Sick baby - call in sick for work?

[Mumofonesofar]

Hi
Just started back at work part time, only been back one month since maternity leave. Struggling a bit with leaving the little bundle of joy. Especially today she is sick, a cold. I'm taking her to the doctor later today, hopefully he says just a cold and be all better soon. Anyway just wanted to see that there were other Mum's out there who have also had to call in sick from their little one being sick. Feel guilty both ways - leaving her and leaving work in the lurch. But when it comes down to it she is more important. I would never forgive myself if something happened to her when I left her sick and went off to work. But then I don't want a bad rep at work for calling in sick. The guilt of motherhood continues!!!

[Pandora]

Yep I have to. At my old job we got 5 days carers leave per year on top of sick leave, at my new one its 10 days combined but yeh the most common reason I have to call in sick is to look after sick kids.

[Catastrophic]

I've called into work alot of times for sick kids. I too hate leaving work in the lurge, but my kids come first and work needs to understand that. and we all know mummy / daddy cuddles are the best thing when ur sick

[MamaPan]

yep i think all working parents have to do this at some point - and most emplyers understand... i hope she is feeling better soon.

[Turkish Delight]

I also take a day off when my kids are sick. I have my mum who is capable of looking after them but it really is "us" mums who knows what to do when "their" own child is sick.

I feel guilty, but my manager is really understanding which is great and helps with the guilt.

You have a right to be home with a sick bubby.

[SamiH]

Countless times ...

what type of care is your little one in? Mine are in child care so I always joke to my employer that for the first 6 months after return from mat leave expect some absences whilst they catch everything going around and build up their immune lol - and that is on 3 days a week!

Your little one is more important, family/work balance is at the top of alot of employers retention lists these days too.

[Jellyfish]

This is a bit different but my partner took careers leave when I was really unwell during pregnancy.

It is hard feeling like you have let anyone down but employers understand that sometimes you need to take care of the people you love because they love people too.

[Mak]

It is really hard going back to work - I had to have heaps of time off as DD1 was in childcare and got everything going around. Then DH got all the bugs too - he works at the same place...they were not impressed!
Babies need their mums when they are unwell - don't let anyone make you feel bad. It is in your job description as a mum....and that is why you get leave. Take care of your baby and yourself.

[Mumofonesofar]

thanks heaps everyone for your speedy responses .. it's obviously a common issue, and one I will get used to, the first time I guess is the worst. Thanks for all your support. Cheers.

[Nai]

It's actually now called personal leave which encompasses sick leave and carers leave - you should be entitled to 10 days personal leave that you can access for your own sick leave or carers leave to look after immediate family such as your kids when they are sick. It's there to be accessed in these situations so don't feel bad about taking it. FWIW - you will use most of your personal leave days in the first year back at work on your kids as they will generally catch more things in that first year at childcare than in subsequent years.