Single parent and going back to work?

[swiftt]

Hello! I’m currently 21 weeks pregnant, employed full time. My work are already pressuring me for my post maternity leave plans for returning to work. I’m not with the father, although he and his family are supportive. I don’t have any immediate family nearby for childcare, and won’t really know how I’ll be able to do this til much further along the line. Really just looking to hear from single parents who successfully juggled work and single parenting for those first few years? I plan to take a full 52 weeks of maternity leave.

Congratulations on your baby.

Try not to think to far a head. But I would start looking into child care options. My children went to an amazing childminder. Small homely care option. Flexible and felt like family. Also not ££ like nurseries can be. I do understand the appeal of nurseries as unlikely to let you down. But in 10 years of having my child minder she was only very sick once for a week.

Think about your travel to work. Can work be flexible with start times etc. Working from home with baby in childcare a day a week etc.

The pre school years were easier than school as hours and wrap around care becomes more problematic. Also 13 weeks school holidays. But you make it work.

Depending upon your income there is help with childcare costs
Tax free hours can be banked through most employers.
Agree child contact with the father and maintenance routine is good for everyone.

Using a nursery that opens earlier and closes later than my work.

I’ve been single since my youngest was 5 months and went back to work when he was one, just 3 days a week.

He was a really bad sleeper so I did struggle a bit but my job was well paid and local and I knew I’d have to travel much further to find a similar job if I left for a few years.

I would tell work that you’re planning on coming back so that you have that option open to you, you can always change your mind nearer the time.

Your work can’t ask you to make decisions about your return - you don’t even have to have notified them you’re pregnant yet. They have to assume you’re taking the statutory maternity leave and give you the equivalent job back.

Look into childminders and nurseries in your area to get an idea of costs, first of all.

I took 9 months off and used a nursery Monday to Thursday and my mum for Fridays.

This way I kept my job and now my sons older and in school I can easily work full time on a good salary to support us both

Why are your work asking you your plans at this stage? They shouldn’t be.

I would research local nurseries and child minders.

I would go back as little hours as possible if you don’t have a huge support network because you will find it a lot easier to increase your hours than decrease.

Hiya - I’m a single mum of a now 16 yr old and went back to work when she was 5 months old through necessity.
First your work is absolutely not allowed to ask anything about your post baby plans. If you want to give them info that’s up to you but they’re not allowed to ask.
I was a single mum miles away from any family, I chose a manny option. It worked out really well, then at 2 she went to daycare. Then once at school I had someone collect her 3 nights a week and stay until I could get home. This went on until year 7, then I had more casual late teenager girls hang out with her and help make dinner..
it was really tough but I got through it. I’m sure you will too. Think of options in advance and be prepared to adapt them for different stages but pls don’t feel you have to disclose them to anyone if you don’t want to. Good luck x