Arr... returning to work too soon! : (

[Clare1981]

Is anyone else taking less time off than they would like because they can't afford to live on statutory maternity pay? It makes me feel sad that I can't have more time off with my liitle boy - I'm planning to return to work after 4 months xxx

I went back after 2 weeks and it all went fine. She's 23 years old now.....and doing very well. It may in fact be better for you and the boy. First of all he won't be so used to it just being you all the time. It can be much bigger wrench if you leave it any longer. Secondly less likely that things will be sexist at home - mother home father working - so you get a much equal better marriage. So a blessing in disguise.

Thanks - feel a little better when you put it like that!

Working really makes you appreciate the time you do spend with your child. It's tough at times but rewarding knowing you can cope and do both. Be strong it gets easier!

Clare - this was the norm for many of us 40 somethings. Maternity leave used to be 3 months paid, 3 months unpaid - i returned when dd1 was 3 months old. TBH she settled with her CM better than my older two did, as I took longer off work with them. Research shows that babies go through a more clingy phase when they're a little older - 9/12 months or so. So look at it this way - the fact that you have to go back now may work to your advantage.

I had to go back to work full time when DD1 was 14.5 weeks - we couldn't afford for me to have SMP and I only got full pay for 12 weeks.

It was really hard at the time (especially as DH was away too) but I had a fantastic CM, and the time I had with my baby was quality time as I cherished every moment

She hasn't suffered a jot and is now a self-assured, sociable, emotionally secure 9 year old!