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Pennsylvania Babies
maternity leave -- what would you do?
I'm in no rush to make a decision, however a decision will determine the need for daycare, so we're hoping to make the call soon.
So here are my two options:
(1) take six months off with the baby, then return to work full-time
(2) take three months off, then return to work three days a week for nine months (full-time after a year)
What would you do? Moms -- any pros or cons to each? I don't know if I'd rather have more time up-front, or if it would be better to do the part-time so I still have four-day long weekends with the baby up to its first birthday.
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Re: maternity leave -- what would you do?
Hmmmm...that's really a tough call. Choice #1 sounds great, but it might be even harder to go back to work after that 6 month period is up. A benefit of that one though is that your baby will be more robust by that time and might do a little better in daycare, if that's needed.
Choice #2 appeals more to me since that is what I am doing now. I feel like I'm maintaining my professional status, but I also get to enjoy all the good parts of the first year. I don't miss milestones or feel like someone else is raising my child. It's also easier to keep up breastfeeding (if that's what you choose to do). Plus, the days that I work makes me relish the days I have with the baby, and makes me a happier mom because of it. Just my 2 cents!
My ideal situation would be to take off 6 months to a year, then go back three days a week...but that's a dream world!
Given the choice between those two, I'd probably choose the second one. It was superhard to have 10 months working part time and being home a lot and then go to full time. I agree with Jill that for me, the ideal mom schedule is working, but working less than the FT crowd so that I don't feel I'm missing out on the milestones and little moments together. I also think #2 would work better for a BFing routine the first year. But if you only BF 6 months (or not at all) that's a moot point.
I'm currently working 45-56 hour weeks and I'm really missing having more time together. It was a lot harder during the first year though, because I felt like she physically needed me a lot more.
Choice 2 for sure. Around six months is when they really start to get fun! They can sit up and start to play with toys and interact with you!
I work three days a week now and it's wonderful.
Thanks, ladies! I'm leaning towards option 2, to try to experience as many later milestones as possible. And the additional info about breast feeding is helpful, as that's something I definitely want to do as long as possible.
I'm talking to my boss this afternoon about my ideas, so hopefully she doesn't object to a part-time schedule! But then again, if she does, I'll just take off six months. I've gotta think she'd prefer me back sooner, rather than later, even on part-time.
After all, the difference in number of days away from work amounts to a whopping 12. As in I'd have 12 more would-be-work-days with the baby during the first year if I do the part-time schedule rather take six months off.