Mumsnet Talk

Let me clarify that I mean with straight within a few days/weeks after giving birth not 'straight' after. I am just wondering if it is acceptable to return to work without having nine months maternity leave.

I returned a few hours a week less than 4 weeks after DS was born.

I wouldn't recommend it. I was pretty ill and run down constantly until DS was about 15 months.

I have it in mind you must take 2 weeks but I don't think there is anything stopping you after that.

I don't know anyone who has gone back to work quickly though.

First baby?

It's illegal in the UK unless you're self employed. IIRC, the legal limit is 5 weeks.

You have to take a minimum of 2 weeks. I don't know anyone who has gone back before 3 months

Is it 5 weeks? I had it in mind there was a definite no working period.

I just looked it up. 2 weeks or 4 weeks if you are a factory worker.

I went back to work two days after having DS, I also worked up until the day I went into labour.

The government says that you have to take two weeks off, but most employers won't complain if you want to go back straight away.

I didn't go back full time straight away, but I had certain commitments that I due to the nature of my job i couldn't leave with anyone else.

Why would you want to? (Genuine question by the way!)

A midwife I worked with and two HV's have all said it was 5 weeks. I know the gov tossers are planning on reducing this to 2 though.

Ask Amanda Holden

I am self employed so did this, working when DD slept after the first few weeks. I can't recommend it. I was stressed and it was too much to cope with. I am sure it contributed to feeling that I was crap at everything for a while. I think if I'd at least let my body heal first and had childcare it would have been ok though. And it was necessary. Had I not done it I wouldn't have the flexibility I do now.

My old boss came back 6 weeks after she had her baby because she feared losing her job. She came back full time as well. Felt so sorry for her.

I started a job when ds was 3 weeks old. I lasted a couple of weeks before I had to leave. I really don't recommend it.

I went back to work a week after DS2 as it just wasn't convenient and I was on part time 2 weeks after DS4, I've never taken full maternity leave, just hasn't been suitable. It is quite exhausting and it will depend on things like the birth, the baby e.g. Trying to do it with a colicky non-sleeping maybe would be hellish whereas a good feeder and sleeper makes it a lot more bearable.

Legal minimum is 2 weeks; 4 weeks if you are a factory worker.

I went back when DD was 8weeks, she's nearly 2 now and I still feel exhausted and gutted that I didn't get more time with her. Had to go back to pay the bills...

I went back when DC2 was 7 weeks old. But she was looked after by DH, and then we had a holiday booked, and so she didn't actually have to start nursery until 3 months.
And I've got great family support.

I read that it is only compulsory to be off from work for two weeks post partum.

Went back P/T when DS3 was 6 weeks old

The legal minimum is 2 weeks but I've known a few people who've gone back sooner then that and never faced any issue. It's really only if someone reports them.

I went back after eight weeks, full time to a new job...... Three years on I really regret the time I missed out on with my daughter.

I was back at work within six weeks with both DC. Work for ourselves, so it was pretty tough just dumping DH in it! Fortunately we had a wonderful nanny who adored (adores!) the children, but it was difficult.

I was self employed,so had little option but went back 5 days after dd,and a week after ds.However,it was for max 2 hours a day,at my own pace and at my own scheduling.I found it ok.

But no way in hell would I go back if I was working for someone else.

What's your situation,OP,maybe we could help you weigh it up?

There was a documentary with Chelsea Healey where a mother was back in the office later the same week I believe?

Or at least, that was her intention.

And an article in the metro about modern childbirth (ages ago) had an example of a woman who popped into her office to check on things later on the day she actually gave birth