Going back to work sooner rather than later (maternity leave)

[Crazybean]

Maybe I just need to write it out and SEE it for myself or maybe I just need someone else's perspective. Sorry this is long.
I had planned on being out for about 10 weeks (for maternity leave) assuming I had a vaginal delivery. Well, my baby had other plans and I ended up with an emergency c-section and extra complications. Needless to say, the first 4 weeks after I had the baby were HORRIBLE and I didn't enjoy any of it. I sort of feel "cheated" out of that time.

My administrator called while I was on vacation visiting family up north asking when I planned on coming back. At that point, I had not really thought about an exact date but told him the last Wed in Sept (which happens to be the 29th). Now, I'm not so sure...

This is my finance problem.... DH and I have 2 OLD cars. I just replaced his engine AND transmission as well as tires, brakes and fuel pump over the last 6 months. My car is going to need some work- perhaps like a $600-800 repair at the most that I know of at the moment but it is running great for now.

I have enough $$ that I saved for maternity leave to last me until the beginning of November because I had planned ahead while pregnant. Going back early lets me save that money for a rainy day.

We have about 3 months of salary in our savings.

I am the only one working as DH is a SAHD and FT student.

My work is letting me bring the baby with me until he turns 6 months because they promote breastfeeding so I won't go back to work without my baby by my side. That being said, I have a 3 year old too. I love my job but wish it wasn't FT (but can't afford to do PT anyway).

I keep thinking this is precious time with my family that I don't get to have often. I have used up all of my leave so I won't have another day off for a while. I can afford to be off another few weeks and maybe start in mid-Oct and still have some of that extra $$.

I just don't know what to do. Money and feeling secure is so impt to me because we went through a touch financial time in the past. That being said, my family is more impt and if I were to look back on my life, I think I would have wished more time with them. Now, what is the responsible thing for me to do?! AHHHH..

[Violet2]

I would go back early just b/c your work situation is pretty good for a new mom and it will help you preserve your financial stability.

I believe you can save your unused FMLA to use later after your LO is 6 months, but talk to HR.

You could also go back 4 days a week with day 5 being FMLA--my friend did this and she loved it. So it doesn't have to be all or none.

V

[confustication]

I would go back, being able to bring the baby with you is the big reason I would advocate that- though I do understand that it is hard.

I had DS 2 on a Wednesday and returned to work (with him in a Moby) that Saturday. Now, I don't advocate that early a return for people but when you are the sole provider for the family, sometimes you just make do. In my case, DS went to work with me and slept on me for the first few months, and it really worked out well for us.

I also like the idea of using FMLA to have either 3 or 4 day weeks for a while if you can do that as I think it would give you an easier transition.