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Original poster

Ending mat leave

12 replies

Minus273 · 30/10/2011 17:08

Is there a way to go back to work immediately post partum without breaking the law? If so how can I go about it considering the baby will be here in a month?

OP posts:

Grevling · 30/10/2011 18:28

No. By law you have to have at least 2 weeks off following child birth. Other than that 2 weeks there is no need for you to take any longer off legally, physically/emotionally it might be a good idea though.

Uglymush · 30/10/2011 18:32

Just read your pregnant and frightened post, I am very worried about you and would urge you to chat to your GP before deciding when to go back to work. Take care

Original poster

Minus273 · 30/10/2011 19:07

I see where you are coming from but if I can stop people viewing me as a lazy scrounger then it would be one less thing to worry about. Also if back at work I could legally try doing odd jobs for money. Hoping for that I could take dd in the sling.

OP posts:

Uglymush · 30/10/2011 19:11

Taking Mat Leave is not being a lazy scrounger. I have a fairly hectic and at times stressful job but I am puttiny my months salary on it being a mum is going to be much harder. I am taking 6 months off and then I know I am going back tom work for a rest. I really wish there was a way to make you be more positive about yourself. Your new baby is going to be very lucky to have you as a mum, please take the time to get to know each other and enjoy being together. I do appreciate it isn't easy financially on Mat Leave but don't rush going back to work. YOU WILL BE A GREAT MUM!!

lilham · 31/10/2011 08:40

Being a mum to a newborn is hardwork. Im going back next week after 7mo (6mo + al) and I'm not sure how I'd cope. DD woke up at 1230 and 500 today and I felt so tired at 630 when DD just felt back to sleep. If I'm working I'd have to get ready instead of going back to work.

Also your LO won't be happy in a sling all day. They are very high needs as newborn. When they get to 6mo like my DD they need to be entertained too. You'd need a relative or a nanny to stay at home full time to look after a newborn.

lilham · 31/10/2011 08:43

By high needs I mean the don't understand the concept of waiting a bit. They can go from smiley to crying their lungs out in a second. When they want milk, they won't stop until they get milk, iyswim.

Ciske · 31/10/2011 08:51

On the 'scrounger' issue: if you work, you pay for a lot of other women to take their maternity leave and when you're back at work, you'll have a whole working life ahead of you of paying for other mothers (and fathers!) to take their mat or pat leave. It's not a privilege, it's a right you pay for through your tax.

Also, trust me, you're going to be worth nothing at work in those first few weeks/months. You'll be exhausted, distracted, your head will be at home, not at work. You're doing everyone a favour by staying at home and sorting out yourself and baby before getting back.

Original poster

Minus273 · 01/11/2011 13:30

I'm just struggling with being told I'm a lazy, scrounging, stupid, uneducated loser on top of worrying about the financial side of things. I want to provide for my DC and I'm never going to get a better job if that is what employers think of me. I need to push myself more.

OP posts:

RollonDueDate · 01/11/2011 15:45

I would say the same as others - that you need to take it a bit easier on yourself. Who is saying these things to you? If it is your employer then you have the right to mat leave as already said. If it is your partner then you need to seriously consider your relationship and if it is yourself then I seriously think you should speak to your GP or midwife about depression.

I'm due back to work tomorrow after 6months so I do know how things can pile up but do take care of yourself for you and baby.

growing3rdbump · 01/11/2011 16:26

Who is saying these things to you? There is nothing lazy about being a mother - you will find that that alone is a lovely, but hard, fulltime job (especially with a newbown baby).

DC3 is coming up to 6 months and I intend to go back to work in about 4 months time. When your new baby comes along it is really important to spend this time bonding and spending time with your baby. In the early weeks you'll find that your baby will be feeding and sleeping almost constantly and you just need to spend that time getting to know him/her certainly not worrying about working. I am finally feeling that we are getting in to a routine and I can begin to face the fact that I will be returning to work soon, but there is no way I would have felt like that a few months ago.

Please take time for yourself rather than beating yourself up. Do visit your GP and discuss your feelings and there will definitely be people who can help you.

Original poster

Minus273 · 01/11/2011 17:28

Posters on here. I had posted saying that lots of unemployed people want to work but can't find work. My DH is being made redundant and my job is only part time when I go back so described the difficulties. Got flamed and called all of these :( really getting to me on top of the worries we already have.

OP posts:

sleepdodger · 02/11/2011 23:47

Hi minus I haven't seen your other threads, but would say on financial side I think if you're eligible for mat pay every one gets 6 wk at 90%, so if you were keen to go back sooner not later at least consider giving yourself the 6 weeks?

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