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October 2015 Moms
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How to cope with returning to work

meganraschkemeganraschke member
in October 2015 Moms
I'm really just looking for support/comfort that this gets easier at some point. I am returning to work on Thursday after 8 weeks of maternity leave and I am getting very depressed about it. There's nothing actually wrong with my job, but the thought of putting LO in daycare leaves me in tears several times per day. It's not practical for me to quit, or take more time unpaid so I am having to just come to terms with this as it is really the only option.
I know my fears are irrational, but I literally do not know how to cope with leaving my son with people who I don't even know their names yet. I feel like he is too young and I am not ready for this transition. I'm also worried once I go back to work I'll have very little time to spend with him. I live in a very large city, commuting takes between 2-3 hours total per day and I work 10 hours per day. I just feel like there will be nothing left after cooking and dishes to give to him.
Can anyone who has been in this situation before help me to understand when these feeling change from fear and depression to acceptance?
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Re: How to cope with returning to work

  • jasminelukejasmineluke member
    I agree and second your feelings ..looking to see what others say who have been in the same situation ...
    I go back in 4 weeks and dealing with same feelings especially about leaving in daycare at such a young age and the ratio is 4 babies to 1 caretaker :/. I feel like my precious baby won't get the attention or love she deserves ....
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  • JennaEllenJennaEllen member
    Have you looked into in home care or taking him to someone who watches children in their home?

    You're not alone in your sadness. I return to work the end of January and is tough to think about. Try to remain as positive as possible!
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  • meganraschkemeganraschke member
    I have, unfortunately in my city the cost of doing that is much more than we can afford. We also don't have family nearby that could watch him.
    I know by going to work I will be providing for him, but it is just so tough to leave when he is so young. I just wish maternity leave was longer in this country to give us more time at home to adjust to motherhood and adjust to our babies to being away from is everyday
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  • chein1chein1 member
    This is my second child, and I will be returning after winter break (I'm a teacher). I took 10 weeks when I had DD1, and I literally sobbed for weeks leading up to going back to work. The first day was actually the easiest for me. I mean I sobbed the whole 45 minute drive to work but being at work itself was fine. The second week was actually harder for me because reality set in that this is just how it's going to be. DD1 was 10 weeks so for awhile it was depressing because I'd pick her up, feed her once we got home, and then she'd go to sleep. I literally missed any interaction with her but as she got older she was obviously awake more. My mom is retiring and will be taking care of DD1 and DD2 this time around so I don't have daycare anxiety. Daycare was amazing though. They put DD1 on a schedule and as she became a toddler she loved their daily activities. Songs, crafts, stories that we never would've done if it were just her and me at home. Sorry this is a novel, just know the beginning will suck. And you'll have random days that suck. Two years later I still have days where I'd give anything to just be home with my daughter. But it does get easier. It will be your new normal, and you won't know any different. Hang in there mama!
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