For mom's who took maternity leave - how was it returning back to work for you? I'm planning on taking my full 12 weeks but am already worried I won't want to go back to work. But, we need my income!
I wish there was a way I could work from home or just go part time - but if I went part time I would lose all my benefits, which are good ones!
What was your experience?
grapefruit / 4120 posts
I went back after two months and it was fine. Working actually helps me stay sane, even though I'd never have predicted that!!
coconut / 8234 posts
I've been back at work for a month. Most of my friends who have had babies have told me that it will get better but I'm sorry to say that it seems to be getting worse for me. (I'm on a 4-day work schedule until September). I keep on dreading September when LO will be with a nanny (DH is with her now). It is great to be back with my co-workers, we get along great, and I feel productive. It's nice to have more adult conversation. I, too, wish I could find a great part-time job and am actually looking for one now.
I'm hoping that it really will be better in a few months or I am going to be one miserable mommy 
I actually never thought it would feel this hard for me--I thought I'd just go back to work and it would be a piece of cake.
honeydew / 7235 posts
@coacheswife123: i am feeling EXACTLY the same as you. I already feel like I'm not going to want to come back, but I have to because we need my salary and I have all of the benefits for our family.....
GOLD / grapefruit / 4007 posts
@hellobeeboston: maybe it will be different once we are actually in the swing of things ! OR maybe we can find another solution - haha!
honeydew / 7235 posts
@coacheswife123: Yup! Hoping it will make sense when he is here or I can find something closer to home/pays more/less hours.... But don't we all? 
squash / 13199 posts
I went back after 12 weeks. It was very hard leaving my baby at the daycare and going back to work. Much harder than I thought it would be. But I am now at the end of my 3rd week back at work and its definitely gotten better, I still dread coming to work especially on mondays after being home with the baby all weekend
GOLD / grapefruit / 4007 posts
@Mrsbells: thanks for the reply! i think my mom is going to keep Baby the month I have to go back. Then, my hubby will be off for the summer (lucky teacher job). so, we'll have about a 6 month old when he has to go to work. I dread daycare but know its necessary!
hostess / wonderful grape / 20803 posts
My son is 11 weeks and I have approved 6 months of maternity leave, though am likely taking 4.5 since only 2 were paid. I can't imagine going back to work yet and dread it. Next week he will be 12 weeks and I'm nowhere near ready to go back to work. When I return I'll be going back 4 days but do work longer hours than 9-5 and I can't even think about it yet....
GOLD / grapefruit / 4007 posts
@winniebee: amazing! i wish 6 months was an option for me! i hope the transition goes well for you!
hostess / wonderful grape / 20803 posts
@coacheswife123: It is an amazing option, but unfortunately for right now I make 2x more than my husband so going without a paycheck for 4 months will be rough! So we are hoping 4.5 would be a good compromise and won't send us to the poor house : )
cantaloupe / 6751 posts
I went back to work part-time (3 days per week) when LO was 4.5 months old. I've been back about 6 weeks now and it's still a struggle... I'm waiting for it to get easier The only thing that makes it even a little bit bearable is the fact that DH is watching her while I'm at work.
I'm dreading Monday already
papaya / 10560 posts
I was just crying the other day because I know I won't want to go back! The thought of putti g LO in daycare at 8 weeks just makes me sad.
GOLD / pomelo / 5167 posts
Honestly it really depends on the person. I knew I wasn't SAHM material. I need to work and socialize. Luckily I had 1 year off, but come 6 months I was ready to go back to work.
grapefruit / 4136 posts
Golly moses I'm jealous of the long leave you gals have/had! I was only off for 6 weeks (and worked from home an hour or two/day). I'm back at the office now but I went back part time and eased myself into it which helped A LOT. I was expecting the worst and it sucked, but I just keep telling myself to appreciate the time I have with him in the evenings (quality/quantity).
My first day back I told myself "Just get out the door without crying." Then it was past the first stop sign, past the stop light, then I told myself "You can't go in to work with mascara streaked down your face" might sound silly but I really did take it one block at a time!
Good luck!
grapefruit / 4136 posts
OH! Also? I find myself even more productive than before I had J...if I keep myself as busy as possible then the day goes faster! 
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