Sometimes a mother has no choice when she goes back to work. Medically speaking, you should be able to return to work about 6 weeks after having your baby. This is not always the case. If you have had a C-Section or any complications with your pregnancy, your return to work will be delayed as you will need more time to recover. You will also need to find out from your employer if they have any maternity policies in place.

Every woman’s situation and circumstances are different. There are many factors you will need to take into account before you make your decision of when to return to work. Most importantly though, is that you need to feel ready and comfortable.

Most people you speak to will tell you that they needed to return to work due to their financial situation. Having a baby is expensive, so try to minimise costs where you can. A great saver and a benefit to your baby is breastfeeding. If you are able to do this, it could save you a lot of money you might otherwise have spent on formula. Work out your total costs for childcare and your expenses like petrol, work lunches, parking etc. that you will have if you decide to go back to work. Subtract these from your income and then decide if it is worth your while financially to be away from your baby with what you have left. On the other hand, you might have family and friends who would be happy to mind your children, thus saving you the expense of a childminder or crèche.

You also need to take your partners feelings in to consideration. You need to make a joint decision on what is best for the family. If you are working, housework will need to be shared. This needs to be discussed beforehand. Find out what amount of sick leave your employer allows. Toddlers generally tend to get sick about every 6 weeks as they build up their immune systems. A childcare centre will not accept a sick child and if you do not have friends or family available to mind your child, you need to be sure that you will be allowed time off work to take care of them.

If you are breastfeeding and going back to work, request that you can express milk at certain times of the day. Just make sure you have somewhere to store your bottled expressed milk. While breastfeeding remember to keep yourself healthy by living in a clean home, using a cool mist humidifier, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Some bosses may give you the option of going back to work part-time. You might go back full-time at a later date. This makes the separation from your baby easier on both of you. Going back to work means less time spent with your kids. Before returning, ask yourself if you can cope with that. Working means more adult conversations. A lot of stay-at-home moms miss this.

With so many things to consider, it should not be a decision you make in a hurry. Weigh up all the pros and cons for your family and then decide.