Parenting Tips for a Working Mother
Helped by new government standards and improved childcare provision, mums now have more choice when it comes to deciding whether or not to work. Nowadays, 45% of new mums go back to work after the birth of their baby.
There are many important reasons why you as a first-time mum might want to continue working. Yours may be the only income if you are a single mum or your partner has been made redundant; you may be following a career; you may want to work to give you a sense of value; or perhaps because your own mother coped successfully with work and children. If you have always worked, you may also have to ask yourself if you would feel right about being dependent on your partner financially. Work can also give you another outlook on life – because staying at home with baby can often feel very isolating for some mums.
– Make sure you tell your employer as soon as possible about your pregnancy. Employers are legally required to keep a woman’s job open for her if she is going on maternity leave. If you are intending to return to work, discuss with your employer the opportunities for working part-time on your return. Or perhaps job-sharing (equally sharing your current hours with a colleague), or working more family-friendly, flexible hours (coming into work later and leaving earlier) may be possible. Sorting things out during your pregnancy will not only give your employer time to make new arrangements to help you. It will also enable you to organize good childcare where your baby will be loved and well cared for;
– There is a standard entitlement for maternity leave. In general, every woman who is in work while she is pregnant is entitled to at least 18 weeks’ maternity leave. Maternity pay depends very much upon your individual circumstances regarding length of service with your employer and your National Insurance contributions. Check your details first with your employer. If you need any further help, contact your local Benefits Agency Office (you’ll find the address in your phone book) who will be able to work out your entitlements based on your personal situation.
Whatever your reasons for working, you are bound to experience mixed emotions about leaving your new baby when the time comes. It is normal to worry that your baby will not be happy without you, or that …