Opinions required:Mother returning to work with 1 month old

[PhoenixsMummy]

Thank goodness for this thread.

My baby boy is 10 weeks and I am considering going back to work part time. I am agonising over it because as a former childcare worker I know a lot of parents who missed out on those first smiles, steps etc.

I fell pregnant whilst travelling the UK. So I havent worked since Novemeber 2006. I returned to Australia when I was 3 months and then moved to Darwin at 6 months. So for me returning to work is to keep up my skills that I havent used for almost 2 years and to also contribute to our household. (Husband has three children from previous marriage) Things are tight with child support payments and only having his income.

I feel so guilty everytime I look at my little man. I am fortunate enough to have a mother who is willing to care a couple of days a week and a best friend who runs a FDC. I reason with myself its only part time (25hrs a week) and that I will be there to see all his firsts etc and that his care is within the family but....
*sigh*

Im lost.

[littleme]

I think ultimatly you need to do what your heart tells you..that motherly instinct is always right....

Is it possible to save some extra $$ each week from your pay whilse your preg and working and put that away to being at home a little longer?
Will the baby bonus assit in being home that bit longer?

Personally, i went back to work p/time when maddy was 8weeks old, i still feel guilt but i know it was the right choice, i was sick throughout my pregnancy and had 9 weeks of prior to her birtha dn thankfully i had work mat leave that paid for that entire time, the baby bonus then paid for my 8 weeks after birth so i could be at home wth her and im glad i did it.

Now maddy is 5months and just about to go into day-care 2 days a week so i can go back to work 4 days a week instead of 3 i do now. I feel more confident that im able to manage baby/house/work now that she is a little older and ive been lucky to still be able to be at home with her majority of tyhe week so i havnt missed a thing thats what would have got to me more.....

I dont want to miss anything, so even with going back to work i will still have thurs.fri,sat with my bub every week and she has special daddy day on sundays, its the little things that matter.

You do whatever your gut tells you to do
Good luck - its def not an easy decision.