Work After Baby -- You'll Be Jealous of the Sitter

Wish We'd Known: 23 Things No One Told Us About Work After Having a Baby

When you first head back to work after having a baby, it can be hard to navigate the everyday craziness of life as a working mom. Here's what we wish we'd known (24 Photos)

Holly Pevzner on Nov 28, 2012 at 11:47PM

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a Holly Pevzner on Nov 14, 2012 at 2:58PM

Odds are if you have a good babysitter, nanny or daycare provider, your baby will love her -- lunging (often right out of your arms) when she sees her. All the qualities you wanted in a caregiver are exactly what drives you dizzy with envy. While you're toiling away at work, she gets to spend all day with your precious nugget and, oh the thought of it, may even get to see milestones first -- first smile, rocking crawl, wobbly steps.

But make no mistake -- she's no replacement. When Mama walks in, those little baby legs wiggle in delight for you. That broad, gummy grin takes over her face for you. All that jealousy is normal, but it's unnecessary. The sitter is not your competition, she's your partner. (Plus milestones don't count until you've seen them for yourself.)