Separation Anxiety with My 1 Yr. Old...

I think it's best to realize (and it sounds like you're already trying) that it's really best for both of you (not to mention Dad) for some separation. It allows you some independence and it gives dad some time to try his own style with her. This is also helpful for dads to gain more confidence in their parenting abilities.

I received great advice to be happy when I leave him...and WOW...that was true. When I leave with a smile on my face, telling my son how much fun he'll have, he cries much less, or not at all. And, truly believe this...she WILL have fun in her new adventure. And, so will you!

As they say... just do it. Makea gradual schedule of short periods that grow into longer periods. Call home while you are out to see how she is doing and if she is fine, you may want to stay away longer then planned. Do not go home sooner then planned no matter what though. This is a normal thing as the others say. But if she sees YOU getting upset, it is liable to became a not so normal problem. Not that it isn't normal for you to feel some seperation anxiety as well... I just believe you should not let her see it. If she sees you upset then she is going to feel more anxiety. Your husband I am assumming is a pewrfectly capable caregiver and she will stop crying. A lot sooner then you think too! I had a friend whose daughter I babysat. She was a Mama's girl (she is 13 now and still is! LOL) and at one an a half she would SCREAM when her Mom left. She LOVED freezie pops so I used to give her one right away and she stopped crying and was all smiles within a minute after her mom left. By the time she finished the treat, she forot she was upset at all and was fine.

It's totally normal for 1 yr olds to have a hard time separating from mommy. Definitely start with a short run out while daddy stays at home with her. If daddy is at a loss for what to do with her, offer suggestions or write down her routine, but definitely ask him first if he needs anything. Unsolicited advice will likely rub him the wrong way.
It's best to make the leaving part VERY quick. She'll cry, but it won't be for long. The longer you linger and hover and act upset, the harder it will be for both of you. It's your job to model how this is done, so smile and be upbeat and confident as you leave, give her a quick hug and an "I love you! See you soon!" (and do the same for daddy).
She and Daddy will be having a good time just minutes after you're gone, so get on out the door and let them have some fun!
And remember that "daddy time" is GREAT for both of them. It teaches her that he can meet her needs and it helps build his confidence as a parent.

It's hard leaving the little one at first isn't it? :o) My suggestion would be to start by going to lunch with a friend on the weekend, and letting your husband watch the baby. It would only be for about 1-2 hours and you could pick a place right near your home. You crying will upset her... they feed off our emotions! Make it a positive thing that she's staying home with daddy. Have him do something fun with her.... take her on a walk in the stroller, etc. so she looks forward to time with him also.

You need time away to recharge! You can work your way up to going to the mall for a few hours or having a girls dinner every once in a while.

~ t

If the person you are leaving her with distracts her with something fun she likes to do after you leave, the crying will not last long. Be assured as you walk out the door that it will not last long. You are right that you need time for yourself and she needs to be able to know it is o.k. to be taken care of by someone other than mommy.