https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:26:17 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave/page/2#post-1525873 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 12:13:07 +0000 hilsy85 1525873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@raintreebee: yes definitely do! Just email/wall me whenever :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave/page/2#post-1525854 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 12:08:32 +0000 raintreebee 1525854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: Ahh, thank you! I just might take you up on that once the weather is nicer (which should be soon)! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave/page/2#post-1525500 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 10:54:49 +0000 SleepyMonkey 1525500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't. I was really anxious and depressed and lonely so I couldn't enjoy my baby, who was actually a really easy baby. I basically skipped with joy back to work. I regret not enjoying it more and I hope to be able to enjoy #2 more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave/page/2#post-1525216 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 09:35:03 +0000 sweetooth 1525216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like I didn't enjoy my maternity leave as much as I could have. The holidays were good, but having family around for a long period of time actually added stress to the early days of motherhood. And I also battled thrush for way too long so I had multiple trips to the doctor for me, for my son, and dealing with the stress of all of that. </p> <p>Now that I'm back to work - and he's getting to be so much more fun and we're on formula - I wish I could be with him now. And the weather is slowly getting warmer and I'd love to take daily walks with him. Wishing I could be a SAHM is not something I anticipated, but I think it's something you can't really know for sure until you're "in it". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave/page/2#post-1525176 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 09:25:36 +0000 LuLu Mom 1525176@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did get bored, I missed conversations with adults, but now I can't wait for #2. I think #2 was hard because it was winter, cold/wet and no opprotunity to spend time outside. I took her to walk around Kohl's, Target, the mall, ect. just to get out of the house. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave/page/2#post-1525108 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 09:10:46 +0000 hilsy85 1525108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@raintreebee: we' re in the neighborhood, so let me know if you ever want to meet up for a walk/coffee! I remember how tough/isolating those first few months were. </p> <p>I'm a SAHM, and I actually think maternity leave would be harder than being a SAHM in some ways...as a SAHM, I feel like I tried harder to make friends/get into a groove with stuff to do because I knew that would be my new normal. As a mom going back to work, I imagine that motivation might not be there, which would cause me personally to not try so hard, thus becoming more isolated and bored at home and itching to get back to work a bit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave/page/2#post-1525087 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 09:06:11 +0000 NovBaby1112 1525087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looking back, I wish I was able to enjoy it more. I was very stressed, had none of my family near by (except my mom for the first week), LO nursed non-stop all day, cried in the car and felt like I couldn't take her anywhere, plus it was the beginning of winter so I felt trapped in the house with a baby who was either crying or nursing. I begged DH to come home early so many times. However, I was still really sad to go back to work and leave her. I felt like she was just now starting to get a little more fun at 3 months, and I had to go back to work. </p> <p>Next time, I am hoping to enjoy it a bit more even if we have the same problems, because they are only that little once. I am hoping this time to have a spring/summer baby though because I truly think just getting out of the house and being able to take walks/etc. are very good for your mind/body. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave/page/2#post-1525085 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 09:05:43 +0000 Anagram 1525085@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Applesandbananas: that was me, exactly! I enjoyed my mat leave a lot. It definitely made returning to work a lot harder. I also made a lot of good mommy friends, got out of the house almost every day, and had more time to do laundry and cook which was nice. And having LO all day was amazing for me. </p> <p>She was my buddy and I really liked having her--her naps were so good after I nap trained at three months and she doesn't nap well at daycare, so I have some guilt because I do feel I was better at caring for her and stimulating her than our daycare is. Some days I think I just have a super crappy day care, but all of my friends whose babes are in daycare have similar issues (the constant sickness, the small issues with daycare teachers on a weekly basis, etc.)</p> <p>I never wanted to be a SAHM before, but now that I've seen how I adapted to it pretty well, I will consider it for a temporary period (1-2 years) after having future LO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave/page/2#post-1525070 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 08:59:14 +0000 mrsjyw 1525070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There were moments when I was solo that were tough for sure. But, overall I enjoyed it. I wish I could have had an extra couple of months, but was mentally ready for work esp with my new flex schedule, made the transition easier. (I was off for 3 months) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave/page/2#post-1525068 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 08:58:32 +0000 cascademom 1525068@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes and no. I loved bonding with my son and the challenges of motherhood. I didn't like how some of our relatives treated the time like I didn't earn it. They treated it as their playtime and failed to realize that I worked up until I delivered to have all of that time with my son. