Does anyone else feel incredibly guilty for taking some

Caitelyn - posted on 09/18/2009 ( 24 moms have responded )

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I've gotta go out tomorrow for my cousins 21st - we're going paintballing and I'll be away from my breastfed baby from 7am to 9pm............. I'm almost sick over the worry about leaving him - not because I don't trust my mum (she's the one caring for him) - but because I just feel soooo guilty about leaving him!!!!!! He's 4 months old....

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Caitelyn - posted on 09/19/2009

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I ended up going for the entire thing, I had a fantastic time, and then when I got home my son was asleep - but as I was checking on him he woke up and gave me the biggest grin, it was such a lovely thing to see!

And it was great - the paintballing place, once we explained my situation, gave me the use of the staff room to pump so that I would be comfortable!



Thanks heaps for all the support!

Cathy - posted on 09/18/2009

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I remember crying everytime that I left my children to go somewhere or do something for myself, but I also realized how important it was for me to take time for myself. I think doing something away from our children every now and then makes us better Moms. We can't forget how important it is that we take the time to just be us, not just a Mom and wife.

Tara - posted on 09/18/2009

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It's a;ways hard leaving our kids but you need to regain your sense of independence as a person too. Your not abandoning your son your just going out for a little "me" time. Your mother will be fine as most grandparents generally care for their grandbabies better then they do their own off spring. So RELAX enjoy your day dear.

Jenifer - posted on 09/18/2009

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He'll be fine, but it is normal to feel guilty. I had to leave on my son home for about 4 days for a business conference when he was around 4 months. He was also exclusively breastfed. Just make sure you bring a good breast pump along. In my case though, I didn't have many options about the time I was away. If you're really feeling torn about it, why not only go for part of the celebration? Or see if your mum can meet you somewhere around midday to give you a chance to break from the paintballing and nurse?

Tamara - posted on 09/18/2009

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Personally, I would bow out of the party. You'll need to pump every 2 hrs or risk engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis.

Rose - posted on 09/18/2009

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My sons are all older but I remember feeling that way a lot, it is normal and as they get older(in their teens and twenty's) they slowly ween away from you, its just a way of life. It does not mean you love them less. Keep Looking Up
Always show and tell them you love them unconditionally.

Jackie - posted on 09/18/2009

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My husband would literally have to avoid our house; even driving past it while my oldest was gone, it would make me cry. Its normal its mother natures way of making sure you return to your baby. My kids are now 11 and 5 and spend a pretty regular time out of town at my little siblings house. But come Sunday when I say "take me to my kids" my husband is ready to roll!! I still find it hard to be without them especially at certain times of the day, morning, 3:30 after school and dinner time!

Just make sure you drive yourself so if you need to you can go home. Your cousin will more then understand if you can't stay 14 hours away from your baby. Make sure you bring a pump you are going to need it!! Good luck, have fun and enjoy the time as much as you can! :)

Elisa - posted on 09/18/2009

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It's definitely hard the first time but you will be so refreshed when you get back it will be well worth it for both you and your baby.

Alysha - posted on 09/18/2009

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this is such a typical feeling, and the whole time you're gone you'll be thinking about him trust me lol...my son [10 mons] went camping over labour day weekend with my parents while i was working for the weekend and i missed him so much i cried myself to sleep every night :( lol

Danielle - posted on 09/18/2009

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I had a really hard time the first time my husband and I just went out to get some icecream and have a little time just the two of us...i cried when I left but it was so worth it because you really need that time away, and its good you knw hes in wonderful hands...my mom watches our twins n it helps when you fully trust who your baby is with...don't feel guilty! have a grt time

Louise - posted on 09/18/2009

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my daughter is nearly three and I still dont like leaving her with anyone i would rather not go out as i just dont enjoy myself because i worry about her in case she needs me i know sometimes i just need to let go as she will be fine but that is being a mum i suspose

Karla - posted on 09/18/2009

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my little boys 2..and i have a hard time with it..but he probably doesnt know your not around and at 4 months hes prolly just gonna sleep anyway.(atleast mine did)...you gotta get out and have fun too.

