Going back to work after baby

I felt the exact same way as you after I had my daughter. I planned on going back to work but just couldn't when the time came. There is no right or wrong choice in this situation, you just have to go with your gut. I am sure if you decide to go back to work now you will find some sort of balance. If you decide to stay home I am sure it is something you wont regret either. We thought we wouldn't be able to give up my income to stay home originally either but it ended up working out. You may have to give up certain things but if you are happier then it is worth it. It is very good you have family around if you do decide to go back to work.They can help if neither of you can make it to pick the kids up from daycare.

It is such a hard decision for women these days. I am sure you will find no matter what decision you make it will work out one way or another. Congratulations on the baby and best of luck on deciding what you want to do.

going back to work

I totally understand what you're going through. I did NOT want to go back to work after my son was born but six weeks flew by and I had to go back. We just couldn't afford for me not to work.

From my experience, and I know not everyone feels this way... It was easy to go back. I had only spent 10 weeks out of work and I still volunteered every day after he was born, so I was still used to getting out of the house. My baby came with me to volunteer. Anyway, I thought that it was going to be horrible when I went back to work. I'm an engineer. We work about 50 hours a week and I felt I was going to miss my son horrible. Turned out, I was SO busy at work, that it really wasn't that bad. It was really hard to pump every 3 hours and still make it to meetings and such but it wasn't that bad. My daycare provider is awesome. I am REALLY lucky! My son will be two on Friday. I feel like it is harder NOW to not be with him than it was when he was a little baby. Toddlers are happiest in the morning and I miss that part of the day. My husband is just starting Medical School this spring. We have a long road ahead of us but I plan on having a second baby after USMLE step 1. Once DH starts making real money (after residency), my entire income can go towards the student loans. Once the student loans are paid off, I will be the happiest stay at home mom EVER! )

[Gwendolyn]

I've done part-time, full-time, full-time at my children's daycare, and now I'm home. Honestly, I've always struggled. I wish I was two people, but part-time has been the best fit. It is flexible enough to meet the needs of the kiddos myself, but consistant enough to maintain a career and my sanity. Part-time can be very challenging when it comes to finding childcare for an infant.

Certainly go with your gut, but you may find you need to try a few combinations before you find a good fit