Returning to work after maternity leave is a completely new transition. You may have mixed feelings about leaving, going, and everything in between – – not to mention you aren’t getting your best sleep. Whether you’re wracked with guilt or counting down the days, there are a few simple tips for returning to work after maternity leave that will make the transition a bit smoother.
1. Allow Your Feelings
Pregnancy, delivery, and caring for a newborn all come with a myriad of emotions. You may have conflicting feelings about returning work, and that’s okay. Are you happy to be returning to work? Are you feeling guilt over leaving your baby? Maybe you’re feeling guilt over feeling happy. It’s okay! All of these emotions are completely normal. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. There is no wrong way to feel.
2. Embrace Adult Time
Whether you’re excited to resume your old job or dreading leaving your new life as a mom, try to embrace what returning to work affords you. You may have the opportunity to sit down and complete your lunch. Maybe you can grab lunch with a work friend or colleague. Take that coffee break. Allow yourself to embrace this time.
3. Take Notes
You’ve been away from the office for a few weeks, or a few months. You’ve been surrounded by all things baby. This may be a good time to take some notes on your assignments and projects. You’ve had a lot on your mind, and returning to work after maternity leave may not be the right time to assume you’ll remember everything. Copious notes never really hurt.
4. Return to Work Practice Runs
The first day you are expected at work is not the day to start daycare, bottle feeding, or getting showered and dressed in a small window of time.
It’s a great idea to start your baby in daycare, or with his/her sitter, a few days in advance. Wake up in the morning, shower, get dressed, pack lunch, get the diaper bag ready, get the formula/breast milk ready, get your baby and head to daycare. Perform a few days of trial runs to ensure a smooth transition on the real day. You don’t have to leave your child in daycare all day if you don’t want. Just practice ahead of time so the first day back is less stressful. This transition is a process. It will take time to fully adjust and find the right formula. But you will get there.
5. Quality Time
Are you worried about having enough time to work and spend with your baby? Plan for quality time with your child. If you have a later start in the morning, maybe you spend your time in the morning rocking, feeding and playing with your baby. If you’re out the door early, you can plan for the evenings.
Talk with your child-care provider/sitter about your plans. Maybe the sitter waits to put the baby to bed until you are back home. If you know you have a long day, maybe you schedule FaceTime during lunch.
You can be deliberate with your time so that while you’ll have less time with your baby, you can ensure you have quality time.
Returning to Work is a Process
These 5 simple tips are a starting point to help you in returning to work after maternity leave. Above all, give yourself grace. This period of your life is a process. It will take time. It may not go perfectly, but you are doing great. Allow yourself to feel what you are feeling. You’re doing great.
Therapy for New Moms in Washington, PA
As a mother, as a caregiver, you need to take care of your own needs in order to take care of those that depend on you. You can put yourself first and still be a loving mother, friend and spouse.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your role as a new mom, you are not alone. You don’t have to navigate this role alone. Talk therapy is extremely effective. Our office in Washington, PA is warm and inviting. It’s a place where we can sit, grab a drink, relax and just talk.
If you have any questions or would like to get to know us a little better, please call (724) 503-6670 or email us at admin@inthenowcounseling.org. You can also talk to us on Facebook and Instagram, too.
