When did you go back to work after mat leave?

[Februaryschild2023]

Feeling a bit guilty because, although we could afford it, I'm thinking of going back to work sooner than a year - maybe when my baby is 8 or 9 months. I had a year off with my first, had terrible PND, and think it would help my mental health if there was an 'end' point sooner, or at least a point at which normal life resumed.

Whenever I've mentioned to other friends they wax lyrical about how they could have never left their baby earlier if they didn't have to, and I feel a bit rubbish. It would be part time, if that makes a difference. Has anyone else gone back sooner for their own sake rather than for money etc?

I did 7 months with my first as I was so bored by that point, but took a year with my 2nd. DS was at nursery 3 days a week so I had time with baby, but I found it didn't get so dull and monotonous as I had DS for company and to take to do things on the other days.

Take as long or little as you like, but maybe don't commit until baby is here and you have settled in to having 2.

4 months with first (had to for career reasons), 5 months with the second (through choice).

The full year and I wanted more, I loved maternity leave though and went to classes/days out all the time. If I wasn't someone who enjoyed it then I'd have happily gone back earlier.