My wife's maternity leave is almost over and I'm freaking out

JoshuaExperienced

Aug 31 min read

Our son is 4 months old and my wife goes back to work in two weeks. I'm excited for her to get back to normal but I'm also terrified about daycare and schedules and all of it. We've been so in the zone with just the two of us and the baby. Now there's pumps and bottles and drop off times to worry about. She seems fine about it but I'm stressed. Anyone else dealt with this transition?

10 comments160 views

Comments(10)

CChris M.RegularAug 3

Two weeks to figure out childcare logistics and adjust mentally. That's tight but you can do it. Have you guys settled on daycare or is someone watching him?

VVincentRegularAug 4

Four months in and the world is still pretty new, right? It gets easier. Just make sure you've got a solid routine locked in before she goes back. That helps way more than people realize.

FFelix R.RegularAug 3

Hey man I was exactly where you are. What helped me was realizing my wife was probably freaking out too about leaving him. Take some pressure off both of you and just focus on keeping the baby alive and loved. Everything else works itself out.

MMichaelRegularAug 3

That nervous energy is totally normal. Just remember that good daycare places take amazing care of these little ones. You've got this.

SSteveRegularAug 3

Two weeks to prep is actually decent time. Get familiar with the place, meet the teachers, and you'll feel way better about it. Hang in there.

JJamesRegularAug 3

The daycare anxiety is real, but you're gonna be fine. We went through the same thing and honestly, our son loves it. You're doing great already by thinking about it this much.

GGarrett M.New DadAug 3

The first few weeks back are the hardest, not gonna lie. But you've got this. Make sure you and your wife actually talk through the plan for mornings and evenings. That's where we almost lost it.

GGarrett M.New DadAug 3

I get the excitement for her but that anxiety is real. Make sure you have a solid backup plan for when the baby gets sick. That's the thing nobody tells you about - daycare means more sick days than you think.

DDaniel M.RegularAug 3

Man this is real. Two weeks away is nothing. Have you guys figured out childcare yet? That's where the real stress hit us. Daycare was a whole other beast to navigate.

SSteveRegularAug 4

That's a big transition. My wife went back at four months too and honestly the first week was harder on me than I expected. Daycare, timing, all of it. But it worked out fine. You've got this.