Going Back to Work
By three months, many parents who had planned to go back to work already have. Even if they qualify for twelve weeks of leave under The Family and Medical Leave Act, many parents can't stay out of work for that long because that leave is usually unpaid. Most try to make it at least six weeks, though.
Whenever you go back to work, try to plan things in advance. If neither you nor your partner will be staying home during the day, are you comfortable with the arrangements you have made for a caregiver? Will there be enough help at home to get everything done and still have enough time to get some rest so that you can function at work? If your baby's mother is the one going back to work, be as supportive as you can, and help her to make the necessary plans. Will she be able to pump during the day if she is breastfeeding?
Going back to work and separating from their baby can be stressful for many new mothers and fathers. That makes it important to watch out for, and get help dealing with, increased stress and frustration at this time. Dads should also review the signs of postpartum depression, which might be triggered or worsened when a mother goes back to work.
If you or your partner are not ready to go back to work, look at all of your options to see if it would be possible to stay home a little longer. Maybe you could use up some sick leave or come to some other agreement with your employer. Or perhaps you could just go back part-time. Be realistic about your family's needs, both emotional and financial.
