supernurse

Linzi, don't feel guilty at all about going back to work, sometimes needs must.
It takes a lot to be able to have a job and have a family, it's hard work but some of us have to do it.
I'll be going back after a year when baby will be 10 1/2 months old. The NHS might be crap for somethings but when it comes to maternity leave and pay, you can't beat them. Plus you have to go back for at least 3 months or pay the money back they've given you, and it's not in my nature to be a housewife. If I had to go back after 6 months then I would. Plus it will be good for your little one to be round other children at a nursery or childminder. x

amy_tea

I'm going back to work after 6 months as i can't afford to be off. Even though i would love too!

Don't feel guilty about leaving your LO with a stranger, babies need interaction with other people or they'll get really clingy

Gemz

I'm going back to work once little one is born. Only part time though. Little one will be going to nursery which costs a ridiculous £40 a day!

I think it's the other way round though. My sister is the only mum I know who stays at home (I work for a huge company with lots of mums - many work full time) and she is more frowned upon. I'm find myself forever having to explain to people that it's not worth her while working, that she didn't earn enough before to pay for childcare now, that her husband supports her and their little one etc etc... It drives me mad. I think people think she's lazy and doesn't want to work.

I wouldn't worry Linzi. Do want you think is best for you and your family. You'll never please everyone. Good luck x

Firsttimer

I am planning to go back part time from when he is about 9 months - 1 year I havent really decided yet , but I will defo go back part time when he is 1 . I dont think theres nothing wrong with staying at home or going back to work ITS UP TO YOU, PEOPLE SHOULD DO WHAT THEY FEEL IS RIGHT. who cares what people say or think . your the only one that lives your life.

I cant wait for that long break I have been working full time for 5 years now

xCherylx

As I am a student and I work part-time I will not be able to look after him everyday allday *even though I would LOVE too* !
I'll be leaving work 5 weeks before due date *three weeks as holiday+three weeks SMP*, I'll then return to work after 9 months as I will be paid for this, my hours can be changed so I can work around my parents looking after him. However I will be going back to Uni in Sept/Oct, and my grandparents are more than happy to look after him for the 3 days I am there =)

Jules

I think i'm going back to work part time but i am hoping we can afford for me to stay at home for a while longer. Would love to stay at home until he/she going to nursery.

Deise

Im not going back to work for a few years. Were planning on having another bebe shortly after this one, so I'll be back in the First Trimester Forum before you know it! Maybe in a few years...and even though I cant imagine not working (Ive worked non stop since I was 13), Im sure baby will be lots of work all in itself!

Jenny

Going back to work when the baby is 6 months sounds perfectly fine to me. When you need to work you need to work. So don't feel guilty hon

I won't be going back to work until the baby is a year old or so and it will be to a part time job. We'll see how things are financially then.

cparks1

Don't feel bad about going back to work. There are plenty of families that have both parents working full time jobs and raising their family. These days I think it's becoming more of a natural thing with the cost of everything going up and how hectic things can be. At my job (in the US) I get 6 weeks paid maternity leave, I can have either another 6 weeks or 12 weeks not paid but is covered by FMLA to guarantee my job back. So I have less time than those over seas. I will be coming back to work after either 6 weeks or maybe a few weeks longer (depending on how everything goes). We have a close friend that runs a daycare out of her home. She is 1.5 miles away from my work so I will be close and will be feeding the baby on my lunch breaks (that's the plan anyways). The baby will be with someone we trust and really close to my work. She charges $150.00 a week. Daycare is so expensive these days.

clairebear

i will be returning to work after 9 months but in a different job working evenings as its not worth me going back fulltime dont earn anough for childcare.