I just ended my maternity leave of 3 months, and I went back to work last week. I still have not decided how I really feel about the whole thing. I was luckily able to stay home with the my first son for two years but not so lucky with my newest little one. I am so sad. It was very nice to go back to work the first day and have everyone ask how the baby is. It was so wonderful to share my photos with them and watch their faces light up when they saw him.

I love my job, but I love my kids more. I wish I were in a financial situation where  I was able to just be home with my kids. I’ve never really had an opinion about moms who work, and I still don’t . I was watching the Dr. Phil show a couple of weeks ago and the discussion was about whether or not a mom should go back to work or stay at home. The discussion was very heated at times and some women were just plain nasty and forthright about their opinions. I think if you are not meant to be a stay-at-home mom then you shouldn’t be. If you have that desire to go out and work, then you are entitled to do that.

I hate when moms feel forced to stay at home, and they are just plain miserable, which doesn’t end up benefiting the baby at all. I went back to work because I had to, not because I wanted to. I cried elephant tears when I went to look at daycare centers. The centers were so cold to me; and besides, no one is going to care for my baby the same way that I do. Needless to say,  the moment I walk in the door from work, my boys have my full attention. All I can do is be grateful that I even have a job and be more grateful that I was able to have those three beautiful months with just my baby and I.

Here are some things to do to help you get through your day:

1. Put a digital frame on your desk and stare at your lovely all day.( Be careful; sometimes this causes your milk to let down).
2. Show every co-worker you pass pics on your trusty camera phone.
3. Bring an item of his clothes to smell.
4. Stop in the middle of whatever you are doing and think about their little faces and remember how amazing they really are.

Remember you are still an amazing mom even if you have to join the work force yet again.…

Araina Crans blogs at Lucid Chatter.