Could use some encouragement about returning to work after only 10 short weeks :(

[Wugz22]

I got to take 20 weeks of maternity leave with my son, but our budget only allowed me to take 10 weeks this time and I return full time on Thursday. I am devastated and can't stop crying today. A women I used to work with said she quit her job because her baby preferred her caregiver to her own mother because of her short maternity leave - this probably isn't even true but I can't stop thinking about it in my head. How will she still know I'm her mother!?? This is awful

 

[tulip1975]

I went back to work at 10 weeks too. I'm a FTM and started my son in part-time day care a little earlier so I didn't have to deal with first day of work and first day of day care at the same time.

My son is now almost 6 months old, and he definitely prefers me to his caregivers! And he's a very social sweet boy. But nothing beats Mom.

I actually dealt with it well at first, but then had a tougher time about 6 weeks in. I am doing much better now.

The great thing for me is that I'm not overwhelmed with the daytime caregiving. I get really excited about coming home to my family every night, and weekends feel like such a treat.

Don't worry - you'll get through it!

 

[Willow01]

Big hugs to you hun, I hope your first day back isn't as difficult as you are expecting. I remember thinking my baby would prefer the love of others who was looking after him too when I returned to work but there is no replacement for mummy I assure you.