Anxiety About Returning To Work

[nie]

On April 9 I had a beautiful baby girl. I am on paid leave, and don't have to go back until August 10. However, I am already starting to feel a lot of anxiety about the return. We have hired a nanny and she is going to start coming a couple days a week for a few hours. This will help my daughter with the transition, and in theory, help me too. Instead, it is just adding to my anxious feelings. I like my job and although I think we could make it financially if I didn't return, I need the benefits. I didn't think that I would feel like this.

 

[cherryblossom]

I'm sure your emotions are still all over the place. Take it easy, one day at a time. See how things go with the nanny, and try not to stress too much just yet. It's still early days and you have a while yet to think about going back to work. Enjoy your little girl, and re-evaluate how you are feeling in a week or two.

 

[nie]

The new nanny came for a couple of hours last night. I went to get a hair cut and had dinner out with my husband. The nanny is great, but I was very sad and anxious while we were gone from home. I guess I just didn't think about how hard this would be for me. My husband says I am just feeling this way because I am a good mom.

 

[catjudo]

Your husband is right. Those are all perfectly normal, natural feelings for a new mom to be having when leaving their baby for the first time and preparing for their return to work. Add your PTSD on top of everything and it would be easy to become completely overwhelmed, but it seems like you're handling this all as well as any new mom does.

 

[nie]

Well, one thing we have decided to do is install a camera system so that I will be able to access the live feed while I am away. Anywhere that I have internet access, which is everywhere with my smart phone, I will be able to see the baby. That makes me feel better. Also, the pediatrician said that my baby is too young to have separation anxiety. So that is good.

 

[cherryblossom]

Nie, I don't have any children, but I'm sure that all the feelings you are having are totally natural. You are doing lots of positive things to help make this time easier. As time goes on and you learn to trust your nanny more it will surely get easier. The camera system sounds like a fab idea. I think you're doing great!