Going back to work

Going back to work after having a baby is a financial necessity for many women and a mental need for others. But deciding what's best for you and your family can be difficult - we explore your options

Once you know you will return to paid work after having your baby, how can you balance it best with your family life? We talk to four women who are each working a different way to balance family life and career and examine the pros and cons of each choice.

• Working full-time
• Working part-time in the office
• Working part-time from home
• Working freelance

Where to next?

• Read babyworld's pages on returning to work after having a baby, including how to prepare yourself and how to prepare your baby for your return to work
• Read about the various childcare options available to you and how to decide which is the best for you and your family
• If you're thinking of a change in direction, read about how to set up as a freelance or how to go about working from home. Or, if you prefer to work in an office environment read about how to go part-time
• Visit icircle careers for more on different working options, how to balance work and home life, tips on getting the job you want, details of your rights at work and more
• Share your own experiences of going back to work on our working mums discussion forum
• Read other babyworld features