Struggling with maternity leave

I am having such a hard time with the thought of maternity leave – both going on leave and returning. I am such a control freak and am miserable with the thought of someone else being brought in to do my work. I’m not due until July and my boss is already asking me to make lists of my tasks and talking about looking for a replacement. They’re scared I’m going to go out on bed rest early because of the issues I have. I can understand their perspective from the business side, but it’s making me miserable. I don’t want to train someone, especially so early. I’m scared they’ll mess everything up that I’ve worked so hard for and when I come back it will all be a mess. I know none of this will matter to me when I’m on leave and spending my time with my LO, but for right now, it’s taking a toll on me.

And on the flip side, I already have anxiety about having to come back from leave. I know I have to return to work because I have the larger income, but I really wish I could be a SAHM. I hate the thought of leaving the baby, especially with strangers in a daycare. I’ve waited my whole life for this LO and already want to spend every second with him/her I can.

I don’t know what I’m looking for. I guess I just need to get it out.

Re: Struggling with maternity leave

i know how you feel - the thought of leaving for 3 months, especially when there's a 50/50 chance one of our big cases will be going to trial during that time, is very overwhelming for me.

Re: Struggling with maternity leave

i feel very similar. not so much about leaving (although i do have some anxiety about it - i know that will all go away the day is here). i do hate the idea of having to come back, but like you, i have the larger income and it's not really a choice. im fighting just to get more than 6 weeks right now. im insanely jealous of everyone that gets to be a SAHM.

i dont have any advice to offer other than dont worry about what will happen while you are out, since you will be out for a great reason. whatever happens can be fixed! im due at the beginning of july and im in the same boat as you though as far as wishing i could stay home! the financial aspects of daycare also scare me a lot. at this point DH and I dont even have a plan in place for that..

Re: Struggling with maternity leave

Thanks for the ladies! I needed them today.

FlowerWife - Same with us as far as not having a plan for daycare yet. I know I need to look into it and try to, but I just get overwhelmed with the cost and the idea of it in general that I just walk away from it.

Re: Struggling with maternity leave

Posted by JenMarie

Thanks for the ladies! I needed them today.

FlowerWife - Same with us as far as not having a plan for daycare yet. I know I need to look into it and try to, but I just get overwhelmed with the cost and the idea of it in general that I just walk away from it.

Re: Struggling with maternity leave

I totally understand. The only issue I have about being on leave is that Im a teacher and I wont be there for the beginning of the year to start routines etc...
I just wish I could stay out the whole year. I want to stay home with the baby every day! Even though our parents will be taking turns watching the baby I would rather be with my LO!