Preparing for Baby: Talking to Your Boss About Not Returning to Work

It's a good idea to wait and see how you feel after your baby is born. If you're a first-time mom, you can't predict how you might react once the baby arrives. You might find you're happiest if you are working, or you might decide you want to stay home. There's really no way to know for sure until the baby is born and you've had the time to adjust to being a mother.

Whatever decision you make is the right one for you. However, because you don't know right now how you might feel after the baby comes, it may make sense for you to plan to take all of your available maternity leave and wait to make a final decision about returning to work. If you have paid leave coming to you, it is to your advantage to stay on the payroll after the birth.

While you're preparing for baby, consult your human-resources department to determine your rights and options. You may be able to tack on unused vacation time to your maternity leave for more time at home with the baby while you make your decision. You might even have an option for flexible work hours and/or telecommuting after the baby is born that could be the right mix of work and home for you.

If you do decide to stay home with the baby, stay in touch with people in the office and keep your online contacts up-to-date. With the economy the way it is, you never know when you may need to return to work.