Working from home

Are you going to be the primary care giver during this day?

Are you able to afford a childminder or even a mother's help (comes to your house and helps with childcare alongside you)? I honestly could not get any real work done if my son was home with me - I've had to do it a few times when he's been ill and it's been a total nightmare. So just saying if you have the ability to afford help, or any family that can assist you on the wfh days then I would strongly recommend this.

Is this the plan long term? I really wouldn't suggest it. You're not going to be able to get any work done and you'll essentially be neglecting your child. You need childcare!

Unfortunately we cannot afford full time childminder or nursery, nor for me not to go back to work. My partner works full time, my mom works full time and in-laws are away a lot and have bad health. I'm lucky in the sense I can do my job at any time of the day/night, as I don't have to deal with people. I was hoping to work around naptimes/activity times. As can keep an eye on him whilst on the playmat, then change the playmat for the moses basket for his naps? I think saying that I'd essentially be neglecting my child is a bit harsh and uncalled for, and I would not consider it advice.

Ok, perhaps that was a bit strong. You won't be able to meet their needs while working though, especially as they get older. It's also generally against most UK employment contracts to be a primary care giver during work hours. I strongly recommend childcare if you're working for your sake and the child.

The other thing to consider as well is will your boss/manager allow this? I’ve heard of work places not allowing children during your working hours. I’ve never had personal experience with this but I know my partner wouldn’t be able to have our daughter at home if he worked from home as his attention would need to be fully on her and not his work x

Did you not qualify for maternity allowance or statutory maternity pay?

My workplace are happy for me to work from home even with being the primary care giver. I can do my work at any point of the day, so ifmy child needs me I can take that time to tend to him, and make the time up on an evening wgen partner is home. I do qualify for SMP, but it does not cover the bills and have already used majority of savings to cover bills, and am not entitled to Universal Credit. This is what we were planning, and then we were going to revisit it at 9 months when we can get government funded hours.

I've worked from home around my children before! Just set realistic expectations with yourself and employers. For me it involved working during nap times, getting up before my children and working when they have gone to bed. It's tough but do-able.

Gosh it is really hard!! I only do this when my child is poorly and it is difficult especially as they grow up, tv and snacks are the best allies but with baby being so little I imagine will be much easier than with a toddler

Our work has a policy that you can’t work from home and be providing childcare so just check that you’re ok to do both so you don’t lane yourself in hot water lovely xx

What job is this 😂 it sounds an absolute breeze if they think you can do the job and look after a baby at the same time!

That's what I plan on doing Emily, probably do the bulk of it when my partner gets back from work. It was discussed with my workplace as soon as I found out I was pregnant, I didn't want/can't afford a long maternity, and they want me back as soon as possible anyway. We all agreed that I would do so many days in the office and so many at home with my LO. It is a family orientated company, I had a dentist appointment last week, and they told me I could drop him off there before the appointment (I didn't, but they did offer). I'm an accounts admin, so checking paperwork, raising invoices and sending them to the customers. I'll be checking paperwork when I'm in the office, then raising/sending invoices from home, as this can be done at any time of day/night. xx

@Petrina that is such a lovely nice company to work with! I think it will be a positive experience as you will have a nice routine by when your baby can move around