I get 14 weeks, so will be going back after that. However, I have a part time job, so I'll at least have 4 days a week with LO. Sounds like you have a good support network though, so I think you will manage fine.

Only you will know if you can do it. Don't push yourself or commit until you know the time is right.
With my first I never thought about when I would return, or should I say, set a definite date.
I realistically knew it would be soon after as we had just bought our first house and the mortgage had to be paid.
In the end I went back to work 8 weeks after the birth.
Luckily like you, I had my mum and dad look after the little man which was great, not only because we the didn't have to pay for childcare, or leave a new born with a stranger but the relationship that Harry (now 5) has with his grandparents is beautiful.
They have been a godsend.
We really had no choice, if I didn't return to work we simply wouldn't pay the mortgage, end of.
It is tough and yes you will feel like you have lost the plot for a while or even become totally robotic, but we found the energy and our little man has not suffered as a result.
This time around circumstances have changed, partner is earning double, mortgage paid off and no rush to return to work. I am looking forward to the prospect but wondering how I will manage being a full time mum!
Good luck, its a tough decision, we know x

I'm only taking 4 months. I will work to the very end then have 3months mat leave and then I've saved up enough holiday to have a month off with full pay.

I could take longer off but then it would mean OH working every hour possible to make up my pay after the 6 weeks full pay ends and then it means me trying to cope with 2 children and a baby on my own plus he misses out on baby. His salary is not guaranteed either and varies weekly so even if he did put in all hours we may not make ends meet.

I did take 9 months off with my 2nd daughter and it was a real struggle plus I felt that was too long, I love my kids to pieces but I am also very career minded and I need to have that balance.

It may all change once baby arrives but at the minute it seems to be the best option for us.

If the bills need 2 be paid they need 2 be paid. luckily u only work til 12 so u won't be away from your LO 2 long. having your mum 2 help is gr8 as u won't have 2 pay out 4 childcare. as 4 how tough it will be that depends on the baby. by 5wks my friend's baby slept thru the night but neither of mine did and i was lucy 2 get 2-3hrs total sleep at night sometimes. hopefully your baby will be a good sleeper. don't beat yourself up about the situation as u have 2 make ends meet.

my mum went back much earlier than 6 weeks when she had my sister, which now i've learnt isnt allowed?

Absolutely not nuts. We have to do what we have to do. I have been telling myself this every time I get teary about not being able to have more time off with the baby. I'm going to take 8 weeks. One week is paid vacation, the rest is unpaid. I'm saving up for my leave starting with some of my tax money, and putting a little aside each month. It's near impossible to save, being stretched like our finances are, but I also need the recovery time from the c-section, and I want a little time to be with the baby before I never get another big chunk of time like that. Wish we could all be paid (enough for bills/food) for 6 months if we've had steady employment. It's not like I'm lazy- I just want to bond with my baby. Sorry for my rant.

Sorry to hear about your husband sweetie- that's so tough. I worked in a transplant unit in Boston a while, and I know kidney patients go through a lot.

Its gonna suck - don't get me wrong... but you do what you have to do. I will only be taking about 12 weeks.... Its all I can afford. I hate hate hate hate hate the idea of putting a 3 month old in daycare - but no other choice really.

All our circumstances are different - I run my own business and have to work to get paid - no luxuries such as long maternity leave for me BUT I will have the ability to keep things flexible and work around my baby and that will continue long after all the girls who have 6 months + leave go back - thats what I tell myself anyway! I havent decided on what leave I will take yet but it wont be much.

Mx

i don't think you are nuts. needs must. but can you go back to work straight away for the odd day? it's illegal in the Uk to go back to work in the first two weeks after childbirth.

abz xx

Thanks for the advice and support ladies! Feels good knowing I'm not the only one planning this.
I'm pretty confident that things will pan out, I'm so lucky to have my mum nearby and available.

Thanks also for the kind words mommy-in-june, it's a rough go but we manage ok. Been dealing with it since we we're 18 so it's kinda just daily life now.

And mrsprogers, how sweet of you to say that, got me blushin' :P
Thanks!