OHbaby! Forums : Working Mums https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:00:56 +0000 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:40:14 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.05 360 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=14739 <![CDATA[OHbaby! Forums]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[Working Mums : Not sure where in NZ you are,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=311283&title=working-mums#311283 Author: EmDee
Subject: 14739
Posted: 25 February 2008 at 7:40pm

Not sure where in NZ you are, but we used Waikato Family Homebased Childcare. There is also Porse or Barnados. No doubt there are lots of other companies too. Your local yellow pages should have listings ]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:40:14 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=311283&title=working-mums#311283 <![CDATA[Working Mums : Hi all, thanks for all your posts,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=311259&title=working-mums#311259 Author: FionaO
Subject: 14739
Posted: 25 February 2008 at 7:05pm

Hi all, thanks for all your posts, a bit combination which is good to know.

A lot of you have talked about home based care which is around $4.50 per hour, where do you find out about this.

We are still thinking 6 months is the way to go, we have both been talking to work and we could probably swing it so we both work 4 days, taking a different day off to put a littley in care for 3 days.

]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:05:19 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=311259&title=working-mums#311259 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I went back to work part time...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=311090&title=working-mums#311090 Author: CuriousG
Subject: 14739
Posted: 25 February 2008 at 3:12pm

I went back to work part time when Char was 7 months old, 3 days a week. Then after a few months of that, I decided to go back fulltime. Char goes into daycare, it costs us $151.90 a week for 9-4.15 each day.

We would like to have a second when she is at school and I will look to take about 4 months off then again.]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:12:24 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=311090&title=working-mums#311090 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I started working from home when...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=311052&title=working-mums#311052 Author: myfullhouse
Subject: 14739
Posted: 25 February 2008 at 2:41pm

I started working from home when Jack was probably 4/5mths. I loved my job and wanted to retain some of my old life but didn't want to go into the office and put him in daycare. It was not really the right decision as it has put so much pressure on me and meant that I have trouble fitting coffee groups, swimming and other things in that I want to do with Jack. But I had to learn it the hard way!
I plan to resign soon when the right moment comes. I figure that my parents lived on one wage (which is much less than DH as my Dad was self employed) with 3 children so we should be able to do it with one child, it may just mean adjusting our lifestyle slightly which is not a hardship really as I get to spend my days with Jack ]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:41:17 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=311052&title=working-mums#311052 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I only took 5 months off when...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310714&title=working-mums#310714 Author: The_Stuarts
Subject: 14739
Posted: 25 February 2008 at 8:50am

I only took 5 months off when I had Michaela. It was the plan all along for me to go back after 5 months so I actually didn't go on maternity leave until the last minute (literally, I gave birth 8 hours after leaving work early on my last day).

Like doubledee I didn't want to go back but we felt we needed my income (although in hindsight we probably didn't need me back fulltime and I could have stayed off longer).

We decided shortly before I went back to work that we didn't want Michaela in daycare plus we'd be spending 1/2 DH's pay on daycare each fortnight so instead DH quit his job to stay at home with her. I could write a short novel on the pros and cons of that.

I started full time hours 5 days per week immediately and found it really difficult, so I reduced to four days a week with Wednesday's off for a couple of months while I got used to being back at work.

As we're now planning TTC #2 I've put a lot of thought into this. With what I now know I've decided that next time around:
1) I want to stay at home for longer without pressure to go back to work (I've said 12 months to DH but that's flexible).
2) When I do go back initially I'll only go back part time (3 days per week at the most and probably only 6 hours per day).
3) I want DH to continue working nights so he can be a daytime dad with the next one too because the experience for him and the relationship he has with Michaela is priceless (plus we'd rather not pay someone else).
4) I want Michaela to be in daycare for one of the days that I'm at work so DH can have time alone with the new baby.]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:50:10 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310714&title=working-mums#310714 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I returned to work full time when...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310649&title=working-mums#310649 Author: EmDee
Subject: 14739
Posted: 25 February 2008 at 5:30am

I returned to work full time when Ollie was 5 months. I didn't want to but needed to financially. I actually enjoyed going back to work for the most part, but definitely would have preferred going back part time.

