Has anyone gone straight back to work?

[leesey]

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

 

[cosmicgirl]

I went back after 3 months with the twins for the same reason, new better job and had to start within weeks. They went to nursery and loved it from day 1 xx

 

[leesey]

Thanks cos, that's reassuring. Unfortunately I'm talking less than a month, providing bubs even arrives on time! xx

 

[cosmicgirl]

It will have a bigger effect on you than lo, believe me! Lo will know no different and will be well looked after. I'm only taking 4 months off this time x

 

[SunnySue]

I think you need to do what's best for you and your family in the long run.

Leaving your lo is never easy at first but you do get used to it. I took my full allowance of maternity leave and returned to work after 9 months and at first I felt awful. I felt terribly guilty, was really very harsh on myself and worried about what other people thought. Until my OH pointed out that the only person judging me was me!

Anybody that knows and loves you will know that you are doing the best you can for your family and if anyone thinks any differently then they aren't worth worrying about in the first place!

Good luck xxx

 

[cosmicgirl]

Don't let anyone judge you either. I got a lot of comments for accepting a new job when the twins were 9 weeks and going back at 3 months. I'm already having comments for planning 4 months mat leave this time.
I'd love to say I'd love to be a sahm but I wouldn't, that would do my head in. My career is important to me and allows me to have a good work/family balance whilst affording a nice life for my kids.
It's your choice, don't let anyone make you feel bad for, it's no ones business but your own xxx

 

[Squeakz]

Hey sweetie only partially the same but me and oh were full time uni students when lo was both. My oh went back officially (he got an extra week iff) but was sure back the day after lo was born and I started the week after as well........ The first 3 months we struggled and juggled child care and then at 3 months j went into nursery etc.....and as.cos said, faaaaar harder for parents than los! Note at the end of it wer in a comfortable situation amd j gets the best out of, us! I finished my degree, oh finished his ma and now he's doing a phd I'm working for a professional body and our weekendswe have the finances to show j thr world.....welll...you know....

You know whats right foe u and your family hun......everyone does big hugs xx

 

[Sarah13]

I would be open minded if you can, its strange but you really don't know how you will feel. With dd I was very career mined and went back to a full time job working shifts and being sent away as I was still in the forces then, she was a bit older at 15 weeks but I felt happy with my choice, the first week was hard but you get used to it. However this time round (and 15 years later) i can't bear the thought of leaving K and dreading it and he will be 11 months! I really didn't expect to feel Like this and was planning to take very little time off!

 

[leesey]

Exactly you just have to do what you think is right at the time.

Thank you ladies xx

 

[benjis mum]

I'm going back this week, my LO is 15 weeks old. Partially it is a financial decision but is also because I love my job. People seem shocked by that but I know that Joe is going to be well cared for.

If you're a teacher, (which I am) I look at it that every 6 weeks you get a lovely week off to spend with your LO!!

 

[klferrin]

I'm only 12 weeks myself but constantly thinking about this too... I am the main bread winner in our household and because I'm self-employed I'm not sure how long I can afford to be on maternity leave! We're saving for it at the moment, so as a worst case scenario I will hopefully get 3 months off! My OH has offered to be a "stay at home dad" but I'm thinking yeah right... that idea won't last long when he soon realises that he doesn't just have to look after a brand new baby, there's also cooking, cleaning and washing to be done!!
If it's the best plan for your family and you're happy that your baby is in good hands then I would go back to work sooner, and look forward to all the half term holidays you will get!!