Bored on maternity leave

I can’t say I feel this way about work but I can sympathise at times with the monotony of the routines! I’ve tried not to have too much routine this time around, of course baby has a vague routine but I’m not bound by it. I don’t commit myself to too much so I have variety in my weeks and the ability to say yes to spontaneous plans. I also do things for me and don’t feel bad that my day doesn’t revolve entirely around her. As long as she’s had some play and a cuddle, if I spend one day at the shops, going for a walk or cafe with friends i don’t feel bad.
Can you visit work and do KIT days too?

I could have written this myself. The main thing is please don’t feel bad- it’s a big adjustment. My LO is 2.5 years old now and I ended up reducing my one year mat leave to 6 months. Going back was the making of me- and I was a better mum because of it. We’re allowed to feel we need more- I promise that doesn’t make us bad mums; it makes us strong. I’ve always been honest about how I felt- I love my children more than anything but I need other things in my life to keep me focused and feeling like me. I was surprised at how many mums and dads agreed with this and that they were bored on mat leave. I remember talking to my own Mum who said she was so bored when I was little- and she’s the best Mum ever and I couldn’t ask for more. So please don’t feel guilty. Try to find things to make you feel more you. I decided to start writing a book- it’s no good and will never be published but gave me a focus every day!!! 🤣🤣

The early days of babies are pretty boring because they don't do much other than sleep, cry and feed as they get older and more interactive they are definitely more fun to be around.
Do you go to any groups or classes? Its nice just for some adult interaction
I was torn on my first maternity leave as although I did miss work and did want to go back i also loved the freedom of it just being me and my son and I didnt want to ever be apart from him. I think it takes time to find your groove

I literally felt like this around week 5/6. My girl is now 14 weeks and yes some days I can’t wait to go back to work but other days I can’t bear to think about leaving her!! I just ‘romanticise’ every little thing like having a nice coffee, going for a walk etc and it really helps! Yes the routine can be SO boring but I try and do anything, I even clean the cupboards out while holding her and blare some music 🤣

With my first child I felt very bored and alone during mat leave and I went back to work after 5 months. Now that im pregnant with my second, I am making efforts to connect with other mums who will be on mat leave at the same time. I want to make sure im hanging out with other people ideally every day. Are you alone with baby a lot of the time? I don’t think new mums were ever meant to raise newborns alone and that’s why it doesn’t feel right. The cliche about the village is very true. Perhaps you could meet some other mums on here and set up some regular meets at your house, so that you can have company and support ? Don’t feel bad for feeling this way. Perhaps you enjoy your job and your team and you are missing it - that’s totally valid and okay. It’s a huge change going from full time work to full time mum. And if you do decide to go back to work earlier than planned, that’s okay too. Xx

I can’t relate on missing work as I don’t like my job lol but now that I have a toddler and a newborn, I completely get it now when other parents would describe it as a break! I also agree about it feeling like living the same day everyday. Whilst your baby is so little definitely make them work around your lifestyle and not the other way around. Pick up some new hobbies - I’m using my free time when my oldest is at nursery to workout, practice doing makeup/hair and doing DIY. I just have my little one resting in my lap or in his bouncer facing me whilst I do these things! I’m choosing to see this time as an investment so that when I do return to work I’ve had a glow-up!🤣 don’t feel guilty x

Definitely join some clubs or groups, monday-thursday we have activities to do from baby groups to swimming, helps me know what day of the week it is too xx

I felt like this when I had my first. Went back to work part time at 6 months and then full time at 9 months. I’m definitely enjoying it more this time around but I think that’s because I know how fast it goes and this will definitely be my last.

My little one was 11 weeks yesterday and I'm going back to work 2 weeks today. I'm doing shared parental leave with my husband as I feel like I'd better use my time working from home and looking after the baby whilst my husband takes over the majority of care for our toddler. I'm not sure it's totally the right thing to do for me, but my eldest will benefit so much from dad being off