When did you go back to work?

Question

I’m curious about when did you UK mommies go back to work after your baby was born? 
I’m currently at home with my 1 year old who’s still breastfed and I’m starting to get some judgement from people because I don’t want to go back so soon (plus because I’m still breastfeeding), because I feel like neither me or my baby are ready but I feel like people think I’m lazy or I want to be on benefits forever which I don’t, I just feel like it’s not time for us yet and I also don’t want to miss out on anything. 
Is this weird? I know everyone is different but being with my baby all day is the best and the most natural thing for me for now, I love to see him learn something new every day and I cherish every moment. I feel lucky to be able to do this however it’s not easy financially but it’s worth it, until the time is right, we can manage with a tighter budget. I also think it’s okay to be wanting some “alone time” but for me a couple hours are enough per week, I’m just not like some people who can’t wait to put their baby to nursery and go back to work to get a few days break but we are all different. Why is it so weird that I want to stay with my baby for longer?? 
Sorry for the rant and I don’t mean to hurt anyone, it’s just a rant, and I’m also curious about  other moms thoughts x

Answer

It's not that I "can't wait to put him bursary and get back to work..." I can't afford to stay home. Its not always a choice, regardless of how much time I want to spend with my baby. And I wouldn't feel right being on benefits when I was able to work

Answer

I had to go back after 9 months when maternity pay stopped, financially we couldn’t cope on one wage. I work part time though so still get 4 days a week with my baby but I’d love to be able to stay at home. I hate the pressure put on mums to get back to work so soon, if you can stay at home then do it.

Answer

I didn’t go back and I won’t either, we don’t need me to go back finically and I wasn’t going to put my son in a nursery while I then went and worked in another one. 
I am much better staying home and teaching my son myself and spending quality time with him which did him the world of good and the same with my pregnancy now. 
If you don’t need to go to work I don’t see the point x

Answer

I'm currently pregnant and this is something I've been thinking about. In an ideal world, I wouldn't go back at all but financially, we have no choice. I have to go back after 9 months maybe 10 if I can use my holidays). Gutting to think about 😩

Answer

I went back 2 weeks ago, my baby just turned 10 months, but I took about 11 months leave in total. I didn’t want to go back, and I still joke now that I’m going to walk (well, he thinks I’m joking 😂) we could survive on 1 wage but I needed that time just for me. It’s amazing how much you miss the little things. I’ve reduced my hours and 3 days my baby goes to a nursery 5 minutes walk from my work. He loves it which is such a relief.

Answer

I went back when my daughter was 10 months old, as we simply couldn't pay the mortgage and bills on just one wage. I'm hoping to take 11-13 months with this pregnancy as my company have improved their mat leave pay and we are more financially comfortable than we were last time.
Tbh, if you can afford to take longer off and want to, kudos to you!

Answer

My daughter is 19 months and am pregnant again so not going back any time soon. Probably will stay until she is 3 and other child will be 1

Answer

I’m a teacher so I I’m entitled to the 52 weeks mat leave but if I don’t go back then, for at least 13 weeks, I have to pay mat pay back - which I DO NOT want to do!!
I started my leave on 1st July (baby was due on 11th) and my official return is 28th June. I will be using a couple of my KIT days so I have time to prepare for going back - lesson plans and resources etc. so I’ll be back sometime the week before making my son will be 11.5-ish months. 
Honestly, I’m dreading going back to work as I haven’t left my little man for more than a couple of hours and he’s also breastfeed so that’ll be a challenge too. I have requested to go back part time but my boss doesn’t think it’s possible so that’s making my anxiety worse. 😩 
The nursery were probably going to send LO to is a 2 min drive from my work so it’s nice knowing I’ll be close if there are any issues. Plus, it’ll allow me to pop in at lunch and see my little fella for 30-40 mins and check in (not sure if I will do that as it could make my son more upset but we’ll see). 
I don’t think it’s for anyone else to say what’s right for you and your family and as long as you SO is supportive, that’s all that counts.

Answer

I'm currently pregnant and for financial reasons I'll need to go back part time when my baby is 6 months old. I am already worried this will be tough but I don't have a choice.

When did you go back to work?

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