How quickly after delivering would you feel comfortable going back to work one day a week?

It really depends on the person and what kind of birth they had (c-section or vaginal.) If a c-section, that is major surgery and it will be I would say BARE minimum 4 weeks before you have LESS pain, not a lack of pain.

Personally I had a vaginal delivery and I was up and about the same day. I didn't feel 100% until about week 2 or 3 but again it depends on the person.

For the best recovery from birth, do lots of research before hand (www.spinningbabies.com is a good site to start), and have a natural birth. An epidural can really mess up your internal systems and cause breastfeeding problems. My last two labours and deliveries were pain-free, although I had a couple stitches that were a little irritating.

I don't recommend pumping for the purpose of building a freezer stash till about 3 weeks. However, pumping a little during the first week can help with engorgement. Nursing every 90 minutes works better though.

I would STRONGLY recommend you get a sling. If it were my business, and I had an uncomplicated delivery, and nursing was going fine, and I had a sling (esp. if I could nurse in it), I'd be back after a week :) You really don't want to be giving your baby bottles at two weeks old, even for just one day. Take baby with you; slings are awesome!!

How can doctors 'not allow' someone to go back to work till 12 weeks? So many women in the US get only 6 weeks maternity leave!!

to be honest, i felt really normal at about 6 weeks after my delivery. I could probably go to work once a week but if i could i would take the year off like everyone else in canada. I work in the states and i started 32 hours last week. I cried for the first few times but now im okay The baby is 3 months old and my mom is watching her. I think this makes a huge difference. My baby doensnt even notice that im gone and she gets good care from my parents. Im very lucky. If i had to rely on other people to care for her, i would die! If youcan stay home, i would stay home.

Depends on how you deliver. If you had a normal vaginal delivery you may feel up to going back to work after 2 weeks. If you had a C section you would need longer.

I had a BAD vaginal delivery. I was torn in 4 places, and had a 9 and a half pound baby. I felt prepared to walk properly at about 3 weeks. (as long as you don't lose alot of blood) I got tired early because I lost so much blood. I think you'd be okay as long as you're not doing strenous work at 3 weeks. Be prepared to miss your baby like crazy!!! Yes, you can pump as soon as your milk comes in too.

Nope, you need to wait six weeks before you can return to work, your doctor won't allow you to work any earlier. I am waiting 12 weeks and will then return 2 days a week =]

Good luck xx

i felt great the day after i ahdd my son but i did not want to go long period with out him so ic ould nurse him and i wanted to buildd a milk supply up before i left