We used homebased care which is a really good option. They are usually more flexible with hours and the one we used was $4 per hour. Also they can provide activities like playgroups, music and gym groups which was all included in the charge.]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2008 05:30:15 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310649&title=working-mums#310649 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I went back to work when the gremlins...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310536&title=working-mums#310536 Author: Maya
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 9:30pm

I went back to work when the gremlins were 5 mths, I planned to take a year but got bored and restless soooner. PLanning on not taking leave this time, maybe two weeks before and two afterwards but I'm in a different situation as I work from home and have a nanny.]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:30:53 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310536&title=working-mums#310536 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I went back to work when Kryssi...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310453&title=working-mums#310453 Author: busymum
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:25pm

I went back to work when Kryssi was 8 1/2 mos and though she was breastfed (and solids) it wasn't long before she was completely onto formula. The upside for us is that the girls are at home with Dad while I work but if I was doing the same arrangement again with a 'next' baby I have thought that 6mos would be a good time.]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:25:20 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310453&title=working-mums#310453 <![CDATA[Working Mums : We havent got a plan yet, but...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310429&title=working-mums#310429 Author: Shezamumof3
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 8:13pm

We havent got a plan yet, but im most probably going to stay home until we have had all our kids(we want 2 or 3) I might go back to work part time, but I dont like working enough to justify going back full time and paying $200+ for childcare which would probably be all my wages! Id rather stay home and have the babies, then when we are done, go back to work full time.
We wouldnt be able to afford childcare on DF's wages even if we wanted to.
I guess we will just see what happens when the time comes, but at this stage, I wont be going back for quite some time.

Edited by Sheza]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:13:07 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310429&title=working-mums#310429 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I orginally planned to go back...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310399&title=working-mums#310399 Author: Mum2ET
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 7:49pm

I orginally planned to go back to work part-time when Ella was 3 months, but when it came to it I couldn't leave her (and she refused to drink from a bottle, so it was a bit difficult) so I took another 3 months off and returned back to work 2 days a week (9-4) when she was 6 1/2 months. At the moment I feel it is a perfect balance- still get to spend heaps of time with Ella, but also get to earn a bit of extra money and gives me a bit of variety. Plan to continue working part time for a while.

In terms of daycare...we use home based care and pay $4.50 an hr and they are very flexible in terms of hrs/days etc.

]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:49:52 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310399&title=working-mums#310399 <![CDATA[Working Mums : We originally planned that I would...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310371&title=working-mums#310371 Author: pepsi
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 7:29pm

We originally planned that I would start work after 6 months (but work from home), however the reality of it sunk in and I ended up staying off work for the full year. Went back part time 10am to 2pm every day and that works out great for me. I have been very fortunate that my boss allowed this change of hours, and also that my mum looks after Alyssa while I'm at work.]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:29:47 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310371&title=working-mums#310371 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I thought that i&#039;d want to...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310367&title=working-mums#310367 Author: sparkle
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 7:27pm

I thought that i'd want to go back to work, more for the adult company (even though i'm a new entrant teacher! ) but once I had had Cooper I just can't imagine leaving him!

I will do the odd day here and there though, and he'll go to his Grandmas. I got rung to do relieving last week but still thought it was too early

We will be fine on DH's wage........as long as we don't want a new house, new car etc etc!!!]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:27:03 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310367&title=working-mums#310367 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I&#039;m aiming to take 12 months...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310344&title=working-mums#310344 Author: fire_engine
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 6:57pm

I'm aiming to take 12 months off, but it looks like we'll have to take a mortgage repayment holiday for the last three months which we're not so happy about. I may head back earlier - my role is probably one where I could start with 1/2 a day at 6 month, then 2 days at 8 months etc. I'm reluctant to have the baby in too much care too early. I'm also very cautious about burnout for myself and am quite worried that if I go back to work .8 or full time that I will really struggle which is not fair to me, the baby or DH. However, starting back 1/2 a day a week - not sure what I'd do for child care as we don't have family here. I think I'm not in the acceptance stage about going back to work - I hate that I will need to financially ]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:57:40 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310344&title=working-mums#310344 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I took a year off then went back...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310318&title=working-mums#310318 Author: Paws
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 6:28pm

I took a year off then went back to work full time though in hindsight I probably should have gone back to work sooner, then the credit cards might not have taken the hammering that they did.

I've really enjoyed being back even though I swore I was going to be a SAHM until Maddie was in school!! But now I love working again (and having money rocks!).

