Well, my 12 weeks of maternity are over now and it is time to return to work. I have very mixed feelings about this. Yes, I enjoy my job and the people I work with, and yes I need the paycheck obviously. But, there are things about being home with my baby that I am definitely going to miss.
Thoughts about going back to work after maternity leave
- I’m going to miss our morning snuggles. After my husband (aka Elbows) left for work in the mornings, I would bring Baby H into bed and nurse nap with him. He is incredibly snuggly.
- I’m going to miss going for walks when the sun is out. Unfortunately, business hours means I’m away while the sun is up. So now I’ll only be able to take him for walks in the stroller on weekends since it is pitch black by the time I come home (thank you winter, go away already). I am looking forward to the summer months when the sun will still be up when I get home, and maybe we can do a quick stroll around the neighborhood.
- Our nursing relationship will change. Obviously, it is so much more pleasant to nurse a sweet baby than to express breast milk via pump whenever I can get away at work. But, at least I’ll still be giving him some of the good stuff with all my immunities.
- Missing out on firsts. Well, unless he saves his firsts for weekends or evenings, it is likely that our nanny will see many of his firsts. But, I guess that means he gets to practice them before showing them off to me.
- I’m just going to miss being with him all day. Coming home in the evening hours means I only get a few hours with him before bedtime. But at least bath time is all mine (well, and hubby’s).
Even though this will be hard, I’m sure work will keep me busy and distracted enough so that I don’t constantly think about how much I miss the little guy. No mommy guilt allowed, as I mentioned in my goals for this year, so I’m keeping all the positives in mind.
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Sue says
Oh Julie it is hard going back to work and leaving your darling little one. I went back after 6 weeks which was so hard – that was 34 years ago! Now, my daughter has returned to work after 9 months maternity leave. It is really a juggling act! Hats off to you all.
Julie says
Wow lucky for your daughter, 9 months is awesome! Though, I don’t know if I could get my work brain back again after being away that long. But 6 weeks, ouch!
Adventures of a Novice Mum says
All the best as you go back to work; so wonderful you’re focusing on the positives as you accept what’s inevitable.
I was able to take almost a year out; work arrangements for mums are more conducive for this in the UK.
I’m glad that you can also still continue your breastfeeding relationship with your little one. All the very best as you move into a new phase in your journey. #TheList 24
Julie says
Thanks 🙂 It is great that other countries offer more time off, and I don’t think any amount of time makes this an easy transition. But I’ve been back for a month now and it feels like I never left.
Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories says
Aw, I know how hard it is to leave snuggly babies and go to work. I had used up my leave because I was on bedrest with my first son so I went back to work when he was 7 weeks old. Good for you not having mommy guilt, its hard making the best decisions for your family but they are yours to make. Thanks for sharing with #SmallVictoriesSunday linky. Tweeted.
Julie says
That must have been especially hard at first, but it gets easier, right?
J @ Bless Her Heart Y'all says
Thank you for sharing this with Celebrate Southern last week. I am sure that this is hard, and the adjustment won’t be easy, but you are supporting your family and thinking of Baby H first. You are one strong women! xoxo
Julie says
Thanks 🙂 This is just something us strong women must power through 🙂
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
Aww, sending you big hugs. Here in Canada we get 12 months maternity leave… I definitely savoured it.
Wishing all of you a smooth transition.
xoxo
Julie says
Wow 12 months would be nice. Unpaid though I assume?
You Baby Me Mummy says
Good luck I hope the transition goes well x
Julie says
Thanks:)
you baby me mummy says
Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
Kelly @ Mum-bo-Jumbo says
I am going through the decision making process right now about whether to return to work or extend my leave. I am still in two minds. It is such a difficult decision to make but a very personal one. We all do what is in the best interests of our family and that is all that matters. Thanks for linking up at #mum-bomonday
Julie says
It is a difficult decision. For me it was always the plan to return to work since doing without my income is not an option. But it was really hard to go back. Good luck making this decision for yourself, and you’re right – we do what is in our family’s best interest.
Liz says
No mommy guilt allowed – so true yet sometimes so hard. My daughter is two and those 4 months of maternity leave are treasured parts of my heart. So many walks, and just quiet moments soaking up some sun. Focus on those moments 🙂
Julie says
Yes, focusing on the sweet moments together helps 🙂 Thanks!
Deborah from Mommy Crusader says
Such a hard decision to have to make. I hope you are supported at work and at home during this transitional time. Best of luck, and always listen to your mommy’s voice. 🙂
Julie says
Thank you 🙂 Yes, work has been very supportive so far.
Laura Lane of Harvest Lane Cottage says
Hello Julie,
This must be hard for you. I remember when my first was born. It was really hard to imagine leaving him. May God bless you, guide you, and help you through. Be blessed!
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Julie says
Thanks Laura 🙂 At least this is something so many of us have to do, and it seems like everyone survives 🙂
Carol Hedges says
My lovely daughter is about to go through this..she goes back to work in 3 weeks! I will be minding littley for 2 days..big changes all round!
Julie says
That’s great that you will be helping watch the baby, I bet it is easier on your daughter to have you home with her little one.
Nicole Hallford says
Stopping by from the Mommy Moments link up! Going back to work IS hard, but it makes the time you get to spend with baby that much sweeter. I struggle with this every time, but it always works out!
Julie says
You’re right that it makes the time with him even more special 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!