Is it possible to go back to work in 2 weeks after delivery?

jackiesmom324

Hey yall. I just found out that I wont be eligible for FMLA at my new job that I start July 1 because you have to be an employee for one year. I would have 2 weeks of PTO i can use and short term disability. Is it even possible  to come back in 2 weeks? I think my mom did when she had a C/S with my sister. Hopefully i can push. I  feel bad tho and like really selfish that i would put my career over spending time w the baby. Its not that i dont want to but theres no easy way around it, this is the most important year of my career. I do want to breastfeed and i bet two weeks is not even enough time to breastfeed even if I pump after? I was reading the baby needs at least 2 months to learn how to switch between bottle and breast. My husband is gaurunteed to get anywhere from 6 weeks PTO to possibly more than that and he wants to stay home with the baby. Any one have any opinions or advice about this? I have no idea how it will work but I did make sure to find a place to live that was a 5 min walk from the hospital so i could ask hubby to bring baby to hospital etc. My whole point of wanting to have the baby while im young in this part of my career is so the baby wouldnt remember me being gone as much and hopefully ill be at a more stable place when the baby is older so i can actually be there and be a more available mom. 

NME44

I don't think many OBs will give medical clearance to go back to work that early.

ameliabedelia-2

What kind of company do you work for that would just let you go if you aren't protected by FMLA?  Are you saying they have told you that if you aren't back in two weeks, they will let you go??  I wasn't protected w/FMLA during my first pregnancy and I won't be protected with this one, but that doesn't mean my company is going to fire me.  I would be looking for a new job ASAP, that place sounds like they have questionable morals. 

kaylawing

I could not have imagined going back at two weeks and agree with @NME44 that your doc may not even clear you that early. Is there anyway you can talk to them about getting more time? Any extra weeks will help, especially as you try to establish breastfeeding. I hope you are able to work out a solution that works for you and your family. 

eazybreezy225

It's possible, but you will most likely be miserable as a result. Your body won't be recovered fully, which means you'll have a high risk of injury.
If you have a c-section, you won't be able to do much physical work at only 2 weeks, things like lifting, twisting motions, crunches, etc. I've had 3 c-sections, at 2 weeks post-op I was just barely given clearance to use a vacuum cleaner, it was still another 2 weeks after that before I was cleared for regular exercise.
Even giving birth vaginally, which generally is less recovery time, you'll still need more than 2 weeks before feeling like yourself again. Many women need stitches, sitz baths, and/or other extra care.
Also, regardless of how you deliver, you'll be on full pelvic rest for at least 6 weeks post-partum. No tampons, sex, etc. Which means all the post-partum bleeding will require pads. And it's not unusual to still bleed longer than 2 weeks.
I don't mean to scare you with all this, but it is the reality of childbirth. You also have to think about the fact that not only will you be dealing with your own recovery, but you'll be doing it with a newborn... learning to breastfeed or pump, dealing with waking up every few hours in the night for feedings and changes, the list goes on.
While going back to work at 2 weeks is not impossible, and some women don't have a choice, I would seriously consider other options.

dkizz82

I'd be surprised if your doctor released you. Especially if you happened to have a c section. It would be so hard for you emotionally too. I mean I'm sure it can be done. 

NME44

I just re-read your question. You said 2 weeks of PTO and Short term disability. Doesn't your STD cover you for 6 weeks? 

Also, I agree with ameliabedelia. I'm not eligible for FMLA at my job (I don't think...I could be wrong) but I'm also not worried they will fire me for taking my maternity leave.

thatlauragirl

I just wanted to add that I'm in management at a pretty big corporation and not only would I find it reprehensible to consider terminating an employee under these circumstances, my HR flat out wouldn't let me.

FMLA is wonderful for the federal protection it provides. That said, most employers will have their own protections in place regardless of federal regulations. I would suggest speaking with your HR to get an idea of where your company stands.

Also, unless your company operates very differently than the norm, PTO and short term disability are two different things and generally do not run concurrently. So you would take the STD benefits either before or after the 2 weeks of PTO.

I'm crossing my fingers you'll find some extra time. I think with a vaginal, non-complicated  birth you could technically survive after two weeks. But it would suck pretty terribly, to be honest. Besides all the physical limitations others have mentioned, your emotional health can be an absolute roller coaster during this time.

