Returning to Work, Mom? These Four Tips Can Ease the Transition

Whether you’ve stayed home with your baby for a few months or a couple of years, returning to work after spending one-on-one time with your little bundle is a challenge. For many moms, we get about 12 weeks of bonding time before we’re expected to come back to work, perfectly prepared to handle each task as if we didn’t have a tiny person at home keeping us up all night. We’re exhausted (I tried to make a phone call on a calculator), both mentally and physically, which pretty much heightens our feelings of anxiousness about being away from our children.

Returning to work after having a baby is a huge adjustment, and it can be really, really hard. A part of you might not want to go, wanting to savor every second with your little one, while another part of you can’t wait to trade in the baby-talk for some adult conversation. Either way, you might find that you’re experiencing some feelings of guilt to go along with all of the other crazy emotions swirling around inside of you.

For some, there’s the added struggle of lugging your breast pump along with you to the office (oh, joy)! You spend half of your first day trying to figure out the best way to pump between conference calls and meetings. You might have to find some secluded closet surrounded by brooms and mops, or maybe even go sit in your car, especially if you have a boss that just doesn’t get it (sad, but true).  But hey, we’re moms, and we do what we need to do, right?

Well, if you’re standing at the threshold of returning to work, and you’re nervous, apprehensive, maybe even a little scared or angry, you’re not alone. I think as moms, we all face challenges when it comes to having to leave our kids, especially for the first time. That first week back to work is one of the hardest, but with a bit of focus, you can do it. Here are a few helpful tips that can set you up for a more stress-free return to work.

Have a Plan

I find that a lot of the stress we feel as moms comes from wondering about the what-ifs. “What if my baby is sick, and I can’t go to work?” “What if my usual caregiver is sick?” “What if I can’t find a place to pump?” “What if I burn out after the first day?” Having a plan for these potential scenarios can help you relax because it takes the what-if out of the equation.

Ahead of time, find a few possibilities of caregivers that would be able and willing to watch your baby if something happened to your usual caregiver. Talk to your boss about the expectations if you can’t come in one day because your baby is sick. Consider returning to work mid-week so your first week back is a short one so you can adjust without burning out.

Be Open with Your Boss

It’s a good idea to talk with your boss a couple of weeks before your anticipated return to work. Be open and honest and find out exactly what their expectations are regarding your schedule, workload, and other commitments. If you plan to pump, ask if there can be a private place that you can use during the workday. When you can return to work on the same page as your boss, it can help take a lot of burden off your shoulders.  

Bring Lots of Photos and Plan a Check-In

Adorn your workplace with pics of your baby, and plan a check-in midday with your baby’s caregiver. This can help give you some peace of mind; the ship is still sailing smoothly, even though you’re not at the wheel.

Remember, It Takes a Village

Believe it or not, we weren’t meant to raise our children alone (although it can often feel that way). Let go of the expectation that you’re supposed to be a superwoman and somehow manage to do everything at one time while balancing your baby on your head and doing backflips. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, congratulations, you’re human. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and accept it when it’s given.

You might need extra support from your partner, or your parents, a friend, your doctor, a therapist...whatever it is, don’t feel guilty about needing help. Asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do as a mom, and it ensures the healthier well-being of both you and your children.

Returning to work after having a baby is tough, but we’re here for each other, moms. Having a solid support system is vital, so when you feel like you need some extra encouragement, check back here for more helpful tips. In the meantime, tell yourself, “I got this,” and know that your baby adores you.