Quit great job to stay home with baby?

[Sangrita RN]

So I have been working at a job that I absolutely love. I do home visits for low income, first time moms. Lots of education and tons of time with each mom and baby (2 1/2 years). I've always wanted to work in maternal health so it is a great fit for me.

However, I am pregnant with my first child and I've always wanted to go part time or prn after I started a family. The problem is I spoke with my manager and my company does not allow part time work. So I'd have to go back full time 40 hours or not at all.

I was just wondering what you lovely ladies thought. My baby will only be a baby for so long and I want to focus him/her. I also don't want my work to suffer if I'm working full time while trying to focus on my child.

I've thought about getting another job, maybe in postpartum or lactation but it's so hard thinking of giving up this great job and I worry it might be difficult to find a job in these areas. But on the other hand I just can't get my head around the idea of working full time while someone else takes care of my baby.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts :)

[Sangrita RN]

Wow, this is exactly the dilemma im facing now. I have a 3 month old but i only work part time nights on med/surg. HATE IT!! I honestly would rather work full time in a job i love than part time in a job i hate.

I have so much anxiety going into work that its hard for me to enjoy my days off with my baby.

Im considering going prn at my current job and maybe doing private duty nursing prn also until i can get a position in post partum or nicu at my work.

I just can't decide what to do, i wish i could stay home while my kids are little but we can't afford that. All i know is im very depressed in the position im currently in and its taking a toll on my health but its still hard for me to decide what to do also lol.

I agree with previous posts, they are babies for such a short time and work will always be there (especially medsurg if your desperate enough lol). I think spending that time with your family is more important. And then when they are busy in school you can focus on your self and your career again.

I'm sorry that must be so hard going to a job you hate. I was in Med-surg a couple years ago as well and it was difficult to go to work every shift and I had anxiety on my days off thinking about going back. So all things considered, I do not want be "desperate" enough to go back to med surg but postpartum is hard to come by with no unit specific experience. I hope you figure out what is best for you, congrats on your little one :)