7 weeks and already thinking about work...

[Namechangegardens]

When did you go back to work, what was your pattern and did you regret it?

Is 6 months ridiculously early to go back?

Have provisionally taken 12 months mat leave and certainly don't intend on going back any time soon, however have been thinking about what my return to work will look like.

Thinking and talking about it has made me look forward to it a bit... I really like my job and as much as I am getting into the swing of being a mum, work is a significant part of my life and purpose.

Another motivation for earlier return is that I have worked my way pretty far, but not yet top, of career. The sooner I go back to work the sooner I can finish training and apply for a permanent post.

I couldn't bare to go back full time as would hate to miss out on such a significant portion of LO's life and development. Work are quite flexible and I reckon I could work 60%, even for a few months.

Would really appreciate hearing others experiences

I know many people who had to go back 6-8months for financial reasons. It certainly isn't too early, partic part time.

I really dislike my job and am taking the full year..but that's because I cannot bear going back. Honestly I wish I was more like you and look forward to going back to work!! Enjoy every second with little one. If work is flexible play it by ear a bit. Just once you've ended mat leave you obviously can't restsrt it.

I'm going back 3days a week out of 5 and I had to BATTLE for that with my job. They wanted me 4 days.

I went back 2 days a week when DD was 10 months and was completely ready but most of my maternity had been spent crying my way through lockdown and so being allowed to actually leave the house for a purpose and see people was rather exhilarating! If lockdown hadn't happened and/or I was going back full time I would have probably been happy to stay off longer.

That said, 6 months certainly isn't ridiculously early and many people have to go back well before this point. Working part time provides a great balance too and if you can go back 3 days you'll still get plenty of time with LO.

Give it a few months and see what your gut tells you. Babies do get a bit more 'exciting' as they start to do more so you might start to feel like you'd want a bit longer off work but if you still feel the same then 6 months would be a perfectly reasonable point to go back :)

Could you cope with working on little sleep? That would be my biggest concern.

Do what suits you and your family. I am of an age where 13 weeks was the extent of maternity leave. Several of my friends went back to work and then took time off later. I had 2 years off in total , moved around the country three times for DH's work , had another baby and went back to work when they were 3 months. I had another friend who as main bread winner went back to work at 6 weeks.In the USA there is limited maternity leave and it is taken as normal.

I went back at 18 weeks (April 2020) and 6 months this time (Jan 21). 34 hours a week, it's all doable. Eldest didn't sleep through until 15 months, you just get on with it

Jan22 I mean - still on may leave

I did 6 months with first.. It helped my career progression dramatically and allowed me to be secure in position and tale longer for my seco x child. Do what is best for you and your family.
PS.. I found it easier to go back after 6 months as not really very interesting

What do you do? I think it really depends on the job. I took nine months the first time. And intended to take nine the second but was made redundant 🖕🏻 when I wrote to say I was going to come back.

The first few weeks are a bit boring / monotonous it's better when they get a bit bigger.