Going back to work less than 2 weeks after baby is born?

Question

I have to go back to work within two weeks of my baby being born. This is my 2nd pregnancy. After my first baby, I suffered from postpartum depression. With this pregnancy, I have suffered depression through most of the pregnancy, and am very nervous about returning to work so soon, with the possibility of postpartum depression being high. I cannot quit my job, and I work for a small company that does not fall under any FMLA guidelines. My state (Texas) does not have any laws protecting my job while I take maternity leave, which is why I am coming back so soon. I will return part time at first (I currently work full time). Does anyone have any tips for dealing with stress/depression/exhaustion in this situation? Has anyone been in a similar situation, or had to return to work in less than a month? Any encouragement is greatly appreciated!!

Little known fact about FMLA-those laws apply ONLY to companies with 50 or more employees in a 75 mile area. My company has 30 employees, so therefore is not held to that regulation.

Answer 1

In 80% of the world this is completely normal. Deal with it.

Answer 2

I feel soooo sorry for you. I am glad I don't live in TX. I went back to work 1 week after the baby was born, but I worked parttime from home and only had to go to the office once a week to get my paperwork. It was a hassle, but I am willing to do it again as I was able to take 12 weeks this way instead of 6 weeks maternity leave (at the time we did not have paid maternity leave). Plus my job paid for 20 hours but I never had 20 hours worth of work to do. I was still exhausted doing this. The only advise I can give you is to make sure you take time for yourself - even a 1/2 hour a day. Maybe before or after work and before you have the kids again. I hope you have husband or boyfriend support. Try to recruit him as much as possible - take up family's offerings of cooking suppers, coming over to watch the baby or give him/her baths, and don't try to do everything yourself. So the laundry doesn't get put away -- big deal. It'll get there someday.....
Take some long baths once the children go to bed or read a good book. Do anything for yourself that isn't mommy, work, or housework related.

On a side note to other readers: FMLA is a Federal Law but is only required when you have 50 or more employees that work in a 75 mile radius. FYI

Answer 3

I'm 37 wks pregnant and I live in California, so we get disability leave (with pay) for 6-8 weeks depending on if you have your baby via c-section or vaginally. I'm not sure why you have to go back to work so soon, you should at least have 6 weeks off, unless Texas is different. 2 weeks is way too soon, your body needs a chance to heal and you and your baby need to bond. The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor because if you are suffering from postpartum depression then he/she can put you off work and your employer cannot fire you. You need to take care of you and your baby first, you can always get another job, but this is your time to rest and heal, and if your employer doesn't like it oh well. Always remember you and baby comes first, everything and everyone else can take a back seat. Good luck!!

Answer 4

FMLA is a federal law, no matter where you work, it should have to follow the law. But, anyways, I had to go back to work due to money problems 10 days after I had my daughter. I didn't suffer from postpartum or depression, but it was a hard thing to do so fast. I did lose the weight that I had gained really fast though. Hang in there. Are you seeing a doctor for your depression? It might help.

Answer 5

this is wrong. Flat out. I personally would just not return, and chnace the consequences. Find a new job after a few months and take care of yourself and the baby.

And to the above poster: America has some of the worst maternity protection in the world. Mothers in many countires get a year of 1/2 to full pay leave after birth, mandated by law. Even most 2nd and 3rd world countries offer more protection to mothers than the US.

Answer 6

EMAIL ME! [e-mail]

I worked for a small company (I LIVE IN DALLAS) and took 12 weeks for FMLA. I was depressed as well! You need AT LEAST 6 WEEKS OFF. You need to call them folk and tell them you cannot come back so soon! If they don't understand start looking for a new job while you are at home!

Answer 7

FMLA is a federal law so long as you have beena t your job for a year. it's not good for you or baby to go abk to work so soon. don't you want to get to knwo your baby? it hink 6 weeks was not enough time for me let alone 2 weeks. i work and i know i am sad leaving him and he 5 1/2 months i hate knowing that i may miss omething really special like the first time he crawls. jsut find some time for yourself and some relaxing time with your baby.

Answer 8

I would take as much time off as you need and if your current company doesn't have an opening for you when you're ready to come back...find a different job. The health of you and your new baby should be priority number one.

Answer 9

I wasn't allowed to drive for two weeks let alone go back to work. I wish you tons of luck and feel sorry for you and your baby. I would keep your private life private and just keep conversations at work general (weather, sports teams, etc.) and work-related. I started working from home about six weeks after I had my daughter. Good luck!

Answer 10

I thought FMLA was a national law. Gee, I am glad I do not live in Texas.