anyone got any words of suport only i return to work a week on monday initially part time but it may move up to full time hours although we have now sorted our finances so when i get back i can figure out how much money i lose by dropping hours and if we can afford it - it looks hopeful i can continue part time. but either way i still need any words of support you can offer to make me feel happier about this impending change after all ds will be 6.5 months when i return i have spent all his little and wonderful life with him so far and i know i shall miss him. so far i have built up his time away from me so it is not a shock for him - even if it wiill be for me:(. i also think of the relationships he will gain with his grandparents -who are minding him and also how the 2 days at nursery will stretch his developments and social skills. any good advice kind words would be great tia:)

I think it's wonderful you are going back to work. I know it's hard to leave the baby after all we go thru...pregnancy, childbirth, caring for the newborn...BUT... I recently started working again part-time and it's very fulfilling for me as a human being to get out with other adults and get back that part of my career life I set aside for a while. I knew I was missing work REALLY BAD...but I didn't realize how much I missed it until I really got back. I have a greater appreciation for the time I have with DD and my family life than I ever had before marriage & baby.

You are soooo fortunate to have relatives to care for your baby. I am still struggling with finding regular part-time childcare. Because of that, part of my time working is from home...and the other part is juggling a babysitter for a few hours here and there. My employer is awesome and I appreciate his attitude on making time for family first.

It's VERY hard to work from home with a baby...especially when the majority of work needs to be done during business hours. I cannot stress this enough. I would LOVE to be able to go to work at the office on a regular basis.

I guess my words of support are that I completely understand the trauma we go thru of leaving our children to go back to work...it's normal and hard to do. However, if you make the best of the situation, I think you'll do well. Your baby is old enough to where he knows YOU are mommy. He will not forget you. This is more of an adjustment period for you. Take the time to get back to your old self...or at least realize you are mostly there to being back to normal.

My best friend (had a baby 2 weeks after me) and I were talking last night...as our babies are turning 1 now. We both agreed that when we hit 9 months PP, our bodies felt normal again and our outlooks on home life, the future, and work were something to be excited about. No reason to feel sad (for too long) about moving past the newborn baby phase. You cannot go back and re-do anything. Hanging on to the past too tightly could be more harmful emotionally if you don't let yourself move forward.

Take some time to remember what you liked about your job. You are going back to it. Your baby will always be there. Your baby will be so happy to see you. I think it's healthy for the baby to have some time away from Mom. I notice my DD is not as clingy as she used to be. She has become so independent...and I think more trusting of me than when I was with her 24/7. She KNOWS I'll be coming back soon. Before I started getting away, DD was always upset when I wasn't in her sight. I think it's good for everyone...she knows I'm her mom...she still loves me more than anyone...and I've been working for about 3 months now.

You will get to have the best of both worlds. Look forward to the opportunity! Good luck and I hope your transition goes smoothly.
Gayle

Weepy...good luck to you as you return to work! I also work part-time and have my mom as the caregiver while I'm gone. It has worked out perfectly so far. I agree with Gayle, it's very important that children learn they can trust and love others beside Mommy and daddy. I love to see the joy in my Mom's eyes (and daughter's) as their relationship grows. My father passed away 2 years ago (suddenly and unexpectedly) The baby had brought a new spark of life and love to my Mom and it is wonderful.

For me, work brings me satisfaction, independence and a feeling of accomplishment. I do miss her while I'm gone, but it makes our time together that more special.

I do feel for you. That feeling in the pit of your stomach. Hang in there and see how it goes. Nothing in life is permanent. You can make adjustments if necessary. Just be happy and enjoy each day. Losing my father (who I loved dearly and was very close to) taught me that.

thanks ladies i am just sad that my life is returning to what it was before i had ds i am more fulfilled as a mommy than work could ever. it is strange before i had ds i thought i would be desperate to return to the adult world at work but i am not, i guess partly i am sad to lose all that young baby stage and return to the stress of my career. i know life has to get back to me working i just find it sad. maybe work won't be as bad as i fear i guess it is just my priorities are different to that of a pre pregnant me as a career girl i have not missed work not one bit. i am pleased ds will have opportunitieds in his little life besides me such as friends at nursery and with his grandparents i shall just my wonderful bubbaa as he is getting to that can't stop still stage - bless him. thanks for your words of encouragement:)