What is it like to go back to work after maternity leave?

Question

Would it be better if I only went back part time?

Answer 1

Only you can choose what is better for you, but you will find once you go back it isn't as bad as you thought it would be. When I had my son i wanted so badly to just stay home with him. I was worried about putting him in childcare, not spending enough time with him, etc. Once I went back though, my fears eased and it all worked out. I'm gald now that I did it because my son needed the interaction with other children. It's good for them to go, not just because you need money or to work, but because they build skills there that you wouldn't be able to teach them yourself.

Answer 2

There are many things to think of when returning to work following a maternity leave. The first being the guilt you feel for leaving your baby in the care of someone else. (it doesn't matter who it is) The one thing to remember is you had an identity before you were a mother, and going back to work can be a good thing. It gives you the opportunity to resume some of the functions that existed before all of your focus shifted to being a mother. You will miss your baby. You will wonder if they miss you. It's all very natural. Working part time just eases you into it, and is a personal choice. Whatever situation works the best for your family.
Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Its great and it sucks all at the same time.

Its great because you have a reason to leave the house. You have a "purpose". Not that being a mom isn't a purpose but you get my drift.

It sucks too. You miss your baby, trying to schedule pumping time is hard because you don't want to feel like taking time away from work or "I can wait to pump for another 5 more minute, then an hour passes by and your boobs are killing you.

Ease into it. If you can do part time its much better!!

Answer 4

It's so hard to go back after maternity leave. I'd say, if you can afford to work part time, go for it. My husband and I are both teachers, so we don't have that luxury. It would be so wonderful to be able to breastfeed exclusively for as long as I want. And I will miss seeing my baby in the mornings when she's happiest, but I know that my family depends on me. Thank goodness for good babysitters!

Answer 5

If you need to go back to work, try just part time. The seperation will be very difficult.
I'm in the military and have a 7 mos old. I've had nothing but problems because I want to be at home with her and I want her to be my first priority. Unfortuantely, that doesn't really work in my situation. Well, last week, I found out I'm pregnant again. I'm doing it right this time and getting out.
It's what's best for me and my family, and the military because I wasn't able to put them first.
I will have to take a job when we get back home, but at least it won't be as taxing on my time and emotions as a mom.

Answer 6

I was born to be a mother. For me it was difficult. Other women find it alot easier. Finally I quit and opened a licensed child care and kept it small with two others a close age to my daughter. Bret, Brittaney, Brad. Everyone thought I had triplets. But they were all from different families. They are all around 15 now.
Part time as opposed to full time is still time spent apart. It may be easier to do part and ease into full if that is required. But do you really want someone else to raise your child in all his waking hours and you only get him when he is asleep?

Answer 7

I honestly felt like I hadn't been to work in 2 years even though it was 2 months. If you had a c-section, and your job requires you to stand a lot or lift heavy things- go back slowly, take it easy, it is tough. If you feel you want to work part time to start off with, do it if your job allows it! Then when you feel like it, go back full time. It's tough being away from your baby- i still have a hard time after 13 months! lol My son is always in good care-either with my husband, or with our friends, so we know he is well taken care of. That eases your mind too.

Just do what feels right for you. goodluck!

Answer 8

At first, it brakes you heart and you miss the baby so very much but after a while if he or she is happy (a good sitter really help)you both ajust.

Then, you live for when you pick the baby up from the sitter and they make you feel so very special. The baby get excited and lights up when you enter the room. It tough to leave baby but few of us can live on just one income these days. Good luck.

Answer 9

You know what? It's bittersweet because you need a "little" break from your baby so you don't go completely crazy but at the same time you will miss that baby so much. I recommend part-time until you reach the terrible 2's then you'll be begging for time away. LOL. Good Luck!

Answer 10

if you can afford to work part time, it'll totally be worth it. you'll be able to get out of the house a few days a week to focus on the rest of your life away from the baby (which you may have forgotten about), plus you'll get to spend a lot more time with your baby than the average working mother. go for it and get the best of both worlds!