Going back to work after maternity leave - how many days?

[Louise07]

Hello I am due to go back to work soon after maternity leave and want to go back part time.

I am not sure whether to go back 2 days a week (9am to 5pm) or 3 days a week.

My child will be 9 months old at the time and not sure if 3 days is too much for her or whether she would benefit more from 3 days than 2 days.

What did you do??

[redcrx]

firstly Id bropach the subject with your employer about whether they will let you back for just 2 days. They only have to consider a request, they dont have to agree to it.

perhaps also consider 5 half days or something so that you are not rushing so much to spend time with your child at the end of the day.

I cant answer your actual question as i went back to full time after 14 days but kept my child with me.

[zzxxee]

what ever you feel is right for you and your child louise
try 3 days and if you find it to much drop it down to 2 but discuss with your employer first good luck x

[k8bailey]

Everyone is different, I went back to work 2 days a week, when my daughter was 7 months, she's now 14 months and I'm about to ask for another day.

If your employer will let you go part time, then they may well be flexible enough for you to take on/drop more hours if you change your mind later on.

Good luck with returning to work, its a bit of a shock to the system!! x