Is it wrong to go back to work when your baby is only 6 months old?

Question

I need to go back to work so that we can afford a mortgage, my little boy will be 6 months, is that too early?

Answer 1

Some people will bash you for this..Don't listen to them..Lots of people go back to work after 6 weeks..Yes it sucks you have to put your child in daycare but having a house and food on the table is more important..Just research your daycare choices and that will somewhat put your mind at ease..Good Luck..

Answer 2

Only you can decide what's best for your family. After paying for childcare, will you really be making that much money? A lot of times the answer is no. Lots of time people have to work. Situations change, even the best laid plans can have flaws. I've been a stay at home mom, a work out of the home mom and a work at home mom. I didn't ENJOY putting my children in child care, but I would have really not enjoyed starving children and not being able to give them what they needed. Now I work at home as a daycare provider and make more money than I ever made working out the house. If you're wary about putting your child in daycare, look into various work at home opportunities. If you decide to go back to work, don't beat yourself up. Children benefit most when their parents are happy. Do what you have to do to make yourself and your baby happy.

Answer 3

As has been said, it's good that you've been able to stay home this long. I'm blessed to be able to stay home with our daughter for at least a couple of years. My sister's daughter was born in April, my sister, a teacher, went back to school the following August. Our mother worked on and off while we were children, fully returning to work full time when we were in high school. I have a friend who has a three year old and a four month old. She is working at a near by church pre-school while her husband isn't in class so he can care for the kids.

Every situation is different. The friend of whom I spoke thought she could stay home, but their situation changed. We have another friend whose first child is six days old. She was working up until her baby came and isn't sure if she will have to eventually return to work. In the end, we've got to do what we think is best for our families.

Answer 4

I dont think so, you are doing something for the good of your family. Its ok for these people to tell you that its wrong -they have their opinions, but they obviously dont take into account that you are trying to put a roof over your little boys head - something you can call your own.
I had twins, and went back to work after 5 months, my partner stayed home with them after that until they were 1 (now 18mts) but we really want a home to call our own, a bedroom for them each, and generally more space than what we are living in right now, and thats why we both work.

Really if you feel that your ok with it, then go ahead - dont listen to anyone telling you otherwise!

Answer 5

Its fine. You do what you have to do. People put their kids in day care from being only several weeks old and it works out. Everyone's situation is different and not everyone can nor wants to stay home. To say that there is only one way to be a parent or make you feel bad is wrong.

Answer 6

No it isn't. When I was a baby apparently women were required to go back to work after 6 weeks! Just find a very reliable daycare centre or home daycare provider and go back to work. It will be hard for you to leave your baby at first, but it becomes routine. Also, don't listen to people who think you are a bad mother for working outside the home!

Answer 7

it would be great if you could be able to stay home but sometimes that can not be. You might be under more stress worrying about being able to pay the bills so in the long run the baby would suffer. Be sure when you are home spend quality time with him. i know others that had to go back to work sooner.

Answer 8

you're being a good Mom by going back to work and providing the best life possible for your son. It's a reality today that both pareents normally have to work -- don't be so hard on yourself or let others be!!

Ever thought of becoming Canadian? We get 12 month paid maternity leave ;)

Answer 9

Just a suggestion, maybe you could work part-time for awhile. At least it's a compromise. You could still get time with the baby and bring home some income.

Answer 10

I wish i could stay at home with my baby when she is born, but i will have to go back to work after the 6 weeks in order to pay bills, and for the people that are saying it irresponsible to have babies when you cant afford to stay home with them are idiots, do they know how many people have young children and are working, not everyone is fortunate enough to stay home.