Should I go back to work?

[Whatinthedoopla]

I'm currently on maternity leave, I go back at the end of the year. My partner has just lost his job, and mentioned that I could go back to work and he stays looking after the baby. I said no, but keep thinking about it, his mental health, and whether that might be the right decision.
Should I go back to work early?

I would say from my own experience that having MH issues and being a SAHP is not a good mix, how about you both work part-time so you can share responsibilities and it works out fairer, you may even be able to not need childcare if you work opposing days.

My Dh quit his job because of depression and became a SAHD. I was skeptical, but it was the making of him. I got back the man I married. Just don't expect perfection.

I think in the short term, if financially you need the income then yes, do it. But he will need support and it will need reviewing once he finds another job , ideally you both would work some hours

Can you afford not to go back to work early? YANBU to want your full maternity leave but how will you manage if neither of you are working?

I think it is a great idea. Your partner gets a chance to bond with the baby and also develops some parenting skills. It will take financial pressure off. I can see nothing wrong with this plan except if you are really keen on having time off.
I have a couple of friends who shared leave 50/50 and they all rave about it.

The thing is I love being on maternity leave, and it's not like he can take shared parental leave. Also, I hate my job, and will be looking for a different job closer to the time of my return.

I feel guilty for being on maternity leave and not contributing as much financially as I could