Wishing you the best with whatever you decide!

cait5413

I went back after 2 weeks (After a c-section), but it was only part time. You can breastfeed and start pumping then. Some babies take to a bottle better than others, but you definitely don't have to wait til 2 months. You have to do what you have to do, mama. It's great that your DH can take some time off. It will be hard, for sure, but it is not impossible. Also, I didn't have to get cleared for work by my OB. She told me to wait 10 days (I think) before driving, avoid stairs/exercise for 6 weeks (I think?), but that was it. Now, it may also depend on what type of work you do. If you sit at a desk all day, that's more doable (though depending on your delivery you may need a pillow to sit on!). If you have a very physical job or need to be on your feet all the time, that may be more difficult. It will depend on how baby arrives (c-section, vaginal, episiotomy, tearing, etc, etc) how difficult it will be. Emotionally, it will be hard, but you just have to remember that your having a job is good for baby, too. I was also not covered by FMLA. Talk to your HR department (if you have one) just to see what your options are. Could you come in part-time at first or do some work from home? As mentioned, if you do have STD, that should cover you for longer than the 2 weeks. 

lamontessorimom

I don't have any advice on if you should or shouldn't go back right away but I would like to offer you some encouragement. I had an abscess with my son and had to switch to pumping and a combo of formula and breastfeeding at 3 weeks. He was completely fine with it after we found a bottle he liked! 

leighalou91

Do you feel like you need to go back because your work won't allow you more time? Or because you need the money? I can't imagine your work not allowing you more time, even though you technically won't be covered by FMLA. I would most definitely talk to your management/HR if you haven't already. 

jackiesmom324

Hey everyone thanks so much for all the responses and encouragement. They said I can use my short term disability and no I would not be fired for taking a longer leave but I just will not be paid for it. Technically we do need some of the money as we've only saved 8,000 so far for baby. It's still early yet so hopefully we will continue to save.

So I work in one of those healthcare jobs where you are expected to work 80 hours a week and be a martyr for patient care. I hope I don't have a C/S so I can go back. I can't imagine how hard it will be but I hope I can do it. 

During my IVF cycle this past winter I got really bad OHSS. I still was expected to go in and work a 24 hour shift and 80hr/WK. I don't know how but I did it so I'm hoping I can do it again. I'm so glad that I've had years of dealing with working through endometriosis so I hope I can just reach back to that place and do it again. Only problem is as I'm getting older (I'm 29 now lol) I do find it harder to do the things I used to be able to do.

Thanks for the advice and I'll definitely be hoping I can lean on this wonderful BMB when I'm a hot mess returning to work way too early. Ha Ive already purchased 200 of those perineal pads/ ice packs you get​ after you deliver 

ShadeofGreen816

*lurker* 
I'm 2 weeks post partum today and I just want to encourage you to find a way to take as much time at home as possible. Even another week or two. Last night was the first night I've slept more than 2 hours in a row since we came home from the hospital. My baby is still learning to nurse and regulating my supply so many times a day she nurses every hour and the rest of the time it's every 2-3 hrs max. 
In terms of my physical recovery I had a relatively uncomplicated vaginal delivery but with a 3rd degree tear that bordered on a 4th degree. I've recovered really well but wasn't allowed to drive for 10-14 days, and I'm still having a fair amount of swelling and bleeding. My bleeding worsens on days when I over do my physical activity - I'm talking multiple flights of stairs. 

I dont want to be a Debbie downer and if you have to do it, I'm sure you'll make it work. But definitely consider trying to take as much time as possible and as your financial situation allows. Your baby's only a baby for so long! 

jackiesmom324

@ShadeofGreen816 omg I'm so sorry to hear about your tear and hopefully it gets better soon

ngarciabyu

Similar to what @ShadeofGreen816 said, two weeks seems early just in terms of your physically recovery and bodily adjustments. Maybe it will be possible to work out a happy medium? Maybe you don't have to take the full 6 weeks STD, but half? If an extra 2-3 weeks with the std pay won't hurt you too much financially, and you will have job security I think it would benefit you tremendously. I had a vaginal birth with both of my boys. After my first there was some damage to my pelvic floor region. Not just with stitches, but because of the pushing and pressure it did a number on my muscles down there and I couldn't walk very well for the first week. Second week was better, but I was still so tender and sore. 

wabash15

@jackiesmom324 when I had my twins I was not eligible for FMLA. I had a c-section. I like you only had 2 weeks of paid leave accrued and I took the next 6 weeks off unpaid. I talked to my job about it ahead of time and was not worried about loosing my job. I am the primary breadwinner and being off for 6 weeks with out pay was tough financially but it was also worth it to have the bonding time. As for breast feeding. we had a lot of problems initially and had to supplement with formula, so my twins went back and forth between breast and bottle with out a huge problem. (we were able to eventually get them both nursing well and stopped supplementing formula, but they got bottles at daycare). One of my big concerns about going back to work at 2 weeks is your child care, many providers will not accept children under 6 weeks (I have rarely heard of a center taking them at 4 weeks) so that may also be a consideration. If you can possibly swing it I would try to take as much time as you can. even 8 weeks flew by. sorry that your in this position. 

jackiesmom324

Thanks @wabash15

anewadventure

@jackiesmom324  since you have STD at your new position, and you are attempting to save all year to cover the difference in salary, i really think you should plan to take your alloted STD time. this is 6 weeks for a vaginal delivery and 8 weeks for a c-section. please note that this time is standardized as the medically necessary recovery period from giving birth. your new employer is not going to expect otherwise. 

