My daughter is 2 months old and I have been back to work for 3 weeks now. She is breastfed but does very good with a bottle. She goes to my mom's on Mondays and my mother-in-law comes to our house on Thurs and Fri. This past week I took her to my mom's, she was fine when I dropped her off but then (3hrs later) when it was time for her bottle she screamed and refused to take it. She screamed for 40 min straight and I ended up going and picking her up because she NEVER crys like that. Then on Tues I left her there for 2 hours and she did the same thing. I don't know if she is acting like this because she has a stuffy nose or she has some seperation anxiety (but she was fine the first 2 wks I was back to work), or if she just prefers to be at home with familiar noises. Any advise on what I can do? I thought about changing my days at work to weds, thurs, and fri because then my mother-in-law could just watch her at my house but my work really needs me on Mon. My mom works from home so she can't come to my house. I feel horrible that she gets this upset and my mom does to. Any advise would be great!! Thanks
I would not change your work schedule yet. It has only happened twice. Does she cry when you are there with her? Try talking about schedules with your mom, when does she feed her, how, where in the house. Is it too hot or cold? Candle burning? Dish detergent? Temp of bottle, size of nipple, so many factors. Other things may be causing this, a cold or gas, over hungry, overtired, no hungry.
When my son was really little, he had a very, very hard time not being at home without me. I would change my work week so that my baby could stay at home and whoever watches her, comes to my house. Some babies just have a harder time adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings than others. She'll grow out of it eventually...
My daughter did the same thing, except she was always at home with either my husband or my mother-in-law while I was at work. I almost quit my job, but then it got a little better. My daughter is 17 mo now and is ok with me leaving, but still has days that she says "nurse" to daddy or grandma. If you can change your work schedule, do it. You need to do what is best for your family. Your daughter needs you right now and doesn't understand that you can't come when she cries.
I agree with both of the other moms. Sure, she's missing you but yes, she'll grow out of it.
I'd say, temporarily change your schedule to fit her staying at home instead of going to another house. In a month or so, you could try again - do a trial run on a weekend maybe? - and see how she does.
They grow and change so much when they're this little, you'd be surprised what differences a few weeks will bring.
Good luck!
Hi A., I know what you are going through! I have a five month old and she does the same thing. She is a breatfed baby and when I first went back to work she was fine for my father-in-law. Then suddenly she refused to take the bottle and would scream for hours. I would have to leave work and come home. I don't know why she does it. Some days she is fine, but most days she still does the screaming and refuses the bottle. She is fine for me, but she just doesn't like other people. I don't really have any advice for you, but I just wanted to let you know you are not alone. When I read your post it was like reading my own story. Good luck and if you find something that works let me know!
Hi, A., My son did the same thing, only it was only when my mom held him. She felt really bad about it. We finally decided that she was being too gentle when holding him. I think he didn't feel "safe". Very young infants have only one natural fear--- that of falling. All other fears are learned. Your baby is too young to have separation anxiety. I would suggest that your caregiver use a snuggly wrap tightly around the baby for a more secure feeling, and a good, strong grip. This cured my son and got my mom over the feeling that he didn't like her. Good luck!
