Anyone gone straight back to work?

[leesey]

I've posted this on Ask a Mum, but thought I'd gather some thoughts here too:

Insane question really, but has anyone gone straight back to work after having baby, with family/partner looking after baby? I'm the main breadwinner and have been offered a new job. I'll be getting a pay rise in August, and it's more long term than I've been able to get ever in the last 5 years, so the money and the security are our main priority for this job (my current contract is temporary and runs out when my maternity leave begins).
I had been planning to breastfeed but this might be unlikely if I have to return to work so soon, so we'll think about that when we see how easily (or not) baby takes to combination feeding, if not it might be a case of changing formula feeding and having to deal with that when the time comes.

I will literally have to start within weeks of giving birth, naturally taking into account that I'm physically healthy enough to do so/ possibility of c-section pains etc if I end up having one. Baby will be with family at all times, and will have an established routine.

My mum did this with us when we were wee and I don't think it's done us any harm, and she has no regrets, but I don't know how I feel about it. I feel like I'm judging myself for even considering it, so imagine what others must think!

Without this job, I'll end up on supply again, earning half my salary at best, with sporadic work and insecurity being huge possibilities. Basically, as soon as my higher rate of maternity pay runs out, our household income will be ridiculously low.

Any help? xx

 

[mrswoody]

I personally am not returning to work straight away however I do feel your worry when you say you feel like you are judging yourself.

The way I see it, is if you feel physically fit enough and well enough then why not. Baby will not know that you went back to work so early on and if anything you are do the best for your family. I know some people will disagree with me but hey ho.

I too have a big decision to make with work and it really does make you think how others will judge you. I am very career focused so really need to make the right decision

Good Luck with whatever you choose xx

 

[CARNAT22]

I think sometimes we have to do what we have to do?

It's not ideal for you or bub but it's being done for the right reasons.

I suppose going back part-time isn't an option?

Is there anyway your OH could improve his salary at all / take an evening job?

Also legally you cannot go back to work less than 14 days after giving birth.

xxxxxxxx

 

[kedi376]

I have no actual help for you hun, just wanted to say that if it's what you think is right for your family then go for it. OK so it would be lovely to stay at home with baby for 6 months, but this sounds like an opportunity you just can't miss out on. AND it's not like you're leaving baby with a stranger baby will be with Daddy and your other close family.

 

[Jayjay027]

I have to agree with the other girls. Ur doing what mothers do, which is whatever is right for their child.
It may be difficult for u to leave ur LO so early, but its an opportunity that may not come up again.
Please don't judge urself, as we've all said, ur only doing what's right for ur family in the long run x

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

 

[Constantstar]

I went back after 6 weeks and my mm watched Owen x


Mum of Owen. Born 11/7/11 @ 19.17pm weighing 7lb 12 oz

 

[Em91]

It's a tough one isn't it! i'm sure it'll be tough to leave you LO. But you're doing what's best for him/her and it's not like you putting him/her into nursery full time at a few weeks old because they will be with family. You've gotta do whats best for you and your family and if another oppurtunity is unlikely to come up again soon i'd say go for it! Decent & perminant teaching jobs are tough to come by! x

 

[Lolly85x]

I have to agree with the other girls. Ur doing what mothers do, which is whatever is right for their child.
It may be difficult for u to leave ur LO so early, but its an opportunity that may not come up again.
Please don't judge urself, as we've all said, ur only doing what's right for ur family in the long run x

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

I think jayjay has summed it up perfectly!
I'm not in the same situation, and think it must be a very hard decision. But you are doing it for the right reasons. In many countries it's perfectly normal to go back to work quickly after birth, just because it's not as common in this country doesn't mean it's right or wrong.xxx

 

[Flips4]

I worked from home 4 weeks after having both of my older children and was lucky as I was self employed it was all in my own time and on my terms and the boys stayed with me until they went to nursery at 8 months. I'm trying not to make decisions too early this time but am thinking already of only taking 6 weeks maternity and leaving baby with my other half and mum (I'm the main bread winner too) guess I've got a few months to decide lol. I agree with everyone you decide what's best for your family and LO will be absolutely fine... xx

 

[leesey]

Thanks so much guys you've really helped reassure me xx

 

[katiesmummy]

Not quite the same but I went back to uni very soon after having my first. I stopped judging myself after realising it was necessary for long term benefit for all of us. I coped but found it really really hard, I did have a section so was sore and still quite emotional and relationships with husband and family were a little strained as I got quite jealous/upset that they were spending all the time with Katie. However, despite the early hiccups with it and the tearing myself apart over it, looking back I feel i done the right thing and that it was the best decision for us. If I hadn't the strains that were there then would probably just have transferred over to money/security strains and 'what ifs' now. Sorry, long winded explanation, what I'm trying to say is I found it pretty hard but it was well worth it for us over the longer term. x

Edited to add by very soon I mean about two weeks or so. x

 

[dyscochick]

Hi leesey, I think the girls have said it, but I think you do what you have to for a secure future for you all! That has to be your priority and no one should judge you for that. I guess the main this is being prepared for how you are going to feel, making sure you don't beat yourself up over it, that you can cope with the hormonal emotional element of going back to work so soon and leaving LO to cared for by family. Btw I think it's wonderful that your family is close enough to take this on too! Bubs will be fine, I'm sure, just make sure you are xxx

 

[leesey]

Thank you all so much!
I'm feeling a bit better about it, now that I've got my head around it!
Katiesmummy, I think that's exactly what I needed to hear, two weeks is probably the earliest I'll be going back (legally I have to wait this long).
Now let's just keep our fingers crossed this baby comes on time!! xx

 

[EmmaN27]

Don't be hard on yourself, no matter what others might say, money and security is important when raising a family. Your baby will be with family and so will be much loved and cared for. You need to do what is right for you and your family. x