Sunnydaysagainz
Member
Hello mummies, I'm a FTM to an almost four months old and planning to extend my maternity leave for a few more months (no pay leave). My MIL will eventually care for my baby on weekdays at my place when I go to work but one of the reasons I'm extending my leave is because I don't want someone else fully caring for my LO. The baby has his own room as we have tried rooming in with baby but nobody could sleep well, especially my husband who is a light sleeper and has a stressful job. Using a baby monitor has worked well and we will go to baby when he cries. Sometimes, I will room inside the baby's room and cuddle him. With this arrangement, we could all sleep well. When my MIL stays with us on weekdays (she's willing to as both of us leave work for work at 6.30am and not possible for us to send baby to her or ask her to come daily), she will be using the bed in baby's room and honestly speaking, I'm not comfortable. I think all mothers will understand as we want to be as close to our babies as possible and be there for them. Although my husband said that I can still go in and care for baby when he cries or needs me, I know that things will never be the same. I have suggested to him that we room in with baby but I know it will still not work out with all the noises we make when we prepare for work and we will also not be able to sleep well. Another idea is to convert the study room to a bedroom for my MIL but of course, it's too much of a hassle. I'm not really looking for advice here but I'm worried that my baby will not recognise me as mummy when I return back to work. My job does allow me to return home early on some days and I have school vacation as well. Am I thinking or worrying too much? I really love him a lot and this is the best arrangement for now as I think about it. Of course if things don't work out, we will have to find other ways...