nearly time to go back to work frm mat leave,

Renee - posted on 10/06/2010

I only got 6 weeks of maternity leave when my son was born before I had to go back to work. That was very hard. I had some of the exact same thoughts as you do. 6 weeks after I returned to work I ended up losing my job and went on unemployment for almost a year before I found another job. Money was very tight but I loved being home with my son. My husband ended up working a lot of over time hours so we could still have some creature comforts. The next job I got was running a hotel, but part of the job was to live in the house that was attached to the hotel. With this I was able to work and still have my son with me at all times. While working there I got pregnant with our daughter. 15 mos at that job and the hotel was sold and now I am back to being a SAHM on unemployment. Again money is tight but due able. I actually just started doing in-home child care for other people's children to bring in some extra money.

Leslie - posted on 10/06/2010

We are very fortunate in Canada to have 1 year of maternity leave, if you want it, so I was lucky to see all the "firsts" with my son. But I knew as soon as I returned to work, that I was staying home if we were blessed with #2. In fact, I couldn't get pregnant fast enough! #3 is here now and I have been home for over 3 years.......and I know it was the right decision for us. Even though we are forever broke. (was seriously considering if the goldfish were edible this morning....not the crackers, the real ones in the tank.) My son goes to others homes and see the Wii's, the Nintendo DS's and all the games they have.....the toys galore, 2 (holy crap mom!) cars in the driveway, and yet another trip to DisneyWorld. And we can't give them any of that. It used to break my heart....but not anymore. It's stuff. just stuff. Those same kids that have the computer games and trips to Disney......they are alone outside half the time, or at my house playing with my kids. I see them outside on the weekend when it is almost dark....while the parents are inside socializing. As long as you can pay your bills, put food on the table, and dress them......beyond that what the really need most is YOU. I do what I feel called to do, having faith that God will provide what we Need. And so far, so good. Don't worry, you're heart will tell you if returning to work was the wrong decision. As for the rest, you can live on much less than you think. It's just how much you are willing to give up.

Montana - posted on 10/06/2010

i think u gotta do what u gotta do. if u need the money stay full time but if u can afford to work part time, i think thats great!

Amanda - posted on 10/06/2010

You have to do whats best for your family..I was scared of the same thing with my baby boy, but it gets easier...And in alot of cases you dont really miss it...I saw everything for his first time =)

Leonie - posted on 10/06/2010

I hear you... Went back to work when my first was 6mths and it was hard.
You just have to know that you are doing what is best for your child & that the first time you see her talk is the first time she has talked for you, same with walking. You aren't going to be there when she does her first everything so when you first see it is the first time she has done it.
My first daughter did in fact first walk in front of me, and talking - I think she did that with me first - to be honest I don't remember. All I know is that she is a very well adjusted girl, she knows that her Dad and I love her to pieces and her carers have taught her a lot of stuff I never would have thought of - so she is quite advanced educationally.
Hope I have helped, I know it is hard and my heart goes out to you...