Take It or Leave It

How much leave time should I take? This is a common question for working mamas and one with so many more questions and variables attached to it. What does your workplace offer? What are your job security guarantees (e.g., compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act, FMLA)? How much unpaid leave time can you afford? Can your partner take leave time? Will you go berserk being home all day?
Everyone’s situation is different and complex, but consensus among some of my mama friends is that if it is at all possible, take more than 3 months of leave. The first 3 months are pure boot camp, all work with very little tangible gratification (other than the little bundle in your arms of course!). I have heard some people say that it doesn’t seem like a biological accident that around the 3-month mark, when you’re near ready to head back and return your delivery to the hospital, the babe starts being more responsive and adorable. It seems a shame to survive the really tough period then go back to work just as things start to get more fun.

I took 4 months formal leave then unexpectedly went back at a reduced schedule (slowly ramping back up to full-time over the course of 9 months) due to other family issues and I felt so fortunate to have so much time with my babe. She just got more fun and interactive as time passed, and as I got better at learning how to take her out and about everything started to click.

Please feel free to share comments on how much leave you took and how it worked out for you.