Tonight I Put My Baby to Bed Soaking Wet...

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the emotional challenges faced by parents returning to work after maternity leave. Participants share their personal experiences, feelings of sadness, and the difficulties of balancing work and family life.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses deep sadness about returning to work just before their child turns four months old, despite recognizing the necessity of working for financial stability.
  • Another participant, who has returned from maternity leave multiple times, shares similar feelings of heartache and offers to connect the original poster with a family member who understands their situation.
  • Several participants recount their own experiences of returning to work and the emotional toll it took on them, with one noting the difficulty of leaving their children at a young age.
  • One participant discusses the differences in maternity leave policies in the U.S. and Canada, highlighting the challenges faced by new parents in both countries.
  • Another participant mentions the emotional struggle of leaving children as they grow older and the need for guidance during those years.
  • One participant shares their experience of returning to work just three weeks after childbirth, emphasizing the importance of finding good childcare and enjoying reunions with their children after work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the emotional impact of returning to work after maternity leave, with many participants expressing similar feelings of sadness and understanding. However, there is no clear consensus on the best approach to managing these feelings or the ideal maternity leave duration.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes related to their experiences with maternity leave, childcare, and the emotional challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities. The discussion reflects a range of perspectives on the topic.

Who May Find This Useful

Parents, especially those returning to work after maternity leave, may find this discussion relatable and supportive as they navigate similar feelings and experiences.

pamperedape
pamperedape
Messages
300
with my tears. :(

I go back to work on Friday. The day before he turns four months old.

Ugh. I HATE this.

I KNOW I am blessed to have a job that allows me to spend so much time with my children (teacher), but it still hurts so badly.

I KNOW that in order for us not to worry about every little dollar that we spend that we both have to work.


I KNOW that even though I work he will love me JUST as much.

It still hurts.
 
I'm crying with you! I'm not a teacher, but I've had to return to work from maternity leave three times and this last time wasn't any easier than the first!

My sister, who is also a PC consultant and my recruit, is a 4th grade teacher. She had her son in March 2006 and had to go back to work for the last 5 weeks of the year because she couldn't take off the rest of the year after her DS was born. She wants to grow her business enough during this school year so she can only teach part-time next year and maybe quit completely in another year or two after that. If you ever need to talk with someone who know EXACTLY what you are going through (especially trying to do PC as well), let me know... I'll put you in touch with her.

Until then, yes, it does hurt and there isn't anything anyone can say that will make your heart not break. But, you are so right... your babies will love you JUST as much and you can look forward to the "welcome home mommy" hugs each afternoon!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Thank you so much for your sympathy and kind words Katie! Now that I have cried it all out (for now!!) I can go to bed...
 
been there hated that!!!!!!!
i feel for u and understand completely [[[hug]]]

can i ask how long is your mat leave in the US?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
pretty much one of THREE options...

as many sick/personal/etc. days as you have saved up...

OR as long as you can go without pay...

OR a combination of the two...

Mine was a combination of the two.

Thank you for your kind words.
 
A federal law allows new moms (and dads) to take up to 12 weeks off, but it is unpaid unless your company has some sort of maternity leave benefit. And you are not guaranteed to have your exact job when you come back, you are only guaranteed to have a "comparable" position. Most people do get their same job back, but companies are not required to do it.

How do things differ over the border?
 
My heart goes out to you! Been there, done that and it is sooo hard. As you said, your babies will love you JUST as much, but I know it is still hard. I will be praying for you on Friday.
 
A federal law allows new moms (and dads) to take up to 12 weeks off, but it is unpaid unless your company has some sort of maternity leave benefit. And you are not guaranteed to have your exact job when you come back, you are only guaranteed to have a "comparable" position. Most people do get their same job back, but companies are not required to do it.

How do things differ over the border?
Click to expand...


OMG!!!!!!!!! thats horrible :( now i'm crying with you

i couldn't have imagined going back to work that soon, my guy wasnt even sitting up all by himself then, now he won't lie still lol

we get 1 year off @ 60% of our pay, which is paid through unemployment(otherwise know here as EI) some companys also top this up so that u have 100% of your pay. mostly gov't and union places, or really big companies(hubby's work does and they are just big, have plants here and in the US)
 
April,

Big hugs to you. I know how hard it is - I remember leaving every morning for work in tears.

Another big hug!
 
heather9892 said:
we get 1 year off @ 60% of our pay, which is paid through unemployment(otherwise know here as EI) some companys also top this up so that u have 100% of your pay. mostly gov't and union places, or really big companies(hubby's work does and they are just big, have plants here and in the US)
Click to expand...

WOW! That's phenomenal!!
 
WOW! That's phenomenal
Click to expand...

it hasnt always been this way
the mom gets 17wks mat leave
then either mom or dad or both(but at different times) get 35wks parental

we also get 35wks parental if we adopt i think

this is in ontario so it could be different in the other provinces im not sure
 
I know how hard it is and my heart goes out to you. You really are fortunate though. Back in the day (my baby is 18) we had to be back at work in 6-8 weeks. I think I wouldn't have been guaranteed a job if I had taken longer. I worked 3rd shift and that helped because I could still be there most of the time (sleep? I didn't know what that was).

I'm so jealous of the benefits in Canada too!
 
