Curious how many other mamas struggle with postpartum depression after returning to work? 8 months PP with my second baby and work in consulting - I thrive during maternity leave but get so depressed after going back to work and existential dread dealing with the unpredictable nature of consulting

Are you still nursing? The hormonal fog did not lift for me until about 2 months after I stopped nursing, when I got my period back. I am also part of the 2 under 2 club, which is no joke. Life was insane until my youngest was 1.5. I would say don’t make any life changing decisions if you’re still in the postpartum funk. I just kept telling myself “Life is hard, but this is worth it. They are only babies for a short time. This has been done before. I can do hard things.” I also let things go, lowered my standards, paid for help, and asked for help. Not a bad idea to see a doctor in case you need medication. My friend was on Paxil and she said it worked wonders. In retrospect I wish I had made more time for my own self care because it was f-ing insanity and I’m so glad I am on the other side of it. Wishing you health and recovery and all the best as you navigate this season.

Why haven't you moved out of consulting?

Leave. If your specialty is data and AI, look for a remote data or AI role in a remote first company

I’m so sorry you are going through this. I have three under 5. Been struggling for a while now. My youngest is 1.5 and I’m still not myself. Might even be going through perimenopause. Who the heck knows? Does it get easier? I sure hope so. But I’m not there yet. My husband and and I don’t have family close. Have no help at all. We pay for help but paid help is not always reliable Because they keep leaving for better paid jobs. Our nanny of two years decided it would be easier to take care of older people so left us with 24 hour notice. Now looking for more help and everyone wants insanely way too much money. It’s wild. If AI takes my job, I will be a caregiver for sure. They make so much money. I digress. Anyway, please know you’re not the only one feeling this way. You’re not alone in hating / upset with your husband. This time of life is hard. It just is. But I see glimpses of hope and maybe I’ll get my body back one day. ;)

I have 2 under 2 and wanted to see if I would get promoted next cycle but leaning towards leaving after being back 3 months

I also don’t enjoy most of the work - not enough real ai and data enablement work bc a lot of big 4 consulting falls in ‘ai and data governance ‘ which is heavy risk / compliance. Disliking the work and unpredictable schedule are miserable. The pay and benefits are ok though and daycare is very expensive for 2 kids

Mantras also helped here plus some short term disability leave for anxiety. My doctor was happy to write a script for Prozac that I didn’t fill and write a letter and give me 2 years of no travel paperwork.

I’m here with you - a 8 month old as well. I tried full time but it was not feasible (esp with my husband’s demanding job). So I just requested to go parttime - I’m hoping life will be better this way but TBD

I'm not sure that's postpartum depression - sounds more like a mom who wants to be a mom. It's not biologically normal to be away from our babies so much. I know some people really don't have a choice....but I took pay cut and a reduced schedule when I had my babies. It was so much easier knowing I had a couple extra days/week with them.

I took as much time off with baby #1 (10 months)

I’m about to take 12m with baby #2.

2 under 2 is hard. We’re trying to survive as we find a new balance.

Highly recommend you speak to a career coach and a therapist before you make the decision. I had both after my first and they helped me set boundaries, navigate my return and telling HR I was pregnant again… it’s a roller coaster.

❤️