Whatever you decide, know this. A child who is loved, cared for and emotionally well-adjusted will thrive, whether he has a working mom or a stay-at-home one. If you're happy, your baby will be, too.
Here are some things to consider when returning to work:
Try not to return to work too soon
If possible, give yourselves three or four months to get to know each other and get on a schedule. Avoid other big changes, like moving or a new job, at the same time.
Consider your options
Maybe it doesn't have to be full-time or not at all. Many women job-share, work flextime or part-time, or do contract work. And today's technology has made it easier than ever to telecommute.
Secure childcare early on
Explore different childcare options to see what fits best. Some prefer the social environment of a childcare center, while others seek the one-on-one nurturing of an in-home nanny or au pair. The better childcare centers tend to have waiting lists, so it's best to get on it as soon as the baby is born.
Create a strategy for pumping and supplementing
If you're planning on pumping at work, speak to someone in charge about securing a clean, private place for pumping. Some large companies already have programs in place for this. If you plan to supplement with newborn formula, be sure to introduce your baby to the concept a few weeks before you go back to work.
