WWYD? Maternity Leave Related

LauraR326

Okay so leaving work I decided I would take my full 12 weeks off.  This put me going back to work March 5th.  I decided I would go back March 5th because Spring Break was the following week and it would help ease the transition.  Because I had alot of vacation time I'm able to be off the full 12 weeks without losing pay. 

  I started to get cabin fever and toyed around with the idea of going back to work early.  My Sister is going to watch Lucas so it's not like I have to mess with daycare start dates or availability.  E and I like to go on vacations so the extra time in my bank would be awesome!  Plus, it wouldn't hurt to save up the time for "just in case". 

Since I had a C-Section I got paid for 8 weeks from my disability company so I have to at least wait 1 more week.  I'm not 100% sure on staying or going back to work.  On one hand I'm thinking I will never have this much time off again (until we have another kid) and I should just enjoy it.  But on the other hand I'm truly ready to go back to work.  I miss all my co-workers and its so laid back there that if I needed to be off they would understand. 

What would you do if you were in my shoes?

Cristin23

Do what feels right to you. Any chance you could maybe come back part time for a little while? That's what I did-I only got 6 weeks, and went back part time for 4 then full time.

I know what you mean though, I hated being holed up in our house for days (part of this was because of the weather). I would look forward to when Ryan came home for lunch

The hard thing is that as soon you go back that's when babies get cool and do more than just lie there.

LindsayB0505

I agree with Cristin.  I'd go back part time if I could in a second

sstara

I was bored out of my mind.  I went back after 4 weeks and did part time for 2 weeks.  It was a little different for me becuase Parker came with me for his first 6 months.

krissyrose210

Cristin23:

The hard thing is that as soon you go back that's when babies get cool and do more than just lie there.

This is so true!!

I was also going to suggest the part time thing. Can you go in 3 days a week and use 2 days of vacation a week for at least a little bit? There is nothing wrong with wanting to back early, especially if you have someone to watch the little guy. You should talk to your bosses and see what they say. They may think the part time idea is fantastic!

LauraR326

Unfortunately I don't think I would be able to go back part time.  I work as a Senior Administrative Assistant (Which is a long name for the Principal's Secretary) at an elementary school, so I would think I would have to go back full time.  E's no help because he tells me to just do what I want.  lol

becky5858

I see it both ways. I was really starting to go stir crazy at 6 weeks, but by 8 weeks I wanted more time. If I were you, I'd split the difference and go back at 10 weeks. That way you get a little more time with Lucas and still have some leave left. If you're feeling stir crazy, you can always take the baby out and do things. 

LauraR326

becky5858:

I see it both ways. I was really starting to go stir crazy at 6 weeks, but by 8 weeks I wanted more time. If I were you, I'd split the difference and go back at 10 weeks. That way you get a little more time with Lucas and still have some leave left. If you're feeling stir crazy, you can always take the baby out and do things. 

I think this is what I'm going to do.  I wont tell my boss until it gets closer to the time though, in case I change my mind at the last minute.  Thanks for the help, ladies! 

misskris927

I think that you should do what is best for you- but I have to say, I truly enjoyed being home and still wish I could. If it were me, I'd take the full maternity and go back when you were supposed to. Enjoy your time home with Lucas- they grow up way too fast.