WWYD maternity leave

[Abababooboo]

I'm nearly half way through my maternity leave and a registered nurse with ITU skills, seeing and hearing how the NHS is struggling is making me want to go back early and rejoin the NHS.

I currently work outside the NHS (charity sector) and would have to repay my maternity allowance back(roughly six thousand pounds plus). My other option would be to go back to work and support the NHS through the sector I work in, using keep in touch days to start earlier than planned.

I'm conflicted as my baby is still EBF and I wanted to spend the 1st year with them - going back with no child care would mean my partner couldn't work effectively and could risk his job hours / time together. I feel incredibly guilty having this time now, with knowing staffing struggles and and the pressure work is under.

My partner and I both have job security and a small amount of savings which was planned towards home improvements.

Every option has a guilty feeling attached

• going back early, moving my baby to formula, missing milestones and quality time together. Extra pressure put on my partner who is already stressed
• emailing to re-enroll leading to financial loss (I know millions have this)
• going back to work feeling guilty not using ITU skills

Complete your maternity leave.

You do not need to sacrifice your family, if you get ill think about the impact on your tiny baby. My baby is 6 months and EBF, staying home and keeping her safe is my only priority.

I would not go back early, you will still be needed in six months time.

You can always reconsider in three months time.

I would not do it. Just think of your baby. You have to put them first. It’s a lovely thought but they need you most.

That sounds really tough, but if I was in the position you were in and had the choice no I wouldn't go back early/reduce maternity leave given the negatives you have stated

I wouldnt go back early, because I wouldn't want to be working in that environment and then coming home to a six month old. Also the risk of you getting ill would be so high and could have a massive impact on your family.

I would definitely not cut my maternity leave short. Your baby is your priority and you won’t get this time back ever. If you can breastfeed for as long as possible this will boost their immune system during this outbreak. Yes, your skills are valuable, but your little one is your primary responsibility.

No, it's commendable that you considering it, thank you. But I wouldn't, I am sure there will be plenty still to be done when you are in a position to help, if you still want to. Enjoy your maternity leave the best you can in these circumstances.

Don't go back. I work in the NHS too and am pregnant. Feel like I should be doing more, but this just isn't a fight that I can be at the front of, and I'd say the same is true for you. You need to think about your long term financial situation too.

I’d stay home, your priority is your baby.

Put your own baby and family first. Complete your maternity leave.

Also as a sideline, if my baby is anything to go by it's not as easy as just swapping to formula . Or maybe he is a fussy baby!

Don't go back now. Go back when you can; this is going to last a while and you'll be needed, fit well and guilt-free, down the line.

Stay home with baby.

Stay home with your baby. Family first.

Im in a similar boat. Im only 16 weeks into my ML but have already confirmed with work, if my other halfs job collapses, then i can go back to work with no notice if i have to. We cant do shared leave as he hasnt been working there long enough. It makes my heart hurt at the thought of leaving her already, but we need an income and my sector could do with the help and isnt going anywhere

I am an ICU doctor and 39 weeks pregnant.

I feel beyond guilty about all my colleagues are going through. There’s a Facebook group called physician mums uk which is full of women with the same question as you have.

General consensus is not to go back early. Not least due to feeding issues and also bringing home bugs.

This will still be going on when we get back. Every day I see colleagues willingly cover extra shifts- this is not sustainable. They will be burnt out and need a fresh pair of hands in a few months.

Currently I’m making some training resources for work as it keeps me busy and makes me feel I am doing something. Not even sure how useful it will be.

Also seeing as you have a different job now it would be even more difficult for you to go back. If you did go back to the NHS, consider that the government is paying fees to reregister etc so if you would be out of pocket to help out for a few months worth exploring with your current employer and your new Trust??

As admirable as that would be, I’d complete your ML. Your baby needs you to keep them safe and take care of them.
If you’d be down money wise, it’s a bit of a no brainer really.

I wouldn't. You can always reconsider later. We are just at the beginning of this really.

I would say not yet. Stay home, stay well, stay refreshed and consider volunteering (I would be amazed if your work wouldn't release you temporarily without penalty, in fact if they get any money from the nhs they probably have to) at a later date.

I would say don’t rush back now but think about going back to the nhs in 3/4 months. Have your partner investigate taking some time off then - shared parental leave maybe? And speak to your current employer about what form your work would take if you went back to them in July/August. As others have said people like you will be really important after the first wave of staff are worn out.