Increased my hours and having a hard time

[AvaAndMe]

Hi, I had my daughter Ava on 2/14/09. I took 12 weeks off with her and then I went back to work part time (24 hours/3 days) in May. Last week I increased my hours to 32 hours. Who would have thought that increasing by 8 hours would be so hard, emotionally. I basically cry all week and I am a total stress ball. Being away from my baby is torture. My husband is thrilled that I have increased my hours. He has the mindset that we work hard now and when she is school age we can have more flexible schedules for sports etc. A great concept when you are emotionally able to look beyond this moment in time, but I am a breastfeeding mom and feel like my baby needs me now!! He grew up with a single mom that struggled to get by and I grew up with a stay at home mom. He wants to have children two years apart, but I can't imagine doing this again without being a SAHM! It just seems like each week is getting harder. Any methods of coping are welcome.

Maia

[caenach]

It can be hard! And I'm not sure I have any great answers beyond what you're probably already doing.

I guess, for me, I just prioritize "family time" above everything else. Certainly above household chores and errands and responsibilities to extended family/friends. Letting go of all that stuff helps somewhat--and maybe part of the financial gain you get from working can cover hiring some help with household tasks that currently add to your burden/stress.

I make the most of the time I do have with DD--and I try not to fill all of that time with activities and rushing to the next stop on the schedule...I try to make sure we have some time everyday that is just quiet, roll around in bed, play on the floor time. And I guess I try to take time to reconnect with her when we are together in the evenings--nursing, taking a bath, reading books, etc.

I know there are a million factors in the decision to either work outside the home or in home...but if it is financially viable for you to work fewer hours now, maybe you could brainstorm with your DH about ways to keep on track for future stability while also meeting YOUR current emotional/physical needs. I know it can be hard to disappoint your partner...but maybe there's a compromise to be made.