Partner going back to work

If you feel up to going out for walks etc, try to plan something for you to do with baby each day. Or if you have friends that can visit etc.
I didn't start doing walks until 6 weeks I think, but it makes such a difference to have something to do in the day for a few hours. Xx

Thanks for the nice comments!
He’s legit my best friend and the thought of handling most of this during the day without him is scary, he’s my rock and it just causes so much anxiety! Thank you so much for understanding how I feel guys x

I’m completely the same, I had an emergency section and he’s been doing everything for the dogs and a lot of the walking about with our daughter when she’s unsettled and it’s making me so anxious !

Please feel free to message me if you need to talk x

For me I found having plans during the day helped deal with the early days. My partner only got 2 weeks off I just about managed to get 3 weeks of mat leave (I was at uni at the time). I have a standing 1 day a week I see my mum and it's been that way since my little girl was a few weeks old, she's now 6 months. So every Monday we spend the day with my mum and honestly it's the best thing. Going for a stroll around the block around lunch time was another good one for us

Definitely try to plan a little something each day even if it’s just a walk round the supermarket with the pram. Also prep some snacks/ meals the night before. Even if it’s just getting a little basket ready with some fruit, cereal bars, crisps in etc. so you don’t forget to eat! I made myself a packed lunch some nights so I ate and as something to look forwards to. I was terrified but I’m 8 months on now and I’m super busy every day and loving it! You will be ok 💕

Few tips that made it easier for me to

• if you can shower, get dressed and have breakfast before he leaves. It makes a huge difference to your mood if you’re dressed and fed before you start the day that being said if you feel like having a pyjama day that’s also ok too
• make some lunch the night before so you don’t go without eating
• as others have said make plans if you’re up to it. Going out and getting fresh air/seeing people makes you feel so much better and makes the day go faster
• don’t worry too much about chores, as the weeks go on and routine becomes more settled you’ll get time to work on that but for now take it easy
• lastly and this might sound silly. In the days I was having a really rough day, I always put a long film on in the afternoon and would tell myself “by the time this finishes, hubby will be home” it made that time a bit more bearable if I was having a slightly hormonal/anxious day.

Honestly… you just do it. You have no choice. The first days went so fast for me! Especially when they’re so little because they can still have long naps on you and you can just chill. So I did that. Enjoyed every cuddle. Fed. Changed. Before you know it your partner will be home.

I really struggled with this as well and still do some days. Honestly the most helpful thing for me was to get out of the house and take walks, being outside also seems to knock my little one out which is a bonus! And give yourself the freedom to just cry when you feel like it, I did A LOT of crying when my husband went back and it honestly helps so much!

Also just remind yourself that this day WILL END! The days can feel so long and endless but each day does come to an end!

My partner didn't take time off, only when I was in hospital as I had an emergency c section, as we couldn't afford both of us to drop wage. The first day he was back, it was only for half a day, so he helped me downstairs with our little one. He made sure I had stuff to hand. On Monday, he was back to work for 12 hours. And I had a friend over to help me out, but the other half helped me downstairs in the morning and all that. Nearly 5 weeks on I'm out most days for a walk, looking at joining some baby groups.

Set yourself goals. Small simple. I had a section and he went back after 2 weeks. I'm a year in now. But at the time I was terrified. My child was the first baby I had held. I needed him, and his support.
I set goals. Small to begin with. Get dressed. Walk to the shop. Have a friend round. Go see a friend. Leave the house with an hour notice. Some days it would be as simple as wear a bra. You've got this ❤️

I’ve been there and I get it. And my baby was so colicky at the beginning, but you’ll make it through mama, I promise. As others have said, try to plan certain things you’ll do like singing songs, reading, walks. Be aware of wake windows so she/hr doesn’t get fussy. But if you get nothing done, that’s totally fine too. And don’t forget to eat and take care of your needs.

My husband had 3 months off thankfully so my baby was a bit older. But I was still anxious.

Honestly, I just winged it. The first week a friend helped, then the second I did if all alone, and slowly I just got used to it. My baby is 8 months now and we have a little bit of a rhythm, you'll find your own too.

Don't change your routine too drastically I say, just try to bring baby along. I still visit friends, run errands etc but with baby, and it helps having a sense of normalcy.

This feeling is totally normal - it’s funny as soon you will be annoyed when he stays home as it will disrupt the routine you are trying to establish 😂😂😂

Try and meet a friend each day. Little walk and a coffee. Something casual. I always like meeting at 11am as gave me plenty of time for morning dramas!

Just do what feels right you will soon be totally fine and like you have always had a baby attached to you :)

i was petrified of my bf going back to work, i couldnt see how it was possible to cope, up through the night, parenting all day it seemed impossible. well we’re two years in now and i prefer it when he is at work now 😂 you have nothing to worry about

Just do not stress. I got home 4 days post c section and my partner was back to work the next day. You and baby will get into a routine, make sure to take your painkillers and youl be grand. I was up and down stairs with baby when I got home. Just take your time. Always here if you want to chat x