank you for your input!
  • As PP's mentioned, don't stress so much about it right now! You need to take care of you and baby right now. 6 weeks does seem short, but so many women have no choice and they make it work. If you can try to get a longer leave, great. If not, it really does all work out. This is my 4th week back to work and I was an anxious mess before going back. But I eventually found my groove and routine with baby. Good luck and enjoy the pregnancy!
  • Great advice about making and freezing meals now. Some friends did that for us and it was a lifesaver, especially when you're both back at work. Don't forget breakfast freezer food! We had a couple veggie quiches and it was really nice after a long night with a newborn to have something more substantial than cold cereal.
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  • I totally went through this when I was pregnant with my DS, too. I'm such a planner (and a worrier!) that I really agonized about going back to work (I took 8 weeks off, btw). Honestly, it was tough but the anticipation of it was truly the worst part. Daycare has been soooo great for my DS and I truly believe that part of the reason he's so social and meeting his milestones early is because of daycare. In fact, I gave my notice at my job recently and am going to be a SAHM at the end of the year (we have baby #2 on the way) and as excited as I am, I'm nervous about not being able to provide all that daycare has for my DS and could for the new baby.

    My advice is try not to think about it too much because, again, the anticipation is far worse than actually going back (in my experience). Work on finding a daycare that you feel comfortable with and will be a good place for your child. For me, having a referral from a friend to a great daycare eased my mind that my DS would be well taken care of and loved while I was away from him.

    Good luck and don't stress :)
  • I felt the same way when I found out I was pregnant up until the day I returned to work.  Honestly, it was hard to wrap my head around it, but I truly believe that I am a better Mom b/c I work. I am able to help provide for my family, and I am able to have "me" time (who ever thought ME time would come during working hours?)

    My baby is in PERFECT hands, our DCP is awesome and she loves him like her own.  She will never replace me and I remind myself of that when I miss him. Also, being a SAHM is HARD. I know working is hard too b/c you don't have as much time at home to get stuff in order, but honestly, you don't really get much done when you're a SAHM either.  Kids need 100% of your attention about 90% of the time, the other time they are sleeping and you're trying to get stuff done if they aren't sleeping ON your.

    Anyway, to me, work is balance and I need balance. Good luck chica!

    SURPRISE! BFP: 12/2014 - EDD: 8/13/15

    We made plans and God laughed

    DS: BFP: 9/30/12 - EDD: 6/9/13

    Radley Quinn was fashionably late via induction on 6/17/13

     

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