Am I harming my baby by not taking more time off?

Question

I am a middle school counselor. I receive 6 weeks short term disability and am offered 12 weeks unpaid family leave. I would only be able to afford to take off an extra two weeks but even this short amount of time would result in losing over 4 grand in pay. I live in the Bay Area where cost of living in astronomical.

I am thinking that I will return after the six weeks. I am feeling torn as I know six weeks is not enough time to spend with my baby girl. This is my second child. I was able to spend the whole summer with my first and I know how valuable and irreplaceable that time is. I'd like to hear from those of you who returned to work after six weeks and how or if that affected your attachment. My daughter will be home with my husband and mother during the day .

Thanks

Answer

You are not harming your baby. You are doing more damage to yourself with the guilt and stress.

Answer

I'm only spending 4 weeks with my baby girl 😔 and that's entirely unpaid.

Am I harming my baby by not taking more time off?

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