Working Moms - Advice

I'm so sad and anxious...I'm going back to work in two weeks... I can't believe how fast it went. My mom is going to watch DD for the first 6 weeks, then we have an extended family member that is going to be her nanny after that. I'm so sad about not being with her all day long, and already am crying when I think about missing her all day.

So, working moms, do you have any advice on how to make it easier, or just some advice that might help me be less of a basket case???


Thanks!

Re: Working Moms - Advice

I completely understand. I went back to work when DS was 3 months and it was sooo hard but it did get better with each day and I just called the nanny alot. It did make me appreciate every moment I do have with him so in that sense it is good.

DS started Day care today (he is 5 months) and i cried all over again. (The nanny wasnt working out) I love the place where he is going but it still kills me to leave him. I am hoping in a few days I will start to feel better again.

Just make time for you and DC when you are home from work, special time!

Re: Working Moms - Advice

It's going to be hard. But it does get easier!! I swear it does!

Think about the great hands she'll be in while you are at work. Think about how you are benefiting your family by working.

Take it day by day. You'll get in to a routine and one day you'll look FORWARD to that routine.

Every minute you spend with your LO will be quality time, as long as you make it that way.

It won't seem like it at first, but you'll get through. And you'll truly learn the lesson of "leaving work at work".

Re: Working Moms - Advice

I have tons of pictures here with me...and videos on my phone.

Trust me it gets easier. I appreciate having "me" time at work..the ability to go to the bathroom or eat without interruptions

And at the end of the day I am so happy to see my DS! And he is loving daycare, his friends there - he smiles when I drop him off. He can't wait to play.

Plus I just remind myself - I am doing what I need to do to support my family.

Re: Working Moms - Advice

the hardest part of the day is walking out of the house in the morning.

once I do that, I am ok.

it's so hard...there is no getting around it, no denying it.

for me, it didn't necessarily get easier, but I've made peace with it.

and yeah, pictures help A LOT!!!!!

savor every minute.

good luck.

Re: Working Moms - Advice

All I can honestly say is that it gets easier - not necessarily better - but easier after the first few days/ week. Like some other posters said, the hardest part is walking out that door. Hang in there mommy!!! Know your baby is safe and happy, and that when your day is over you get to go be with them!!!!

Re: Working Moms - Advice

It will get easier once you have a routine going.

The first day I was a wreck... and the second.... and third.... but I cried less each day and now it is only hard on Mondays after spending the weekend with DD.

Wierd as this sounds, I committed to pumping as a way to be with DD while at work. I use that time to try to relax and think about her. That was a personal decision but one that I am thankful I made each day.

I also have a picture of DD as my desktop background on my computer so I can see her all the time.

Re: Working Moms - Advice

Re: Working Moms - Advice

Re: Working Moms - Advice

I posted this a billion times (sorry again ladies ) I was so nervous/scared/anxious/sad over it. They are all right, it gets easier, but not better.

You get used to it. It's a routine.

For me, I don't feel comfort when I look at a picture, I just miss him more.

and the hardest part of my day is when I get home, and see him..guess it reminds me of what I missed all day.

I am fine at drop off though..kind of backwards, I guess.

Because you are working..you are doing what is better for your family, and that is being a great mommy..don't forget that!!! Good Luck!

Re: Working Moms - Advice

The only thing that really helped me was time. The first 2 weeks were the hardest but I didnt get into my groove for about 2 mos. You'll never want to leave the baby but it does get a little easier. Good luck

Re: Working Moms - Advice

I'm so sorry you're going through this. My experience going back to work was HORRIBLE! I walked into my building crying everyday for the first 2 weeks.
It was one of the hardest thigns I ever had to do (and DS was 7 months when I had to go abck to work) It took MONTHS for me to adjust. I can honestly say it only got better for me after February. I guess "acceptance" settled in and that was it. I swear it was like I had lost a loved one or something I truly went throught he 7 stages of loss. The only thing I can tell you is it might take a long time but eventually it will pass. You might never be 100% ok with it but it will be tolerable.

Re: Working Moms - Advice

Re: Working Moms - Advice

Posted by CaseyGirl

I have tons of pictures here with me...and videos on my phone.

Trust me it gets easier. I appreciate having "me" time at work..the ability to go to the bathroom or eat without interruptions

And at the end of the day I am so happy to see my DS! And he is loving daycare, his friends there - he smiles when I drop him off. He can't wait to play.

Plus I just remind myself - I am doing what I need to do to support my family.

Re: Working Moms - Advice

I did not read all of the replys but here is my take:
DO not go back full time on a Monday and work all week long. Start on a Wed- go in from 10am-3 or 4pm for that week. Then the next week go in on Monday at 9:30 and work again, until 4pm for the week. Transitioning into the work is so much better for you. It is overwhelming to do it any other way.
Also, KNOW that it is hard. You will feel "lost" and that you are missing a lot so you need to know that it is normal to feel that way and it is okay to miss the baby. Plan to have lunch with a friend on the Friday you go back. It helps to be with friend who will let you talk about the baby and knows you feel a bit out of sorts.
Each night get your items for the morning together. You cannot get yourself (and baby if you need to) out of the house in the morning without evening prep. Get bottles made. Get your pump (if you are nursing) ready for the morning and to leave the house. Get all clothing set out the night before.
This is not an overnight change..it takes time to adjust. But many of us have adjusted. You will too

Re: Working Moms - Advice

I have to go back a month from today and I've been dreading it already!

Re: Working Moms - Advice

It is so hard. One of the hardest things I have had to do in my life.

One thing that helps me to get through it is I look at it like DS is benefitting from being with other people besides me. He is with a nanny 2 days and my Mom 1 day and DH 1 day (I work 4 days / week).

The nanny teaches him baby sign language and plays with him all morning. My Mom plays the piano with him. DH takes him to the park and / or PetSmart - lol!

So each person does something with him that I wouldn't necessarily be doing, and I try to take comfort in that.

Good luck! This forum has a LOT of supportive ladies on it so vent away. It definitely helped me in the beginning.

Also, I felt like the anxiety leading up to going back was WAY worse than actually doing it.

Re: Working Moms - Advice

Thanks ladies, I know I'll get through it, but its going to be so hard!
It helps to know you all do it, so I know who to come to for comfort and understanding!!

Re: Working Moms - Advice

No advice really. It does get easier. Each day is a little less hard.

Re: Working Moms - Advice