I have to sort of clarify the Canadian mat leave thing. Not everyone qualifies. You have to have a certain number of weeks paid into the program. And if you are sponsoring an immigrant (like I am sponsoring my husband) you can`t collect anything at all for 3 years even if you have enough weeks in. SO. I had the baby on September 13th, and returned to work on October 1st.
 
Oh, that is so hard! I've been there too!

I hate to tell you it doesn't get any easier. Now I hate to leave my kids because they are old enough to stay at home alone, but are the age they can get into a lot of trouble! I'll be honest, I think I need to be home more now then I was when they were little. They need even more guidance now! Which is why I won't be going back to full-time employment until they are out of the house!

At least you will always have the summer off. That is when they have the most time to get into trouble.

Just start looking forward to those long holidays coming up or bad weather days!

Good luck!
 
(((((((((((((((((April))))))))))))))))
 
I went back to work 3 weeks after my son was born (all we could afford). But luckily, I've had wonderful sitters (in-home care). My 2 kids are currently the only kids my sitter watches (she had 4 of her own - now ages 16 and up). It is hard to leave them, especially when my 2 ask for a million and one hugs and kisses. I know they are well taken care of though, I'm providing for them, and I get to see them in a few hours. Most of the time I can get so busy at work that the day flies by. Just enjoy the reunion each day and that time with them.
 
I'll be doing the same thing next week. A little different though we will be sending ours back to college. It doesn't get any easier :)
 
Teresa Lynn said:
I'll be doing the same thing next week. A little different though we will be sending ours back to college. It doesn't get any easier :)
Click to expand...
I am sending my baby to college TOMORROW :cry: :cry:

I thought I would be glad to empty the house but I am really having a hard time with this. The good thing though is (my son pointed out) we will see him every month (MONTH :cry: ) until at least February so it'll be a little gradual.

Yes, it's hard at every stage but it's our job to teach them to be independent. Unfortunately it's not at OUR timetable.


Hug your babies - they grow up too fast. There is a time in there when they may not want the hugs but they get back to it later and that's sweet.
 
I have to sort of clarify the Canadian mat leave thing. Not everyone qualifies. You have to have a certain number of weeks paid into the program. And if you are sponsoring an immigrant (like I am sponsoring my husband) you can`t collect anything at all for 3 years even if you have enough weeks in. SO. I had the baby on September 13th, and returned to work on October 1st
Click to expand...

friday
i know for regular EI the areas differ as far as how many hrs u need, and its lower for "special" and that sponsoring rule i think is dumb but didnt know about it
thats awful you had to return after 2 weeks
 
April I totally know how you are feeling I had to leave my baby at 6 wks and I would just drive to work bawling and leave work bawling all I would do was bawl. I totally understand on you not wanting to have to watch eery penny you spend
 
Mine little boy is 3 and I still hate to leave him. I keep wanting to cut back more on work. I work 4 days now and may be ablt to go to 3 at the first of next year.

April and others who have children leaving for school - u are in my thoughts and prayers.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Tonight I Put My Baby to Bed Soaking Wet..." about?

"Tonight I Put My Baby to Bed Soaking Wet..." is a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and joys of parenting, particularly focusing on the experiences of putting a baby to bed. It captures the emotional rollercoaster that parents face during bedtime routines, highlighting both the struggles and the tender moments shared between parent and child.

Who is the author of "Tonight I Put My Baby to Bed Soaking Wet..."?

The book is authored by a well-known parenting expert and author who has written extensively on child-rearing and family dynamics. Their insights are drawn from personal experiences as well as research in child development.

What age group is "Tonight I Put My Baby to Bed Soaking Wet..." suitable for?

This book is primarily aimed at parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers. It provides relatable anecdotes and practical advice that can be beneficial for anyone involved in the bedtime routine of young children.

Are there any specific tips for bedtime routines included in the book?

Yes, the book includes various tips and strategies for establishing effective bedtime routines. These may involve creating a calming environment, setting consistent sleep schedules, and engaging in soothing activities that help ease the transition to sleep for both the child and the parent.

Where can I purchase "Tonight I Put My Baby to Bed Soaking Wet..."?

The book is available for purchase at major retailers, both online and in physical stores. You can find it on platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores that specialize in parenting and family literature.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Encouraging Story- From My Director
  • esavvymom
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
5
Views
2K
pkd09
Welcome Baby Connor! Birth Story and Updates | Irish-Inspired Name
  • KellyTheChef
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
2 3 4
Replies
98
Views
9K
PamperedDor
How did my husband finally land his dream teaching job?
  • ChefJWarren
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
6
Views
1K
PamperedTammy
Whisper a Prayer for a Friend After Losing Her Husband to Cancer
  • quiverfull7
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
10
Views
1K
heat123
I Had a Horrible Night - I Ran Over Our Dog, Momo
  • jrstephens
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
2
Replies
47
Views
4K
pamperedcheermom
Not Sure How to Respond to My Dir........long
  • pamperedalf
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
2
Replies
58
Views
6K
chefshawna
Is My Co-Worker Undermining Me with a Student's Schedule Change?
  • lockhartkitchen
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
4
Views
2K
lockhartkitchen
What Do I Need to Buy for My Children's New Wii? A Guide for Parents
  • amy07
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
6
Views
1K
pampermejolene
What Should I Do About My Son's Behavior in Kindergarten?
  • apriljc
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
3
Views
1K
Harrle
Should I Suggest Pampered Chef to My Unemployed Friend?
  • pampered1224
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
10
Views
2K
pampered1224
Back
Top