Making the choice
Emotions when choosing
During the last few decades, many more women have combined motherhood with their work or study. This may be due to financial necessity, the need to continue running a business, the desire to keep career ambitions on track or just a personal choice. In reality, many families now rely on two incomes to support today's lifestyle commitments (and often a sizeable mortgage), and most single mothers need to return to work to pay the bills. You can read about dealing with your return to work or study after the birth, both practically and emotionally
here.
In a few relationships, the mother returns to work and the father chooses to take extended leave (or paternity leave) to become the primary carer for the new baby. This decision may be approached with enthusiasm or uncertainty! Dealing with the day-to-day care of a new baby can be a daunting task (as it is for most women!) but it can also present a unique opportunity to bond with your child. You can read more in
stay-at-home dads.
Regardless of your circumstances, most parents will rely on some form of childcare for their baby at some stage. (Even if it is just to have a night out or some time out from parenting.) However, if you think you will require regular childcare on a full or part-time basis during your baby's first year of life, then you will need to plan ahead for this during the pregnancy.
Don't underestimate the task of organising childcare. For many parents it can become a nightmare if arrangements are not made well in advance. The main issues to consider include: