Mat Leave return

[WorriedMummy2021]

When is the best time to return from Mat leave? Also all my family don't live here and my husband side works...where would my child be able to go and at what age?
Some people say returning at 6 months is best because you avoid the 10month separation anxiety stage.
Where would i put my child for the day? I will probably be partially working from home or may request a change in my hours. but those two options would still leave me with at least 2-3 days in the office. Are they childminders? nurseries? day care?....please take it easy. I'm a first time mummy and i grew up with nannies and everyone i know that has a kid has family nearby.

The best time to return is what suits your personal circumstances.

There will be lots of childminders and nurseries local to you. Your local council will have a website of registered childcare (nurseries, childminders) so have a look and get in touch with those you like the look of to find out about availability.

I should do this ASAP - many people book their childcare while they’re still pregnant as places fill up quickly.

Most nurseries or childminders will take babies from 3 months although some nurseries are more like preschools and only take older children. The council website will link you to each provider’s website where you can find out this info.

Good luck!

I returned when my son was 13 months. He settled into nursery perfectly fine. No separation anxiety. I reserved his place in nursery when he was 3 months old for three days a week. I didn't have a choice on days it was the only slots they had available. Some nurseries were already fully booked.

You can use a childminder or a nursery. For me the downside of a childminder was we would have to find alternative childcare or take annual when they decided to take a holiday which may not be possible if you have no family near you or you don't want to take that time off for your holiday.

If you take longer then 9 months you can't necessary return to the same role so that should be taken into consideration if it's important to you. Finances if you can afford to take longer and also your mental health being at home. For me I didn't feel ready to go back at nine months but at 13 months I was ready to go back.

Most people have to think of what they can afford. Nursery’s can be very expensive, child minders much cheaper. Are you working full time but thinking you may work form home part time? Most employers would expect you to have full time childcare when working from home. Not trying to juggle work around a baby.

In all fairness the company I work for are super understanding and supportive for such a big organisation.
My plan was to finish all paid( half and full) mat leave. Use my annual leave from this year for an extra month and what annual leave I've accrued whilst on mat leave and then apply to flexible policy to have my contract changed to part time...problem with that is I dont think I can afford to live on a part time salary. So the easier option and to avoid having to go through BOD and waiting months for a response would be to make an agreement with my manager to work 3 or 4 days from home and 1 day in the office, which is anyhow what my department want in general since Covid19. The RNLI are very supportive and are giving us the option as to how we want to return. I really really dont know what to expect being a first time mummy. Will it destroy me to leave my aby early or would I actually be able to return earlier than 10months and be okay with it. First time mummy in the midst of a global pandemic is slowly turning me to a nervous wreck. You guys are amazing though xxx

My company allows 52weeks mat leave. So there is no problem returning to my original role if I take the full 52week(1year) 6 weeks full pay 12 weeks half pay the 32 weeks Gov Stat mat pay. It just depending if you can afford to work the 3xtra time off without pay. Or use your AL from previous year for full pay.

Childminders are cheaper? I thought the exact opposite.

Yes, childminders are usually cheaper but as a pp said you’re relying on one person so if they’re ill you have no childcare. Nurseries can be more reliable but have less one to one care.

It is hard to leave them at first but it does get easier. I went back when DD was 10 months and it was fine.

Bear in mind you will still need childcare for days you’re working from home, you really cannot work effectively with a baby/toddler around.

Have a look at what is available near you, visit nursery’s and childminders. See which you think will fit better. Do you have space for a live in nanny which might be another option.

Most employers wont allow you to look after your children when you are working (covid was different) so they will probably expect you to still put the baby in childcare on the days you work from home

When is the best time to return from Mat leave?

Only you can answer that. It has to be when it suits you and your family, or your finances may dictate.

Where would my child be able to go and at what age?

Nursery, childminder, nanny if can afford it. They all have different minimums, some will take children from 6 weeks old.

Where would i put my child for the day? I will probably be partially working from home or may request a change in my hours. but those two options would still leave me with at least 2-3 days in the office. Are they childminders? nurseries? day care?

There are lots of different options. My advice would be to contact 3 nurseries and 3 childminders. Find out about their services, what is covered, what they cost, get a feel for what you like and don't like.

This will give you a good idea of what you want for your child and how much its going to cost you. Depending on your income levels you should research either tax free child care or benefit contributions towards the costs.