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1525060 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 08:55:44 +0000 raintreebee 1525060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am going back and forth on this question. LO is 9 weeks old, and I am dying for adult interaction but also dreading leaving him. My maternity leave is a little flexible since I am on the academic calendar, but, as a professor, I really should get back to my research this summer. So I am having a hard time figuring out what to do. I feel guilt in either direction. But maternity leave has been no picnic. I have found it to be very isolating since none of my friends are SAHM. I also kind of resent the fact that DH doesn't have to be in the childcare trenches with me and isn't building the experience with LO that will create an equal share of responsibilities when I go back to work. I guess that is why some European countries require the man to also take leave, otherwise the couples' total leave time is reduced. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1515324 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 11:48:25 +0000 ALV91711 1515324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do d enjoy it. The first 7-8 months were hard and I looked forward to going back to work. The last few months we got into a routine and had so much fun. This week I went back to work and I hate being away from DS and not being the one to do things for/with him. I wish I could just work 3 days a week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1515307 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 11:29:14 +0000 Mamasig 1515307@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes and no. I think I was just anxious being a 1st time mom that I didn't enjoy it as much as I could of. I wasn't ready to leave him at the end of 12 weeks, but I was ready to go back to work to start our "real life." I knew I wasn't meant to be a SAHM so maternity leave almost felt like playing house? Being a working mom was real life. </p> <p>I'm hoping to enjoy it more this go around. I just want to soak in every moment with my 2 boys and not worry about things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1515093 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 08:42:41 +0000 autumnlove 1515093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I enjoyed my second maternity leave in the summer....it felt like a vacation after the first month of newborn madness. We kept our toddler in PT daycare (3 days a week)and LO 2 was a really sleepy baby. I watched a ton of TV, took naps, did stuff around the house. We also went on a trip to visit my parents and lots of day trips.</p> <p>Maternity leave after LO 1 was in the winter and I was kinda bored. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1515080 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 08:31:13 +0000 skipper2010 1515080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I loved it in the summer, but if I didn't go back to work this would have been a REALLYYYY long winter! I love spending time with DS, but the days that we're stuck in the house drag and he gets fussy and I find myself counting down the hours until DH gets home. You are not alone! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1514896 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 02:41:27 +0000 anonysquire 1514896@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm dreading going back to work. Like if someone mentions it I bust into tears. I want to stay at home with my baby forever and ever. I'm only going to work 2 days a week and it's too much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1514843 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 00:14:17 +0000 Woolly Mammoth 1514843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, and I opted not to go back at the end of it (I would have gone back at twenty weeks).</p> <p>I struggled with depression when I was isolated in the past, so I went into maternity leave knowing that it was very important that I have some company at least a couple times a week. </p> <p>I joined a couple of parenting groups, so at first I knew a lot of other moms that were on maternity leave. We would meet at the park for a walk about once a week. I also started going to baby story times at the library at least once a week. </p> <p>I have also been incredibly lucky in that my parents are retired and live nearby. They usually come over at least once a week and are generally willing to do whatever I'd like. They help me go shopping or cook or go to the dentist or just hang out. I've been feeling their absence this month because they are on a long vacation. </p> <p>I'm also lucky that our weather is mild enough that its usually possible to go out every day, even if its not too pleasant. We walk around the neighborhood a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1514694 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 21:26:59 +0000 Applesandbananas 1514694@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did enjoy mine, 13 weeks. The first weeks were tough but I had support and once we got out of the deepest trenches, I made plans everyday. Two different playgroups, going to get pictures taken, meeting friends for lunch, etc. Once I got into a groove, it was so so so hard to go back. I felt like I had a great balance of adult interaction and loved being with LO all the time. Now, I can't imagine staying home after being back at work for 9 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1514299 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:48:12 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 1514299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, because my DH was off during that time as well. I wouldn't cAll one day less than 5 weeks a maternity leave, though... :(</p> <p>DD was extremely colicky, so I wouldn't say it was fun. She cried all day and night and I had a Toddler to look after. But it was still nice just not having to go to work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1514283 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:41:10 +0000 lamariniere 1514283@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first, it was very stressful because of new mom anxiety and major BF issues. Don't get me wrong, I looooved being with my baby, but it wasn't all sunshine and roses. With my 2nd, I don't have the anxiety and we don't have any major issues, so it has been wonderful and very enjoyable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1514168 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:21:51 +0000 petunia354 1514168@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not really!! I used to get pissy when DH would text me and say he was stopping for gas on his way home be cause I was literally counting down the seconds until he got home, Lol. I also always had grand plans of getting out of the house everyday but when it came down to it I always felt overwhelmed and just stayed home! I could never be a SAHM, I'm much h better now that I'm working! