I'm back to work and feeling guilty/drained....

[pepperland67]

Hi everyone! I'm searching for encouragement from any working parents on this board. My first day back to work was yesterday, July 2nd. Abbey is 2 months old today and I'm having a hard time so far dealing with feeling guilty about working. I was dreading coming back, not because I don't like my job, but because I feel like I'm being a bad mom by not being there with her all day. My husband is home until he leaves for work at 3, and then Abbey goes either to my dad's/stepmom's or my mom comes over until I get home from work. So I don't have to leave her at a daycare or anything, but man, this is soo hard. She's not sleeping through the night yet, so I'm tired from getting up with her, which I need to do because my husband has to sleep sometime. Don't get me wrong, he's really great with her and loves her to death...but he doesn't get home till about 1 am. Anyway, before I ramble along anymore, I guess I'm just trying to get some things off my chest. I have to work to help pay the bills, we just couldn't cut it with one income. Unfortunately, part time is not an option for me either. So, for all you working parents out there, does it get a little easier? I just want Abbey to know she is loved so very much and I just want to do what is best for her. Thanks in advance...

[KitKat]

Pepperland67, I'm sorry I don't have any answers for you, but I do know Abbey will definitely know she's loved. I felt your caring love for her in your post. Your a good mom to care so much and it's okay to vent your feelings here.

[Soulessaint]

Pepperland67, you and your husband love her dearly. I don't have an answer for you as well, but I will keep you in my prayers, dear. Take care. Gbya

[pepperland67]

Thanks for the kind words you two. Sorry to have posted such a downer thread, but I was really sad that day. My emotions seem to be on a roller coaster this week as I'm getting used to being back in the office. So that was me at a low point. I'm feeling better today, after having the 4th off and spending the day with Abbey. I'm just taking each day as it comes, and trying to remember to count my blessings. I have a beautiful baby, a husband, friends, and family who love me a whole lot, and a job that I'm thankful to have. And I know that I'm being a good mom by working to help provide a life for Abbey.

[KitKat]

Thanks for the kind words you two. Sorry to have posted such a downer thread, but I was really sad that day. My emotions seem to be on a roller coaster this week as I'm getting used to being back in the office. So that was me at a low point. I'm feeling better today, after having the 4th off and spending the day with Abbey. I'm just taking each day as it comes, and trying to remember to count my blessings. I have a beautiful baby, a husband, friends, and family who love me a whole lot, and a job that I'm thankful to have. And I know that I'm being a good mom by working to help provide a life for Abbey.

Beautiful words from a great mom!!

 

[Ginafish]

I just wanted to say that even though it says "Feel Good Forum", I appreciate you sharing your life with us no matter what. I'm sorry I can't help you with your question as to does the guilt ease up the longer you work, but I'm guessing that the guilt remains but it comes and goes in waves. The next few weeks will be hard, and just when it starts to get easy, she'll pass a milestone that you might miss. But missed milestones are true for all parents, not just working mothers. Just go ahead and tell your hubby and her grandparents that when she does something new for the first time, it's alright to keep it a secret so you can discover her new trick for yourself.

Second, I'm happy when anyone start threads not named Ginafish, good news, questions, fun pictures, the only exception being stuff I have to moderate. So any thread you want to start is alright by me!

[thartley]

I can offer my support and opinion as someone who was a working mom from the time my girl was about 2 months as well.  Its a true gift that you are able to have family care for Abbey when you are not able to be there yourself.  She gets to experience a routine of love and care from all those who love her most in the world.     Its a gift not only for Abbey, but also for the family members who hold her and care for her everyday.  The new routine will work itself out and in the meantime, your baby girl is being loved and lifted up by people who care.