I started worrying about childcare costs and leaving my baby with a stranger when I was about three months pregnant. It felt like a heavy worry hanging over us because childcare can be so expensive. But neither my husband nor I thought much about whether infant care was even available where we live. I think people should tell expecting parents to plan for childcare early on, instead of giving so much other advice!
During my pregnancy, I wondered if going back to work after maternity leave was worth it. Would I just be paying so much for childcare that it felt like I was working just to pay to be at work? I was feeling sad that I would not be able to give my little baby enough time as a mother. But I had to go back because my job provided health insurance for our family, and I did not want to lose that.
When I talked to my manager about my worries, she surprised me. She said, “Just bring her with you when you come back! We can have an office baby!” At first, I thought she was joking, but everyone in the office was excited and happy to have my baby there.
I work at a small company with fewer than 50 employees. I had six weeks of unpaid maternity leave and added one week of paid time off. My husband, Tony, took one week off too because his company does not offer paternity leave. During those seven weeks, I spent every moment with our baby girl, holding her, nursing her, and loving her. It was wonderful but also tiring and hard at times.
On my first day back at work, tony stayed home to take care of our baby. For almost two months, I brought Priscilla to the office every day. I worked as much as I could before her naps, which she took on me. I was not as productive as I hoped, but my coworkers were very kind. They kept quiet, brought me coffee, and even helped entertain me when I needed a break. Sometimes, they took turns holding her so I could focus.
There were challenges too. I missed some meetings when she was nursing or choosy. I had to wear clothes that made breastfeeding easier. I sometimes felt like a burden because my baby cried, or the office smelled like diaper cream.
After a few months, my dad helped watch Priscilla during the day. I worked from home sometimes, too, which was a big help. Babies can be quarrelsome, and sometimes it is better for them to stay home.
We checked out of daycares and got on the list on wait. It took about nine months, but finally, a part-time spot opened. It was nice to start with part-time care so I could still have my baby some days.
Now, Priscilla is 14 months old and has been in childcare for about 10 months. She loves her teachers and friends.
When I bring my baby to my work place, I feel more safe and relax. My boss let me do it because he wanted me to stay with the company and because he was understanding. Our office is quiet, which made it easier. Not every workplace is like this, but more companies could help new moms if they wanted to.
If work and childcare are hard for you, tell your boss about it. Maybe you can find a way to make it work. You might even help change your workplace to support moms better. There is hope for finding a balance.
