Back to work?

[Curious79]

Hiya - I am eight months pregnant and giving up work in a few weeks. I am (at the moment) planning on coming back to work full time once my baby is 6 months old. Have people here gone back to work after their babies?? Did you find full time work too hard and just worked part time?? Thanks

[babalicious]

hi, i was going back to work part time after my son was born ( after the ffirst 6 months maternity leave). But when it came to it i just couldn't bear to leave my little baba in the hands of strangers (nursery)! i just felt sooo cruel! My son is going to be 2 in march and am i starting work part time in january. i feel he is bigger now and can fend for himself slightly. but i think if i had family to support me (ie grandparent to look after him while i was a work) things would have been different! so depending on your situation be prepared to change your mind! hope this helps!!
And congratulations on becoming a mum!!!

[anderlee]

I gave up a stressful job because i would not have been able to do it once i had my baby. I still work for the same company but got a job which was more enjoyable and stress free. I asked to do part time,as i returned to work when my son was 4 months old but due to the job requirements, i had to work full time. My mum has him 2 days and family friend who is also a reg childminder, has him 3 days. Luckily, i can start late and finish early. My baby is very happy, sometimes i feel guilty but i am planning to cut my hours in a few months. A happy mum means a happy baby-good luck curious79

[cameo]

I went back to work full time when my daughter was 6 months old.
My husband, her father, became a house husband so i knew she was ok.
I did it for 6 months but then took voluntary redundancy.
I enjoyed working and i didn't find it too difficult but when the option came to leave i jumped at it!
Be prepared for your plans to change - kids do that to you!!!

all the best
XxX

[yummymummy]

I went back to the same job when LO was 5 1/2 months, mainly to keep the money that they paid me when I was off. I did 2 days which was one at nursery and one with MIL. I changed jobs after 3 months which was full time for a few weeks and then down to 3 days which I still do.

Personally, I couldn't wait to get back to work after the maternity leave, but wouldn't have wanted to go back full time permanently as it was nice to have some time at home and with LO. Myself, I don't see the point of having a baby and then working full time with someone else doing a lot of the bringing up. Obviously it is each to their own and people have different issues relating to the options that are open to them.

[ganesh]

Don't go back to work if you don't have to.
I wouldn't want to miss a thing and I wouldn't want anyone else, other than your partner, to be with them all day.
Many people can cope but it's whether you really want to or not.

[Moomin Mama]

Hi, Firstly congratulations. Its a really exciting time. I've been back at work for 6 weeks now after having my daughter in May. The first day I left her with the childminder, I cried from the moment I left the house until about an hour after I arrived at work, but knowing you have good child care and your baby is happy is great peace of mind. Coming in from work to her big smile & outstretched arms makes it all worth while. Its a big decision so dont feel pressured, do whats best for you and your baby.

Enjoy your time together, it goes so quickly. Before you know it shes 7 months old & climbing the Christmas tree.

Best wishes xxx

[Curious79]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think I am going to just wait and see how I feel when the six months are up. Not coming back to work isn't really an option financially. Also, I think I would go mad being at home all day every day

[ganesh]

You'd be too busy to go mad,believe me,maybe part-time work is the best option . Unless you've got a well paid job,child-care takes most of it, so financially you need to check it all out first and see if it's worth it.Anyway,have fun and good luck.