How long did you stay home with your baby?

Question

after it was born before returning to work

Answer 1

My wife just returned to work. She took a full three months. She had enough time saved up, such that she could afford to. I took almost the first month myself to support her and help her out.

Answer 2

That usually depends on your employer's maternity leave policies. I took all the leave my employer would allow (your human resources dept can help you work out what you're due) and then in the end chose not to go back to work. My husband and I decided we could make it work financially and we have so far so I feel very lucky!

But, if you're asking if there's an appropriate amount of time to stay home before CHOOSING to return, then I don't think you'll find the answer here. I think that's a personal decision. Some moms are ready to go back to work after 6 weeks (which is the usual amount of maternity leave employers allow), some need more time.

Answer 3

My oldest baby is six and I'm still home with him. :)

I decided when I was pregnant with my first that I wouldn't return to work. Then we ended up deciding to home school. I'm now pregnant with my third and I'm still home. But our financial situation allows us to do this and I was able to start a business from home. I can't imagine every working for someone else again. I enjoy my freedom too much.

I used to work as an infant care manager and most women returned to work when their babies were 6-8 weeks old. However, there were a few that took an entire year off. But for the most part it was 6-8 weeks.

Answer 4

Depends on your family situation. If your child is healthy, you can return to work after finding good daycare for the child after a few weeks. If you are working, you are also seeing to the welfare of your child. However, if you are in a position where the child has medical concerns, or the child's other parent is well capable of financial support, a longer time home can be beneficial to the bonding time.

Answer 5

I am currently 37 weeks pregnant with my first child, so I cant answer your question from experience.However, If you don't mind my opinion, I would suggest at least six months. This is only depending on your living situation. If you have help and your income is stable enough than you should take this time to bond with your newborn child. If not, then make sure you find a care giver who you can trust with your child. There's some nutty people out there!

Answer 6

I'm staying home for 3 months. When I return, it will only be 2 nights a week, and my husband or my mother will watch him then.

Answer 7

I'm still home and my daughter is 2. I think it's best, if you can afford it. But I can certainly understand people who have to work. Before she was born, I thought I'd go back to work. But then I just couldn't do it and so we budget really tight in order for me to stay home.

Answer 8

Six weeks is how long I plan to take off. I guess it just all depends on your health and how much money is being lost (if they don't pay you while you are on leave). Your doctor will tell you the suggested time that he thinks is good for you.Good luck.

Answer 9

i Stayed home with my first daughter till she was one. After that when i had my second daughter I stayed with her for six months. All the anxsity was gone because i already went though it.

Answer 10

I WAS A STAY AT HOME MOM TIL MY CHILDREN WERE OLD ENOUGH FOR PRESCHOOL. AND JUS SO YOU KNOW I AM A PRESCHOOL TEACHER AND I HAVE SEEN KIDS GO IN TO DAYCARE AS EARLY AS 8 WKS. OLD. IT'S ALL UP TO YOU AND WHAT YOUR REAL NEEDS ARE. DO YOU HAVE TO GO BACK RIGHT AWAY?