Linzi

I was just wondering how many others are planning on going back to work after having their baby?

My OH and I are both planning to go back because we don't think we can afford not to, but I keep getting a lot of grief from people telling me it's not right to go back when the baby is so young! He will be 6 months when I go back, which I don't think is too bad?

Don't get me wrong, I would love to stay at home, and even now I'm struggling with the thought of having to leave him with a 'stranger' but we just can't afford for me to stay at home.

I feel like I'm being a terrible mum for even considering it and I haven't really heard many others mention going back, so it was just out of interest

xxx

MarchBaby

I plan on going back if we can get FREE babysitting.. hehe. Otherwise, it would be pointless, as I dont make enough to pay a babysitter and my gas to get back and forth to work!

fifi83

Im going back to work, taking 6 months off we would all love to stay at home but some times to give ur child the best its not possible, try not to worry what other people say its your choice at the end of the day, you will find more women go back to work these because we just cant afford not to.

Linzi

Thanks girls

Its just driving me mad people going on about how aful it is all the time, I thought I might be doing something wrong coming back so early. Thank you for putting my mind at rest

xxx

Newt

I dont think its harmful to bubbs to go to work. I think people who tell you your selfish, or that it is wrong need to get their heads out their arses and face up to the real world. Not everyone can afford to stay at home. My mother went back to work 2 weeks after i was born, I feel no ill effects. I plan t go back to uni after 6 months and then work when i qualify, all so I can provide for bubba and look after my family. its all about quality not quantity.

I'm sure you will be fine

coccyx

Would not earn enough for me to make it worth going back. Hubby works away all week and have 3 other children to cater for. Don't feel guilty, someone will be negative whatever you do. !!. I have heard them all.... go back to work, you are selfish and why did you have baby...... stay at home and claim benefits, lazy and should not have had a baby if can't afford it.....stay at home mother, lazy! frumpy and no ambition. Do what suits you and your situation. ( these comments are not my views just a sample of what I've been told over the years )

Newt

very true, we are encouraged to go back but then childcare costs are so high there is no point......it drives me mad

sarahJ

I too plan on going back to work, part time only though, god knows who will look after little one but im sure we can juggle something around all of our family, its a case of having to go back to work even if it is only part time, dont listen to what people say ive learnt not to

Vickie

Personally no I'm not going back to work but that's only because my salary wouldn't even cover the costs of day care or a sitter here!! I know plenty of girls who go back to work after having a baby, it doesn't make you a bad mother, it makes you a good provider for your family.

BurtonBaby

In the states, we get 12 weeks at the very most, mat leave after the baby is born. (at least in CA) And that is at 55% of our salary. Where we live, and with what DH makes on his own, its not realistic to think I can stay home with her. I made most of the money before I got pregnant, and its been really hard since I've stopped working. After the 12 weeks, I think I will go back part time. Luckily DH has a very flexible schedule, and my family does as well and lives really close, so they said they will help with child care when I go back.

Dont let anybody judge you for your decision! No one else is worrying about providing for you child, not to mention, keeping your independence.