When did you go back to work new mummies!

[Little Chicken]

I went back casual when DD1 was 7 months, not for long though and then we moved. I go back to full time work in just over a week. DD1 is now 2.5 and DD2 just under 11 months. I don't want to. But My earnings are more then DP's plus he can only get casual work which stops when the schools are on holiday, and mine is a more secure position with a fixed rate and penalties. I don't want to go back, but have no choice really.

[Epacris]

DS1 – 3 months. I initially worked a 20% load and built back up to FT by the time he was 11 months old. He was cared for by DH and my Mum until I found a wonderful family daycare lady (when he was 11 months). I expressed for him until he self weaned at 14 months.

DD – 4 months. I initially worked a 40% load and built back up to an 80% load by the time she was 14 months. But it was too much with DH working full time (he also travels for work) so I dropped back to a 60% load. I expressed for her until she was about 12 months old, we weaned by mutual agreement ( ) at 22 months.

DS2 – Probably not until he is 18 months to 2 years old. Next year, if I go back to work and DS2 goes to daycare we’ll have a triple drop off. I’m a TAFE teacher and have to be in class teaching at 8:30am and because DH often works away there will be days when I’d have to do it all myself, just not possible.

[MissM]

with DD I went back at 15 months I was a single mama and wanted more for my DD

with this DD I plan on going back at in August next year.

[onthefly]

With DS I returned to full-time work when he was 8 weeks old. It was purely out of necessity, but I was working from home so it wasn't so bad. Dh stayed home for 5 months, then we hired a babysitter.
This time DH is earning enough for us to get by, so I will stay home. I do plan to return to work (part time hopefully and something different) when DD is around 2, which is when we're comfortable putting them in daycare (ideally). I might look to do some casual work on weekends or something before then though. Some time when DD is eating more other foods and I'm getting some sleep

[Mildez]

I started uni full time when my eldest was 6weeks old (out of neccessity to get a better life for us. I was 18) when I had DD2 I returned to work when she was 8months which was neccessary to finish my degree (midwifery I was still a student middy and the association only allowed 2yrs to complete the course)

Now DD3 is almost 4 months old and I plan on working casually around my DH work come Nov/Dec when she is around 8-9months old. We wont put her in childcare until she pleads with us that she wants to go. Been a shift worker I can pick shifts to fit around DH work (who is self employed as a tradesman) so no childcare is needed.

[~mamaspice~]

I returned to work both times out of necessity. I returned to work part time (3 days) when DD was 3 months old. Then I went to full-time when she was about 18 months. I returned back to work part time (3 days) when DS was 4 months. My DH doesn't earn enough to support the family on one income unfortunately.

[M D]

This has been a real eye opener to me. I went back to work at when DD was 6 months old and this time around going to do the same. With DD I was ready to go to work and get out of the house, this time around I have another 3 mths to stay home but I am not ready yet to go back to work, that might change in the next three months. I think as I know how busy our life is when I am work, I am not as keen to go back.

I always assumed (why I am not sure) that most members on her were SAHM and often feel a little stressed about going back so early.

I guess it all boils down to doing what will work for your own family and not worrying about what others think.