Getting to grips with the end of your maternity leave - an open letter

Every working woman looks forward to her maternity leave. Being able to spend time with your baby, not have to worry about childcare, work deadlines, exhaustion on top of exhaustion and of course being able to pop into Starbucks every now and then during business hours. All good things must come to an end though and one woman decided to write a letter to help her get to grips with the fact that her impending return to work was imminent:

“Dear Maternity Leave,

Where has the time gone? I’m going to miss you so much. I really can’t believe you are just going to disappear like that. It’s like the time we have had together has flashed before my eyes. Each day I feel you slipping from my grasp and it’s making me feel so sad.

I was thinking last night about all the fun times we had together, the lazy mornings in, the shopping trips and coffee mornings. Because of you I attended weddings, visited friends and relatives during the day and you assisted in my recovery after the birth of my baby. You made visiting the nail and hair salon so much easier and were so supportive when it came to keeping on top of the housework. Hell I even managed to get through the washing pile a few times meaning everyone had clothes for the week. Planning and cooking dinners for the children has been less stressful with you in my life.

You presence made establishing breastfeeding with my newborn easier and bonding with the baby has been amazing. Getting to know each and every part of his character without interruption. You’ve helped with that big time and for that I am grateful. Sleepless nights with the baby have been made easier knowing that you were around so I really don’t know what I am going to do when you are gone.

I am writing this letter because I have appreciated every second of the past 9 months that you have been here. Life is going to change drastically when you disappear and I am not sure I am really prepared for your departure. I am not sure if I will see you again if the future Maternity Leave, but one thing I know for sure is that I have enjoyed every last second of your presence.

Farewell Maternity Leave….Until next time (maybe)

Mary”

We are lucky in the UK to be entitled to 9 months paid maternity leave so make the most of it! Bond with your baby and enjoy every second because time soon flies.