Let us talk frankly, in many cases giving birth is so physically exhausting that it might be
a while before you even feel ready to leave your bed never mind return to work. The problem arises when you have gotten over
the birth and you discover that even the most career minded of us have conflicting emotions about returning to work. Well
take heart this is totally normal, it may be a shock but it is what most of our mums felt. They felt guilty, scared, frustrated,
and many were overwhelmed by the very thought of juggling the baby and their jobs.
Rights of Working Mothers
Working mothers generally need more flexibility in their schedules for a variety of reasons,
their own ante-natal appointments, their children’s health concerns, childcare issues, breastfeeding and more. At the
moment new mothers do not automatically have the entitlement to flexible or part time working hours but they do have the right
to request such hours and to have their request be seriously considered.
In addition, new mothers do have the right to time off for ante-natal care, safe working environments
in which they might breastfeed, unpaid parental leave and to claim Child Tax Credit. For further information on the rights
of working mothers, visit:
Childcare
Finding childcare for baby can be hard but it is important that you do what is right for you
and your baby. If you are lucky enough to have a family member who you trust and who can look after your child then great,
but bear in mind that it is very tiring taking care of a baby or toddler and it may still be necessary to look for alternative
care to allow, for example, your mum a couple of days off. There are a variety of childcare options open to you including:
- Day nurseries
- Childminders
- Nannies
- Au pairs
If you choose to put your child into nursery or have them taken care of by a childminder, nanny
or au pair make sure that you take the time to research the nursery, interview potential childminders, nannies and au pairs
as you might any candidate for a new job, if you have doubts keep looking. Only leave your child with someone you feel 100%
about, they may have the right qualifications but there is just something that you don’t like about them, if you don’t
follow your instinct you will spend all your time worrying and make your lives and theirs hell.
Questions to ask child minders, nannies and au pairs:
- Certification and qualifications.
- Experience.
- References.
- Childcare philosophies (particularly regarding discipline).
- Typical activities carried out with the children.
- Availability.
- Hours and rates.
Tips for working mums
