Strategies for when the partner returns to work
Emotional considerations
Many fathers will try to have some time off work around the birth of their baby. This enables them to spend time with their baby, learn about caring for them, help with their partner's recovery and/or help care for older siblings. The amount of time you are able to have off work will vary, depending on your occupation and business commitments, as well as your financial needs, the availability of holidays or other leave entitlements and your personal preferences regarding how long you want to be at home.
Fathering today tends to be much more 'hands on' and 'involved' than it was for our own fathers and grandfathers. Men are generally more involved with the many facets of caring for their child(ren), rather than simply playing with them, or entertaining them when they are old enough to kick a football!
Many fathers will immerse themselves in the practicalities of parenting, such as changing nappies, bathing their baby, helping with feeding (if possible) or settling their crying baby when they are upset. Part of supporting the new family (and the woman's task of breastfeeding) also normally includes sharing in running the household by doing grocery shopping, cleaning and possibly cooking as well as running to the local chemist every few hours (for nappy pins, disposable nappies etc.).
Working as a team when your new baby arrives can help you both cope and make the enormous transition to parenting much easier. It will also make the woman's physical and emotional recovery more speedy. However, many families simply do not have the luxury of the partner being able to stay at home for an extended period, and the unfortunate reality is that somebody has to go to work to pay the bills!
The partner returning to work will inevitably create a myriad of issues for both in the relationship.