Usually Mother’s will be understanding that returning to work when the maternity leave ends can be difficult due to your priorities shift from loving and caring for your new-born full time to balancing your life and career into the mix adds another element. So whether you’re choosing to return for the enjoyment you get out of your career or for financial reasons, know that you’re making the right decision for you and your family. Working mothers raise some of the best children.
Work Out the Details
Few things you need to communicate with your human resources department and anyone that you report directly before you return to work.
- Best Date to Return
- Understand expectation from your company toward you
- Any Limitations from you? Example Doctor Appointments, Childcare Conflicts and etc.
- Does office provide special room for you to pump if you are breastfeeding
- Did company provide flexible working hours or work from home 2 days a weeks if yes you may take advantage of it.
Don’t Get Overwhelmed
It’s normal to experience many different emotions during this transition. Whether it’s a feeling of guilt leaving your baby (which many new working mothers tend to experience), or a bit of nerve returning to your position.
Find creative ways to deal with the emotions you’re experiencing. For example, you can bring in photos for your office that might help your desk feel homier. Grab a cup of coffee with another mother in the office who has been through this before. She’ll understand best what you’re going through and can give you her own tips and tricks for adjusting back into your work comfort zone.
Ask For Help
Every mother wants to be the best mom she can be. Thinking that you can do it all isn’t always realistic, however. As much as you may want to be supermom, know that it’s okay to ask for help every once in a while. Having a child is an amazing accomplishment, but it’s also a lot of work. Adding your career into the mix, only makes things more difficult. When you’re feeling stressed out, invite a family member or friend over for a few hours to watch your baby while you get a few chores done or take a peaceful trip to the store by yourself. You’d be surprised how this simple ask can make a big difference to you.
Prepare in Advance
Mornings can be hectic. Preparing yourself and your family for smoother mornings can make your routine much better. Once you have established the childcare option you’ll be using, become comfortable with them. When hiring a nanny or choosing a daycare center, there is nothing wrong with running background checks, calling references and going with your gut. It’s important to ensure that this will be the best fit for you both. Start childcare a few days before your return to help your baby get comfortable around new people and spending time away from you.
Take Care of Yourself
For a busy working mother, an established self-care routine often goes out the window the moment they return to work. Neglecting to have any simple form of a self-care routine can lead to negative physical and mental side effects. There is a multitude of different shapes that the term “self-care†can take such as:
- Taking time to figure out the best ways to manage your stress.
- Partaking in hobbies that you enjoy such as yoga, painting or reading.
- Finding professional clothes for work that make you feel good, fit well, and are comfortable, like a supportive nursing bra, abdominal binder or a new Blazer.
- Spend a day at the spa or saloon.
Following these tips and tricks can help make your transition go a little smoother. Things probably won’t be the same as they were before you had a child, but you’ll find your new comfort zone. Working mothers are some of the strongest, most independent and caring people. They deserve our praise.
Leave A Comment