The Mama Perspective | Mum Blog

I had quite a few worries before returning to work after maternity leave. Even though I’ve done this before with this first, it doesn’t feel any easier to do again. I had just about adjusted to life with a newborn then before I knew it, the months were creeping by and I’m back to work with a 9.5 month old starting nursery. Queue the tears. 

Over the last couple of weeks, thoughts have ran circled in my head – how will I devote time to each of the boys once I’m home? What if I’m too stressed and tired? What if I can’t help Freddy with his homework in the same way that I always do? The mess, how am I gonna keep on top of that? What if coffee doesn’t coffee as hard? I’d fall asleep just thinking about it all working overdrive in my head.

The uniform needs to be washed. Both of their bags need packing for school and nursery – including Freddy’s packed lunch inside his. Must remember if it’s PE today to put trainers in his school bag too. Dress them, well Freddy pretty much likes to dress himself now. 

Get those teeth brushed. Wipe their faces, again! You know the routine – all whilst replaying mental lists in my head about what needs actioning today at work. 

And most of all – reminding myself I am capable no matter what the day throws at me. A sick child? You bet that’s going to happen. Phone calls from nursery calling panic when you see the number/caller ID? Yep, that too! But you know what? It feels like our norm now. I like that we’re all keeping busy – or having fun in the kids’ cases. 

It’s all going okay. Don’t get me wrong – some days are tougher but I try to make up for less time spent with them on another working day, or at the weekend. I’m still here. Me and Danny both work full-time and the boys are in school and nursery until 3pm so we’re grateful to each of our workplaces for the flexibility to take it in turns to pick our kids up.

The look on our boys faces when they see us at home time is everything. And on the days when it’s just their daddy doing the pick up, sometimes Freddy will ask, “Where’s mummy?” And as much as that upsets me a little – he knows I’ll always be coming home to him as soon as I can. 

Freddy’s feelings around mummy and daddy “both going to work” is mainly excitement because he’s counting down the time until he can go to the seaside – he’s referring to the beach! 

And maybe that’s the best way to look at it – through Freddy’s eyes. To him, this new routine just means we’re getting closer to sandy toes, ice creams, and sunshine. And really, that’s what it’s all for and everything in between. 

For now – it’s a little while until then – deciding what to have for tea each night because there’s no all inclusive menu served to us here. And I’m making the most of the unlimited hot chocolates when I’m in the office. Roll on our first holiday as a family of four! 

We’re doing our best, building our lives, and making memories where we can – one busy, imperfect day at a time.

Returning to work hasn’t taken me away from my boys – it’s just changed how our time is spent. And in many ways, it’s made me appreciate the little moments even more.

If you’re about to head back to work after maternity leave and you’re feeling the same worries I had – just know, it will find its rhythm. And you will too.