especially if you are trying to establish your breastfeeding relationship, and you anticipate 80-hour work weeks as relatively standard, you need to view these first weeks as critical to your care and the care of your newborn. i understand your anxiety over your career but i think you will regret it if you try to rush back just to be showing face at work a few weeks earlier. those weeks will matter little to your employer and A WHOLE LOT to you and your family. 

alysapuggles

@jackiesmom324 As others have said, I would take whatever time you possibly can. I had no FMLA or STD when I had DS. I cobbled together 2 weeks of vacation time and 2 weeks unpaid time. We spent a week of that in the NICU an hour away. Let me tell you, 3 weeks of time is nothing. And I even work from home on a more part time schedule. The mental real estate you need to work is just not there that early when you are literally still recovering physically, mentally, emotionally. I would just really encourage you to take as much time as you can. Talk to HR and see what you can work out. This topic always makes me angry/sad. It's shameful that we even have to make these decisions, but that's a rant for another day.

burnsmommy27

*lurker from Jan 18*

I hope you can find a way to take more time off with your LO. One thing to consider is how safe is it going to be for you to give medical care (I'm not exactly sure what you do) in such a highly sleep deprived state. After DD was born i walked into walls and was even afraid to drive for a few weeks because I was only getting 4 hours total of sleep a night/day.

Wishing you the best as you try to figure things out.

jackiesmom324

Thanks so much for everyone who has commented. It looks like I have a lot to consider and figure out. I am in a difficult situation and I do want to do what is best for LO. I have gotten the sense that I will not lose my job if I take short term disability but that it will be very difficult for my to be successful and reach my professional goals. I found a place to live about 5 minutes walk away so Im hoping I can convince my hubby to walk baby over for breastfeeding sessions if possible. Mom's get protected time to pump so I would hope they would get protected time to breastfeed too! This is the craziest situation but I was reading some blogs and it is not that uncommon. This article comes about as close to my situation as possible if it can help you understand. Ive basically sunk the last 10 years of my life into my career  (and about 240,000 in graduate school debt) and now at the most important time I get pregnant. everything would not have been so bad if I didnt have to switch jobs midway due to one place virtually shutting down operations. https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/23/the-plight-of-the-pregnant-surgeon/
does that help clarify why i feel i HAVE to go back to work

egirl1025

Lurking from Jan '18**

So I know it can be done because my mom went back to work after two weeks because my dad walked out.  She was the sole bread winner.  She did not breastfeed, but on that side my son was late preterm and under five pounds when he was born and had zero problems taking to both the breast and the bottle right away since we were forced to supplement due to jaundice.  Now, this all being said, I was an emotional wreck at two weeks post partem.  I was losing water weight like crazy which was making constantly dizzy and dehydrated and never slept more than 40 minutes at a time since my son required to be fed every two hours and everything made me cry.  My body recovered fine, but it took a good 3-4 weeks for me not to uncontrollably bawl everyday for absolutely the smallest things.  I went back to work at 6 weeks and that was about the time I felt like I had myself under control again.  Do what you can.  It sounds like you are planning well so just don't forget about taking care of you.

blairbecky78

If I remember correctly, after my c section I wasn't  allowed to even drive for 2 weeks let alone return to work. I went back after 6 weeks for financial reasons and felt like I was ready. I was actually excited to get out of the house at that point. I'm guessing your job is not very physical if you think you will be going back that quickly. If you are just sitting at a desk it might not be too bad but seems like it would be uncomfortable after a vaginal delivery if you happen to tear at all. 

burnsmommy27

@jackiesmom324 I read the article. Your field sounds pretty cut throat. All my pregnancy hormones made me a little sad and mad reading that. I hope you can find some clarity and make all your dreams come true.

jackiesmom324

Omg you all are the best. Thanks for the encouragement  it means a lot to read all your well thought out responses

NME44

Not sure my opinion will help much, but I did read your article. Honestly I would be miserable in that kind of working environment anyway, so my advice is still not to try to go back before 6 weeks. It's a month and a half. You really need to ask yourself (because our opinions don't matter) if you will be happy long term in a company that would destroy your career because you took a month and a half to settle in with your new family. I for sure wouldn't. But I'm also not super driven career wise. I work because I have to

wabash15

@jackiesmom324 as someone from a similar background I feel you. You have put so much time, effort and money into your career and getting where you are that the thought of hurting that is hard. As someone who has kids you don't get those first few weeks back, you can't do them again. finding a work life balance is hard and sometimes it feels like you can't win as a mom or as a professional. hugs

jackiesmom324

wow thanks you all. this has really opened my eyes and thinking a lot

clovelyone

@jackiesmom324 and @wabash15 I don't have any advice, but can I just say that you ladies are awesome to be able to so surgery and crazy however many hours shifts while going through morning sickness. I have been such a lazy bump on a log and I'm so grateful that I work from home. Kudos to you!