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1514157 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:13:43 +0000 Cherrybee 1514157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took 7 months maternity leave and I didn't enjoy it at all! I had dreadful anxiety at the beginning so getting out of the house was so stressful for me. I started feeling better once I stopped stressing about getting dressed and going outside but the long days festering in my PJs with nobody to talk to made me feel so depressed.... it was a catch 22, really. I have felt so much better since going back to work and I actually now enjoy every minute I get with my girl. I guess I wasn't cut out to SAH. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1514062 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:14:02 +0000 heartonastring 1514062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's been a mixed bag. The first three to four months were HARD, between BFing, emotional stuff/mild PPD and just the mental shift that one has to make when one becomes a parent I was a MESS and wanted to go back to work.</p> <p>Since then, and particularly since six months, things have gotten so much better. Having said that though, I'm going back to work in five weeks and I'm ready. DD has gotten to a point where she's so busy and so social that I feel like I'm just not enough stimulation for her anymore.</p> <p>I joined a couple mum and baby groups and they were the best thing. One in particular is a group of like-minded mamas and we can talk about anything and everything. It's a great support system and we now socialize outside of group too.</p> <p>My parents visit one day and week and another day we go to a mum and baby music class, so those help us get through the week. I also now follow a bit of a schedule every day which helps by providing some structure and I find and excuse to get out of the house every single day without exception, which is so necessary for me and my mental health. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1514056 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:09:55 +0000 AmandaB8 1514056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hated maternity leave. With a passion. </p> <p>I love my baby girl, but I was going crazy at home. My friends ARE my coworkers, and not having them was really really hard. It didn't help that it was 10 degrees out, so I didn't want to go anywhere with the baby. I'm so glad to be back at work! I didn't even cry the first day! I practically skipped out the door! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1514051 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:06:00 +0000 artsyfartsy 1514051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Being on mat leave has made me realize I definitely want to go back to work but he will only be 8 weeks old when I go back and that just seems like way too young to be without mama. </p> <p>I wish I had 6 months or even more even though I'm dying for normal adult life again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1513999 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 12:16:56 +0000 looch 1513999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I liked it when I had plans, like meeting friends for coffee. I also liked the play groups and community pool in the summer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1513946 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 11:44:31 +0000 MrsH 1513946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm loving it but my DH is home with me so I get adult conversation all day :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1513915 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 11:19:50 +0000 Rockies11 1513915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went back part time at 7 months, and I feel so much better now! Even when I was on mat leave, I wasn't happy unless I was really busy and when I had weeks that I wasn't busy I would get anti-social and mopey. I love love love spending time with my LO, but I am a lot better at it when it's not the only thing that I am doing! People thought it was bad/weird that I went back early, but I don't really care anymore - it's been great for us, and baby is really enjoying herself at daycare two days a week! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1513820 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 10:31:11 +0000 Smurfette 1513820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: Yeah a year would have been too much for me. Esp. since DH is gone Mon -Thus. Luckily he was home for a project most of maternity leave. There were a couple weeks he was gone and it was really hard. It does suck cause we( in US) only get off the hard couple months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-enjoy-mat-leave#post-1513817 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 10:29:55 +0000 Grace 1513817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll be ready to go back to work too. I really wasn't a fan of the first 4 months, it's been getting better since then and I expect it to keep getting better (you know, with spring and all). I do go out every single day. Got an automatic car starter and I bundle LO up and we get out. This winter has been awful and is taking forever to leave (can you believe it was -25 this morning?). I couldn't stay in all winter. I'd loose my mind. Even the couple days where I didn't leave the house were awful, so I don't blame you if you feel cooped up. I also don't feel guilty for wanting to go back to work. There is more to me than just being a mom. Nothing wrong with that. </p>