By: Jenna Collins
The moment I brought my baby home, I dreaded the thought of returning to work. I was aware it was inevitable, yet I chose to bury my head in the sand about it. During my pregnancy, my partner and I toured daycare centers, weighed the pros and cons, and made a thoughtful decision on our top choice. I treated the task as complete, but during my maternity leave, I dodged conversations about work and childcare like they were landmines. I was deep in the first stage of grief—denial—regarding the impending separation from my child.
As my first day back approached, my mom friends reached out with an outpouring of support. Messages flooded my phone, reminding me that “you’ll be fine” and “it gets easier.” I appreciated their encouragement, but I felt anger bubbling beneath the surface. I was furious about losing precious moments with my little one. Looking back, there are several things I wish I had known about that pivotal first day.
- You’re Leaving Your Baby with a Stranger.
Sure, you might have met the daycare owners, but the teachers are new faces. Handing over your baby to someone you barely know is surreal. You’ve spent hours preparing your family for babysitting, and now it feels like you’ve just handed your child to a complete stranger. It’s a surreal experience—who does that? - Tears Will Flow.
I’m not usually one to cry, but the moment I stepped out of the house without my baby, I was a mess. It was like a scene from a movie—unexpected and overwhelmingly emotional. Brace yourself for an outpouring of tears. - Treat Yourself.
After the emotional rollercoaster you’ve been on, you deserve a little indulgence. Stop for a coffee or a treat to help ease the transition. When was the last time you enjoyed a hot drink alone? It’s a small act of self-care that can help you mentally prepare for the day ahead. - Prepare for Celebrity Status.
If you think you can sneak into the office unnoticed, think again. You’ll be greeted with a barrage of questions about your baby and your experience dropping them off at daycare. Be ready to share your story repeatedly throughout the day. - Expect a Welcome Back Query.
Someone will inevitably ask, “Are you back at work?” as if it’s an everyday occurrence. It’s a strange feeling to explain that you’re not just hanging out at the office while on maternity leave. - Bring an iPhone Charger.
You’ll find yourself checking your phone constantly, anxiously waiting for updates from daycare. Your phone will be filled with countless pictures of your little one, and you’ll want to scroll through them often. Just be prepared for your battery to drain quickly. - You May Snap at Your Partner.
The emotions of the day might lead to unexpected outbursts. My partner was supportive, but when he left shoes lying around, I lost it. All those pent-up feelings have to come out somewhere, and sometimes it’s directed at the person closest to you. - Everything Changes When You See Your Baby.
As I rushed to pick up my child, seeing their smiling face completely transformed my day. All the stress melted away in an instant. After a day of worry, that moment made it all worthwhile.
So, as you head back to work, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Many parents have walked this path and felt the same emotions. It may feel daunting, but you’ve got this. For additional insights, check out this post about returning to work after maternity leave. And if you’re interested in fertility solutions, visit this reputable online retailer for at-home insemination kits. For more information about pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is invaluable.
Summary
Returning to work after maternity leave can be an emotional rollercoaster. From the anxiety of leaving your baby with someone new to the overwhelming feelings of sadness, it’s a significant transition. Allow yourself to grieve, indulge in small treats, and prepare for a day filled with questions and unexpected emotions. Remember, seeing your child’s face at the end of the day makes it all worth it.
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