Now feeling pressurised to return to work...

[mamabrownbear]

I've been off work now for nearly 4 months. I took a months holiday before my maternity leave kicked in, baby arrived exactly 1 week into maternity leave.
I had originally said to work that I thought I'd be back to work Sept/Oct but that it would depend on money. Now I'm off I realise that not only do I love spending as much time as possible with my child but that I think we will be ok financially for a bit longer so I was planning on discussing with work returning later as I am allowed to take this time off during this special time.
I saw my boss yesterday who, in his parting comment to me said "when are you back to work?" as I was literally walking out the room. I jokingly called back "oh never..." But now I'm wondering if he is wanting me to return soon? We work in a small office and I know the other member of staff is taking 2 months off for an extended holiday so he is probably wanting me to cover her work although we do completely different jobs, like different skills sets needed and different departments! Now I'm feeling a bit pressurised as I was planning on going in later this month to discuss with them what was happening at work and when I would be planning on coming back.
What should I do? I've done a couple of KIT days and have plenty more but honestly not keen to go back when I could take another 5/6 months off with my bundle of joy. It's not like we are planning another so this might be my only chance

Stay at home , if money is ok, and your loving it, stay at home with your bundle.

I would also say that if you're wanting to stay home & can afford it, then stay at home as long as you can. I was pressurised to go back after 7 months with my first when I'd wanted to take a year & although not a massive regret, I'm annoyed that I let them pressure me & stood my ground for my 2nd & 3rd & went back when I chose to.

You need to have an open conversation with your boss & be honest with what you're thinking.

The default assumption (I think) is that you will take 12 months off and you should notify them 8 weeks before your intended return date if it is different to this. So if you want to go back sep/oct you should be telling them now! Maybe that's why your boss made a passing comment.

But I wouldn't feel pressured by what your boss said - it sounded off the cuff not pointed! I think it is your own thoughts on this making you feel odd.