“On the day I left we all had coffee together and some people gave me things for the baby. We discussed when I’d bring him in to see them. I never dreamt that things could turn out like this.” Mother

Thinking about returning to work
This leaflet covers things you may need to think about before you go back to work. It also contains information about your right to time off, and where to find out about financial benefits you may be entitled to after the death of your baby.

The decision about when to go back to work may depend on how you are feeling, your physical health, finances, and work-related factors.

• Mothers who get paid maternity leave may not need to think about returning to work for some time.

• Fathers and partners, and mothers who don’t get paid leave, may have to start work again fairly soon.

For some people, going back to work seems very daunting. It is the last thing they feel like doing. For others, the prospect of returning to a routine and having something else to focus on seems like a good idea.

Nobody can tell you the “right” time to go back to work, but it may help to talk
it over with someone you trust. You may also want to talk to your GP or to someone on the Sands Helpline.

                                               Talk to someone    

                                           Planning your return