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He didn't want me to leave lol
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It’s the absolute worst, and this country is so fucked that we don’t get more time home with them. Canada gets a year, and that is needed. That said, I was a hot mess going back after my first. I cried at work, left early the first day, etc. I even started applying for random stay at home jobs toward the end, lol. However, like everyone says, it does get easier. If you are nursing, take the time to prioritize pumping. Hang up pics of your babe. Ask daycare to send you pics or updates. Leave earlier than you used to. Be present when you are home and if you have more work to do, I usually do it after they go to bed. I promise it will get better. Hang in there ❤️
I should add, that if it doesn’t get easier or better then that’s okay too. There are options to freelance or find other ways to be home
More.
It helped me to remind myself of why daycare and me going back to work was the right decision for all of us. I mentally needed to be back out in the working world and I knew my baby was going to be an only child so she needed to be around other children for socialization, etc. And of course, we needed the money. Also, my first day back, I got a pedicure on my lunch break to just take care of myself a bit. It's tough but it does get easier.
Firstly, be kind and patient with yourself — you can do it and so can your baby!
On a more practical point, if you are breastfeeding, I’d highly recommend preparing what your pumping schedule / routine will look like. I was exclusively breastfeeding before going back to work and did not prepare myself - ended up first day back getting pulled in many directions and not standing my ground with pumping times and that ended in a painful (so clogged 😩) and tearful train ride home.
I asked for reduced hours my first week back, which made pick up and drop off more manageable. Most send photos throughout the day which is reassuring and helps me see that my little one gets the attention he needs. It’s hard, but it does get easier with each day.
The first week is so hard but it does get easier. I just went back to work this week after having my second and he is already thriving. They learn so much in daycare and it makes the time you have with them in the morning and before bed that much more special.
Know that the first few weeks, months, etc are just a phase and the chaos will not last forever. You’ll do great!
I found that the anticipation of the day was so much worse than the actual thing. I dropped her off for the first time the day before my first day and sobbed for like an hour. But then it became the norm. During the first couple weeks, I scheduled a lot of catchup lunches which was nice because they reminded me of how nice it was to be around fellow adults 😆