It’s one of the most common questions discussed among new mums: when will you return to work after birth? In every case, there are lots of factors to weigh up. Here are some things to consider when making your own choice.
What does “the average” parent do, and why?
After birth, mothers in Australia take an average of 32 weeks off work, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Just over half of mothers with a little one aged under two are in paid employment.
The top three reasons mothers return to work are:
- To keep their job
- Meet financial constraints
- Maintain self-esteem
In contrast to mothers, 70% of fathers are back at work within just two weeks of birth.
Breastfeeding
Research has shown returning to work after birth later is associated with longer breastfeeding duration. This delay in returning to the paid workforce makes sense because breastfeeding is easier when you’re with your baby all day.
Of course, your baby can continue to receive your breast milk when you work. Maybe you can have baby brought to you, or you can express before, during or
after work. Mixed feeding (using some breast milk, and some formula) is an option too.
Look into what breastfeeding facilities your workplace offers. How will you negotiate your breaks to allow you to express? All Australian states have legislation to protect your rights to combine breastfeeding with work.
Childcare options
When thinking about who can take over the childcare, there might be a couple of obvious options that spring to mind. But have you given some thought to all the care options available to you?
The possibilities include:
- Family daycare (an educator cares for up to 4 children under school age in their home)
- Long daycare centres
- Nanny or au pair (maybe shared with another family)
- Partner working part-time
- Family members (including grandparents)
- Taking turns with another parent to care for each other’s children.
Workplace flexibility
How flexible is the job you’re returning to or applying for? What accommodations are you prepared to ask for? For example leaving at 4 pm, working from home, extra carers leave? Part-time work is one of the most common flexibility strategies: 84% of mothers work part-time when they first return to work after birth.
Equally as important, if you have a partner, is to ask how flexible their workplace is. What changes will your partner ask for? How would you share childcare pickup and drop-offs with your partner and family?
If your little one’s dad does take on more of the child care, there are advantages. High levels of father involvement show better outcomes for the child and the whole family as a whole.
Finances
For many families, the question of finances is the deciding factor. Talk with your partner about what type of lifestyle you value. What do you need to earn, or save, to achieve it?
If you go back to work after birth, of course, you’ll need to factor in childcare costs and the government subsidy. However, don’t fall into the trap of seeing the expense of childcare as coming out of your salary. If you’re in a two-parent family, the childcare costs should come from the collective family budget.
How is your superannuation looking? Taking more time away from paid work may mean your partner will need to contribute more to your super. Now could be an excellent time to be proactive, get advice from your accountant or financial adviser.
Career development
Your later income and career advancement can undoubtedly be disadvantaged by more extended periods away from work, and by part-time hours. Returning to work after birth supports your career progress.
If you’re eager to maintain your skills on leave, you can keep your hand in with freelance or volunteer work. Keep in touch with your colleagues and supervisor with coffee or lunch catchups. Even if you don’t return to that specific job, staying connected to your professional network is invaluable.
Alternatively, some parents enjoy having a complete break from their career while raising children. For others, having a baby acts as a circuit breaker that let them change to a more desirable job. If you need to study, now might be a perfect time.
Mental health
Returning to work after birth may provide both a boost to your mental health. Alternatively, stress may increase by having someone else care for your baby. Some women feel caring for their baby at home is paramount, but are forced to return to the workforce for financial reasons. The overall effects of re-entering the paid workforce will be different for everyone.
On the plus side, you get to finish a hot cup of coffee without being interrupted. You get to maintain your professional identity. Some women feel they lose their identity as a stay at home mum. You can make use of your professional skills and experience, and make a difference in the world beyond your own four walls.
On the downside, there are the logistics of spending more time out of the home. For instance, there’s the stress of getting to drop-offs and pickups on time. What happens when a critical meeting runs late? And what can you whip up for dinner while the baby is in the bath and you put a load of washing on? The more support you have, the easier these challenges are to address.
Reallocating the domestic work and the mental load
Sadly, statistics reinforce what working mothers already know – women still do the bulk of the housework after returning to paid work (in heterosexual relationships). This fact holds true even when the woman is the breadwinner in the family. Working mothers also have more work-family conflict (feeling torn in two directions) than working fathers.
Re-negotiating how you share responsibilities within the family is an essential step in rejoining the workforce. It’s not just about equality for you, but a fantastic opportunity to set an example for your children.
What does your gut say about when or if you will return to work after birth?
Overall, remember that this is a personal choice based on your unique values. Don’t return to work or stay at home because that’s what someone else thinks you should do. What feels right to you? A career counsellor or psychologist can be an excellent support in talking through your options and what matters most.
Reference List
PBB aims to keep you informed with the latest research-based information. Check out our reference list used in the creation of this article.
Published 25th October 2020
I remember feeling the pressure of seemingly everyone asking when I was going back to work after my first baby. With the benefit of hindsight, I would tell other parents to take your time with your partner to decide what is right for your family. Talk through all of your concerns together. Your family is unique and there can be a unique set-up which works for you.