We pay $255 per week for our day care.]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:28:26 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310318&title=working-mums#310318 <![CDATA[Working Mums : Hi fifi101 Sounds like you are...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310209&title=working-mums#310209 Author: RachBone
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 2:04pm

Hi fifi101
Sounds like you are thinking very similar to me - early days for us too (5wks) but I too love my job and looking at the numbers financially will have to return to work after approx 6mths or there abouts.
I checked out some childcare centres just yesterday and about $1K per month for full time care seems to be average for childcare centres around Auckland (not sure where you are - may be cheaper down country?). A freind of mine uses in home childcare and shares with a girl from her coffee group and this works out to similar price as daycare centre.
Not sure if this is helpful or not?!!
Take care and all the best for healthy happy pregnancy!
Rachel]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 14:04:58 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310209&title=working-mums#310209 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I have just returned to work (Bella...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310145&title=working-mums#310145 Author: ShellandBella
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 12:28pm

I have just returned to work (Bella was 6 months when I started back) and am working four 8 hour days a week (so almost full time).

Bella goes to daycare 2 days a week. I found childcare wasn't as much as I thought it would be and the subsidies have quite high income thresholds, so well worth a look.

I guess the worse thing is that DH and I hardly see each other anymore as I work during the day and he works at night - Sunday is the only day off we have together. I've also found that we have to be HIGHLY organised in planning the days and sometimes I feel like I only get a few minutes a day to myself, but so far we are managing.

I would prefer to cut back a little bit though as sometimes I feel like I spend my few precious days off cleaning, doing laundry, etc. which takes away from the 'quality' time I get to spend with Bella. It is really a balancing act and one where you will find what works best for you.

Edited by ShellandBella]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 12:28:26 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310145&title=working-mums#310145 <![CDATA[Working Mums : fifi101 I&#039;m already thinking...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310128&title=working-mums#310128 Author: caliandjack
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 10:53am

fifi101 I'm already thinking about this and still TTC.

Daycare varies between but I've found on average it to be between $5 per hour for an 8 hour day I've budget $200 per week thats in Palmy.
I have friends in Auckland paying a lot more.

Financially we can manage probably 6-7 months before it starts to hurt.
Also like you I love my job.

I don't think its too early, especially as some of the more popular daycares have waiting lists.
]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 10:53:48 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310128&title=working-mums#310128 <![CDATA[Working Mums : childcare varies on what you want..home...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310124&title=working-mums#310124 Author: ElfsMum
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 10:40am

childcare varies on what you want..home based etc or preschool and whether they provide food or not etc.....and how many hours etc..and where you live...in chch you would need to book places as soon as you know when you are returning to work.. and prices are about 120-160 a week for fulltime for private preschool..

as for returning to work I'm not sure what I will do about that yet...at the moment we are surviving....but eventually i will probably work part time one or two days with my Mum looking after bubs(i'm very lucky to have this option....but its totally a personal thing..I really dont want him going to preschool before one(which is funny as I'm a preschool teacher) :) but for some kids they thrive on it and love it very young..:) so i will probably do some relieving work after 6 months-1 year and then will see about having another baby (scares me at the moment:) )]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 10:40:57 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310124&title=working-mums#310124 <![CDATA[Working Mums : I returned to work at 60% when...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310123&title=working-mums#310123 Author: yummymummy
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 10:37am

I returned to work at 60% when Gina was 2 months old and then increased that to 80%. This time around, I'm having 3 months off and returning at 80% after that.
I'm lucky as far as childcare goes as my gran has been able to look after Gina and I also work part of the time from home so can take care of her and do my hours in the evening/weekends etc. Gina goes to daycare 2 days a week and it costs us $122pw (5 days are around $260pw)
Returning to work is def do-able. I found expressing at work the biggest pain but managed OK.]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 10:37:19 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310123&title=working-mums#310123 <![CDATA[Working Mums : Hi, This is a bit of a random...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310121&title=working-mums#310121 Author: FionaO
Subject: 14739
Posted: 24 February 2008 at 10:27am

Hi,

This is a bit of a random question, its early days for us yet, but as you all know you do think about what is going to happen after baby arrives. For those of you who have already had your babies did you return to work and after how long.

I love my job and DH and i have looked at the numbers and tried to be practical and looks like I can take 6 months off, but I will probably go back to work full time or near full time. I would like to take a bit more time, but it may not be practical.

Has anyone else done this and what's it really like.

As a side question is there an average price for childcare?

 

]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2008 10:27:41 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14739&PID=310121&title=working-mums#310121