Now I don't want to start a paid work vs stay at home debate (as I've seen in other threads) - was just wondering how many of our mums of multiples are also in paid work. If so:

When did you go back to paid work?
How many hours/days are you in paid work?
Who looks after your children while you're at work (eg daycare, partner, nanny, family?

I was wondering if returning to paid work was different for mums of multiples (eg later/earlier, more difficult to get care?). I'll start with my story:

I went back to my job when the girls were 6 months old. At that stage it was either I went back to work or went insane (that is truly how I felt - sounds melodramatic now!). I worked for 3 full days a week (Monday to Wednesday) for 11 months and I'm now back 4 days a week (Friday is my "at home" day). We employ a wonderful nanny who comes to our home and looks after the girls. I'm lucky as my work is only 5 minutes walk from home so I leave at 8.15 and am back at 5.15. It is an expensive option (I only have about 1/3 of my take home pay left after paying for the nanny) but I really enjoy my job and think I'm a better mother when I am home because I'm happier overall. I wasn't sure before I had the girls whether I would take a full year off work and I wonder if I would have taken longer if I'd only had one baby and could have got out and about more. My feelings of isolation at home were certainly a factor in me going back to work at 6 months.

Anyone else in paid work? Please note my comment at the top of this post - this isn't about who's made the best choice/who's the better parent - and I know that's not what this board is about - just interested in your experiences.


Maree

Harriet Lorna 1/8/03
Eleanor Rosalind 1/8/03

Hi Maree-my maternity leave finished when J&C were 9months-DH only had a temp. job so I went back a couple of days a week. 2 months later his temp job ended and we decided financially I was better off going back full time instead of him finding work and working all week and me having to work weekends to make up the difference in pay.

So now I work full time and Dh has been home with the boys from the time they were about 9months. Not ideal (ideal for me is half home half work) but you have to do whats right for your family and what you can manage on finacially-we wanted max. time at home together so that way be both get to look after they boys and both get a little bit of time out.

Ive found it great having spent the first 9months as a sahm to be very sympathetic when dh tells me how hard things have been in his day-its also given him a greater appreciation for how hard I did it when I was at home on my own too.

Caz Joel and Cam at 2 1/2years old

I have gone back to work 3 days week. I started maternity leave Dec 03 and was off till Oct 04. Went back to work on a Sunday only so hubby could watch the boys. We got a call late Oct from day care centre we we on the list for and they had a place 1 day/week. Boys were then 10 months. So worked Sun/Mon.
Boys have started another day this year. Now work Saturday and hubby has boys and they go to day care Mon & Tues. Boys are really good at day care and we can't wait to see each other at the end of the day. So I think it helps our balance.
Rhonda
Jackson and Hayden 21/1/04

Hi Maree,

I went back to work 2 days per week when the girls were 8 months. It was my break to do something for me. I worked Monday and Thursday. My MIL did 1 1/2 days and a lady that my parents "gave" to us as a present a few hours a week did the other half day. We decided to keep her on, she is great, does a load of washing, cleans the bathroom, stuff like that while she looks after the girls.

I changed jobs 6 months ago and now work Mondays and Tuesdays, it is exactly the same arrangement except the girls have a "holiday" on Monday nights (and so do Mum and Dad) and they stay overnight at the in-laws.

My the time I get home from work on Tuesday I am all refreshed to look after them again

I know I am very lucky, and the girls have a great time,

Cheers

Kate
Alicia and Sophie 2/12/02

I went back to work when the boys were 14months only one day a week as I have a hubby that quite often works away so it is my one day break. My mum has them.

When I had my first son I went back to work three days a week when he was 10months old as financially I had to but in the end I needed to I hated being at home but since having the twins I love being at home so It may not have made any difference if you had only had one baby. I spent more time out and about with my twins than I did with my sigleton (then second time round is alot better I am so glad I did not have them first)

I believe whatever works in your household and everyone is happy then that is the main thing. If you stayed at home and were unhappy then this would not be good for your little ones.



Kristy

DS 8
Twin Boys 23months

Thanks for your replies - it's interesting to hear everyone's different experiences and the varied arrangements for childcare. I agree that work is my "break" (I guess it's all relative). At least at work I get to have a cup of coffee uninterrupted! Having twins has certainly changed my defintion of "stressful day"!!

Maree

Harriet Lorna 1/8/03
Eleanor Rosalind 1/8/03

People at work always ask how I manage to work and have young twins at home....I always tell them

I do the paid work and DH does the hard work.

Its MUCH MUCH harder being at home looking after them

Caz Joel and Cam at 2 1/2years old