Returning to Work After Maternity
Returning to Work to Support and Nurture
Having a baby is one of the greatest joys a family can receive. Both parents wish to spend as much time with their child as they can. Sadly, fathers are not given leave like a mother is to spend time with the newborn, and many companies offer inadequate maternity leave. Returning to work after maternity leave is both mentally and physically draining on a mother, but can be fairly easy when done with the right outlook.
Many mothers look at returning to work after maternity as a desertion of their child. It is no such thing. Others look forward to the mental engagement work offers them after being home for months. Whether you are returning to work for financial reasons, because of the social implications, or something else, the one mantra mothers need to rehearse upon returning to work after maternity leave is my baby will be fine and still love me.
How to Return to Work After Maternity
Returning to work after maternity leave, or onramping after years of being a stay-at-home mom, can be daunting and exciting. You will not be entering the workforce the same way you left it. Leaving your baby at a daycare or in the care of another individual takes a certain mindset, especially if you are returning to work after maternity leave of a long duration.
Here are some tips on how to return to work after maternity with as much pose and understanding as a new mother can get:
- Find a daycare you trust – Looking for a daycare needs to happen no later than halfway through your maternity leave. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the facility, the amount of available, capable adults and ask for multiple references.
- Divide responsibilities – Whether if both of you are working, you are taking turns, or the father is staying home, deciding whose responsibilities lay where is invaluable when a new baby is in the home.
- Discuss your return to work with your boss – Meeting with your boss before coming back to discuss the new responsibilities and accommodations needed will be invaluable. Points to discuss include your healthcare plan, emergency contact numbers and attendance and tardy policies.
- Decide how you are feeding your baby – Deciding between breast feeding and formula takes adjustment on you and your baby. If you are deciding to continue to breast feed, make sure to read the instructions on the pump carefully before attempting anything in a work atmosphere.
- Create a weekly meal plan and shop once a week – Unlike when you were home with the baby, time stops being abundant the second you return to work after maternity. Planning time to do basic chores like shopping can be extremely instructive and helpful when trying to balance multiple responsibilities.
- Plan a date night – This can be once a month or once a week, but make sure to spend time alone with your partner. This can usually take place after the baby has gone to bed, or when you keep them at the daycare for an hour or two longer so you can go out to dinner. Keeping lines of communication open with your spouse is key after returning to work after maternity leave.
- Sleep – Along with working a full-time job in an office, you are also a full-time mom. This means there is a full other job for you to come home to. You are going to be constantly on during the duration of being awake. This will sneak up on you and make you sick if you do not allow yourself ample time to sleep.
- Practice being away from the baby – Many women experience feelings of guilt and depression within their first few weeks returning to work after maternity leave. To lessen the pain, practice being away from your baby during your maternity leave. Drop them off at an aunt’s while you’re running errands!
- Keep a photo on your desk – Not only will this be the perfect way to show off your new treasure, but will make you less anxious when you are able to keep an eye on them throughout the day.
