Returning to work and leaving baby - tips on how to cope please

I am returning to work in 6 weeks - I have been dreading this ever since DS was born but all of a sudden its a reality, DS will be 10.5 months when I return.

I don't have to worry about Child Care just yet as DH is using his long service leave and some parental leave entitlements so will be a SAHD for 18 weeks which is awesome as I know DS will be well cared for (I'll be working full time for 12 of these weeks, 4 days for the first 6 weeks to ease myself back into the workforce). I am really happy that DH gets to spend this special time with him too.

My boss has been super flexible in giving me core hours (830-430) so I can see DS in the morning and be home for dinner/bath/bed etc, and has allowed me to work 4 days and work one of these days at home when DH goes back to work so I will only be away from DS for 3 days per week - so a great situation...

But its the emotional stuff I am struggling with, missing him, missing milestones, worrying how he will cope without me (fine I am sure hehehee). I am getting choked up when I talk to people about returning to work, and get those prikly tears, its hard not to break down (I have a number of times). I know the first few days, weeks will be super tough but for the many many Mums that have gone through this already - what were your coping strategies, how did you adjust, any tips would be most appreciated :)

Naomi
x

I returned to work part-time when DS was 11 mnths and dp took care of him on those days. My main coping strategy was that we both had video mobile phones and I would call every day at lunch, it was great being able to see him and speak to him.

I remember my first day at work I waited about 2 hrs before calling home ;) but after that I would only call once a day.

If you have the internet at home and work maybe get some web cams and download skype? My husband was working really long hours last year and we would "skype daddy" each night, also my parents live in Queensland and we skype twice and week and my DD knows them as well as if they were round the corner. It costs nothing and you could do it for 5 minutes in your lunch break.

I also think sometimes time away can rejunvinate you as a mother, I don't work but I put DD in occasional care and when I pick her up I can give her my best again.

I felt no end of bad feelings when I was about to go back to full-time work when DD was 4 months old. For me though, actually doing it was not as bad as the thought of it.

For the first week I rang our family daycare lady once or twice a day. But in all honesty, I was too busy at work - learning a new job to have time to worry.

I try to separate myself from work when at home and from home when I'm at work.

Wishing you all the best as you return to work.

HI,

i can say that the feeling doesnt go away. i went back to a FT job when DD was 3 months old. Now at nearly 12mths, its easier but there are days where it is hard. i 'talk' to DD every lunchtime and i have to remind myself that i amworking for her as much as for me :)
Good Luck and i hope that it has gone well.

Sam
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DD - nearly 1