- Financial stressors- this is one of the main driving factors for many parents to cut their parental leave short. The cost of living is soaring and that alone can be enough reason to have to return to work earlier than planned.
- Career progression- many women feel concerned about career progression when having a family. Although companies cannot discriminate against parents for having time with their babies, naturally time out of the workplace can delay career progression.
- Postpartum health- It can take a long time, in some cases, to recover from giving birth. Some mums may plan to return earlier and then may have to change their plan due to health implications.
- Not wanting to leave baby- Some parents can’t bare the thought of leaving their little ones. This is totally normal.
- Wanting a break- Some parents want a break from their parenting responsibilities and for some families it provides a break from being ‘mum’ or ‘dad’. This is also totally normal!
By law you must take at least two weeks maternity leave before returning to the workplace (and four weeks if you work in a factory). This is referred to as ‘compulsory maternity leave’. After that obligatory period, it is then personal choice when it comes to returning to work after maternity leave (usually up to 52 weeks).
Some couples now also opt to share leave by taking shared paternity leave. This was introduced in 2015 for both after birth and after adoption. If you opt for shared parental leave, the mother or the ‘primary adopter’ must take the compulsory leave of two weeks. The leave of the remaining 50 weeks can then be shared if you opt to choose SPL.
Every family is different, but medically, most professionals agree that a mother should continue her postpartum recovery for 6-12 weeks after giving birth.
Going back to work can worry many parents. Although going back to work can be enjoyable, for some it can also be overwhelming and frightening. Feeling either way is perfectly normal. Some feel relieved to have a break from being mum or dad, while others feel guilty and anxious about leaving their little one.
There is no set time, so like many aspects of parenting, it is important to decide to go back when it is right for your family. Useful considerations before returning are:
- Childcare: Where will your little one go whilst you work? Will you consider a nursery or childminder? Or will a relative help with childcare? Perhaps your partner can share childcare? These are important points to consider. Whatever arrangement you make it is important to feel happy with the childcare arrangements you have made.
- Feeding: If you are breastfeeding your baby, you may be able to speak to your employer about working flexibly around your baby’s breastfeeding needs. Expressing or combi-feeding may also be an option. More information about this can be found here: Breastfeeding and going back to work - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Flexible working: Some employers are open to flexible working and part-time roles if that is something you think could work for you. ‘Keeping in touch days’, which are also a legal entitlement, are a great way to speak to your employer about your options. You are entitled to up to 10 keeping in touch days during your maternity leave.
- Speak to your family and friends: It is important not to feel alone when returning to work as it can be overwhelming. Sharing thoughts, worries and ideas with friends and family can really help the process seem easier.
- A phased return: Annual leave can be used to make your hours shorter initially after returning, on a temporary basis. This could be considered to make your return easier.
Some families simply want to have a parent as a ‘stay at home parent’ which is a consideration if it is something that appeals to you and it can work financially. Whatever you decide, I hope this has been helpful!
A very useful website and helpline for families is: Maternity Action. Home - Maternity Action (0808 802 0029) Here, you can find even more out about your rights and can even get personalised advice.
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