In Canada, one parent can take up to one year in paid maternity leave, but sometimes parents decide to return to work earlier than planned. Sometimes things don’t work out quite the way you planned them and if the drop in income that comes with being on maternity leave is too much for the family to manage or if circumstances change unexpectedly, parents can find themselves making the decision to return early.

This sometimes leads to feelings of guilt and fear. They fear that they may not be able to make it financially. The guilt comes from leaving their baby while he's still so young.Parents return to work early for many reasons. Our experts have created this list of the most common reasons:

• Financial stress and a need for the additional income
• Feeling of isolation and/or lack of fulfillment
• Struggle with the monotony that being at home can produce
• Longing for the contact with other people
• Need for the stimulation that work can provide

When you are struggling with this decision it’s a good idea to monitor your budget and expenditures more than ever. Cutting your expenses by just $50 a week can save you $2500 over a year. This may give you the relief you need, allowing you to stay home with your baby.

Once you’ve made the decision to return to work you should plan for your childcare arrangements as early as possible and have backup plans. Quality care is very important to your child's development and it is not always easy to find. Some cities have long waiting lists, so be sure to look into this well in advance, if possible.

It can be hard not to feel guilty about leaving your baby to return to work, but remember that this is a decision many parents make and with high quality childcare arrangements, your baby will be able to grow and develop just fine.

And there might also be an opportunity to transition slowly back to work. Your employer may support your slow entry back into the workplace, starting with part time at first leading to full time. Discuss the options and see if you can find a solution that works for both of you.

Did you take your full maternity leave or did you return to work early? What factors contributed to your decision? How did you feel about it? Leave a comment and share your story with parents just like you!