Teacher moms--WWYD if you were me? A little long...

I've been starting to think about returning to work after my DS is born in June.

Just a little background--I had an awful pregnancy with my DD--injured my back severely, needed to have surgery when DD was 5 weeks old. Took about 3-4 months to recover, and then I returned to teaching in April. This was last year. I got transferred to a new school this year--found out I was PG w/ DS and took short-term disability for the rest of the year, mostly because it had been less than a year since my surgery and I was NOT supposed to get PG for at least 2 years (can you tell DS was a surprise? )

So, now that you are caught up...

If I go back to teaching next year, DS will only be about 6 weeks old when we go back. I BF my DD for 10 1/2 months, because I was home with her for 8 months. I REALLY, REALLY would like to BF my DS as well, but I know that by 6 weeks, my supply won't be very well-established, and I also won't have time to pump during the school day--so that will pretty much seal my fate.

I have a few options--I can continue to be a SAHM next year, although money is EXTREMELY tight, and my DH had to quit flying, which is one of the few things he truly enjoys doing in his spare time .

I could go back to teaching f/t--but then I have to worry about the financial cost of formula feeding AND daycare. On the other hand, DH works from home, so we could probably hire a college student to come to our house and watch the kids for us--and have the peace of mind that he's in the house so nothing "funky" is going on.

OR, I could get a p/t teaching position with Sylvan Learning Center. I worked for them for 4 years and absolutely loved it. It was all the fun of teaching without the prep! The hours would be approximately 2:30-7:30, so I could still be BF during the day and hopefully pumping at night to replenish the supply for when I'm working. The cost of daycare would not be quite as much...then again, I won't be MAKING quite as much, but I'm still "teaching".

Of course, I'm worried about any possible gaps in my resume. Right now I don't have any, because short-term disability means I'm still employed w/ the county.

I am having such a hard time with this...what would you do if you were in my situation?

Thanks so much if you've read this far!!!

Re: Teacher moms--WWYD if you were me? A little long...

I voted P/T at Sylan because it sounds like you really enjoy it and the schedule would work for BF and you would also have some income. It seems like a happy medium.

Re: Teacher moms--WWYD if you were me? A little long...

I actually just returned after 6 years of being out with my three kiddos. I do know at first I was excessed, but then was able to go back into the postion full time. I am thankful that I had the time with my kids and being able to bf with no worries about supply or pumping. Financially it was tight for a long time, but I'm grateful that I had the time that I could never get back.

Re: Teacher moms--WWYD if you were me? A little long...

Re: Teacher moms--WWYD if you were me? A little long...

Re: Teacher moms--WWYD if you were me? A little long...

I voted for SAHM, but really I think that staying at home OR working part time sound like they would be good options.

I work in a school as well. I took this year off to be with DS... planning to go back next year so we could make some money (we are trying to buy a house - which is almost impossible on one salary!). WELL, I got a surprise BFP - due in early october.......

so even though money is going to be extremely tight, I am taking one more year off. For us, it is the best choice. I work VERY part time - a few hours a week just to help a little with the bills.

I think it's a personal choice... but from what you wrote it doesn't sound like you would like to go back full time when your DC is soo young.

good luck making this tough decision!

Re: Teacher moms--WWYD if you were me? A little long...

IMHO it sounds like you dont wanna really do either (not that thats a bad thing!) If i was you i wouldnt bother with either...bc like you said after a babysitter and all that. Thats exactly why i chose not to go back pt either. Even though ill be contributing a little bit i rather that time with DD and i wouldnt worry about gaps in employment...there will ALWAYS be a job ( maybe not the exact one you want) but our little ones are only little once