Parenting News: Majority of Working Mums Feel Guilty About Going Back to Work
If you’re a new mum then you might be considering going back to work to keep the household income steady.
This is now a reality for many mums yet 60 per cent said that they feel guilty leaving their child at home.
Despite liking the financial and emotional independence work gives them, 80 per cent of mums are won over by spending time with their new born and have more maternity leave than they originally planned.
Mother & Baby also found that for the majority of mothers, it simply isn’t an option to never return to work.
Nearly nine in ten mothers said that they had to return to work in order to keep the money flowing into the home.
The majority of women said no to the recent government proposal of sharing maternity leave equally with their partner.
This was, again, down to financial elements. Although women agreed it would be great for their partner to spend more time with the baby, until equal pay is implemented, it isn’t an option.
The good news is that 80 per cent of women feel supported by their colleagues and workplace when returning after having given birth.
Most women said that the company even gave them flexible or part time working hours upon their return!
Claire Irvin, Editor-in-Chief of Mother & Baby Magazine, said, “Getting the work life balance is tough. Our survey shows us that modern mums are taking control by going out to work and ensuring they sort out the hours and the times that suit them and their childcare arrangement, but despite their achievements they are struggling with an overwhelming feeling of guilt, leaving their children behind to be cared for by others and a feeling that they are missing out on precious time with their family.”
“More women than ever before have an almost super-human ability to juggle work and family life, but it can be difficult, particularly on an emotional level. For this reason I am delighted we are launching our brand new Working Mums Club with a host of inspirational experts who will be on hand to support women getting back into work and maintain their career level and aspirations.”
The full results of the survey are revealed in the August issue of Mother & Baby, on sale now.
Do you feel guilty about leaving your child to go back to work? Let us know by commenting below or tweeting us @FemaleFirst_UK
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