Tiffaney - posted on 09/18/2009

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Dont feel guilty at all. I know that's easier said then done. Bottom line though if you don't have a little bit of you time you will eventually start to crack. It's a must have for everyone and the fact that you are even worried about it to start with already shows you are a loving and caring mother that probably more then deserves this time. Don't worry, have fun, and when you get back to him you will be refreshed and renewed.

Amanda - posted on 09/18/2009

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aw don't feel guilty, you need some time out. It is ok, he will be fine. He can't have your boob all the time, and at 4 months he will do great with your mom :) have a good time out and don't worry

Sally - posted on 09/18/2009

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He will be fine and your mum will cherish the time with him- I was exactly the same,Milk supply will be well established at 4mnths but do remember to express for your comfort while your out. Have fun

Ashley - posted on 09/18/2009

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My little girl is 3 months old and I have only left her for a couple hours 2 times. I cried and felt so bad. But I really feel that as moms we need a break sometimes, even if we feel like we are the worlds worst parents for leaving them. Its good for them too. Time away is a good thing sometimes. It allows you to clear your mind and relax without having someones little life in your hands. You will feel so refreshed and relaxed when you get back. I know its a long time and it will be hard but enjoy yourself, you sound like a good mom! Enjoy yourself and don't beat yourself up about it. I hope you have a wonderful time and your little boy will have a great time with Grandma!

Jennah - posted on 09/18/2009

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Totally understandable, but he'll get over it fast, my son was just fine, & I started leaving him with my mom @ 3 months for a whole weekend @ a time! He's 7 months now, & loves going to Grandma's every month!

Jenny - posted on 09/18/2009

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I think it's really important to have some time away even though it's really hard to leave them. I too felt incredibly guilty leaving my babies in their first years partially because I was breastfeeding (my first child would not accept a bottle easily). Try to remember that it is good for your baby when you stay connected to other people (family & friends) too.
I hope it goes well!

Jennifer - posted on 09/18/2009

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It's totally normal. We all go through it- especially when it's our first baby. I totally stressed out the first time I left my daughter with someone else. I still don't like leaving her, but it does get easier. But most importantly- it's something you need to do. You have to have time to yourself to unwind and just enjoy having fun. Otherwise, you'll feel more trapped at home and may eventually resent the fact that you're a mom. I know it sounds horrible, but it can happen. You need that time away from the diapers and spit up and crying... it makes coming back home so much sweeter and enjoyable and it makes you feel more loved and appreciated when you see your baby smile as soon as you walk in the door. I wish you the best of luck!

Jessica - posted on 09/18/2009

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He must be the first baby. I understand how you feel. But it is okay. Mommy needs some "me time" sometimes. If you have a breast pump to pump your milk the baby will be OKAY. He won't even notice you' re gone.

Lorie - posted on 09/18/2009

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Try not to worry about it, even though he is young he needs time away from you just like you need time away from him.

Take the time, the more you do it the easier it will get. You will also feel better and ready to take on the world after a few times of leaving him.

Michelle - posted on 09/18/2009

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yes i know how you feel. but you deserve time on your own, so you can come home and keep givin your all to your baby. you need time to your self and because we feel so guilty thats why we dont do it more often. you go have a fab time and enjoy that gorg smile when you come home.

Kristy - posted on 09/18/2009

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Caitelyn... My boys are 17, 15 and 13 and I still feel sad and worried when away from them... It is totally a normal way to feel.. the trick is going to be allowing yourself that time away!!! It is very important..

Stacey - posted on 09/18/2009

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I always felt like this with my first baby, it wasn't that I didn't trust people, I would just miss him so much and would worry over nothing really, I am a lot more relaxed over having my 2 little ones babysat now, but I still dont get them babysat often because I just hate to be away from them and I feel like other people dont know them and what they need the way I do.