Going Back to Work After Baby: Ensuring a Successful Transition From Maternity Leave
Going back to work after having a baby is hard on everyone. As a mom, you have all kinds of emotions ranging from elation & relief to sadness & guilt. One moment, you are looking forward to going back to work and gaining a sliver of your old self back. The very next moment, you are sobbing uncontrollably on the kitchen floor afraid that your baby will forget about you. To top it off, that is just your own thoughts and feelings, that doesn’t even account for the motherhood peanut gallery who ALWAYS has an opinion. Even well-intentioned friends and family members shoot daggers in your heart with comments like “you are so brave, I could NEVER leave my babies at home with a stranger.” Yea lady, I get it. I’m a horrible person, thanks for the help!
All of my thoughts and fears seemed so silly looking back at it. Both times I went back to work after having a baby were completely and utterly uneventful. My kids lived, no one had any abandonment issues, and I actually enjoyed showering every day and talking to grown-ups. Here are some things that I did that made my transition back into work a little easier on everyone.
Update your Wardrobe
I literally lived in Gap hoodies and maternity leggings for my entire maternity leave. If I put on jeans (probably maternity jeans still at this point), it was for something fancy. Unfortunately, I couldn’t wear such chic apparel to my super corporate gig. A few weeks prior to going back to work I ordered a bunch of clothes online and updated my wardrobe. I preferred to do it online as I ordered a ton of stuff in different sizes because your body get all kinds of weird after the baby. I wanted to be able to take my time and drown my sorrows in a bottle of wine if needed (kidding, no wine at this point, but SUPER wanted and needed it!). This also gives you the opportunity to try outfits on with your existing shoes and accessories as well. Having an update wardrobe or at least a few new pieces will give you some confidence that is much needed those first few days back.
Spa Day
Pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum can take a toll on your body. A week before you go back to work after having a baby, schedule a spa day or at the very least a mani/pedi. You totally deserve this pampering, Mama! Like refreshing your wardrobe, it will make you feel so much better about yourself and put a little pep in your step. This is also a great time to practice being away from your little one for an extended period of time, which is super important.
Lactation Consultant
Seriously one of the best things I ever did. I scheduled a “Going Back to Work Consult” with a local Lactation Consultant a few weeks prior to going back. In the visit, she showed me how to use my pump, made sure the parts fit correctly (there are different sizes, never knew that!), taught me about appropriate milk storage and pump cleaning, went over my work schedule and determined the best times for me to pump, etc. I figured out in this visit that I was pumping all wrong and I would have been lost without this visit. Check out the ILCA (International Lactation Consultant Association) to find an LC near you! Even if they don’t offer a specific program around going back to work, just let them know that is what you are looking to get help with.
Getting Organized
Being organized is everything. I over-organized those first few weeks. I not only got my house in order (as much as possible considering I was nursing or changing diapers around the clock). Get your closet and bathroom organized so getting ready in the morning is easier on you. Get all of the baby stuff organized that you need to take to daycare or have ready for the caregiver. Organize your kitchen to get ready for quick meals and cleaning pump parts every night. Whatever you can organize to make your life easier, do it. Your future self will thank you.
Speak with your Employer
I strongly encourage you to stay in communication with your employer leading up to your return from leave. Even a text or email keeping them updated on your return date is super helpful and works wonders in building rapport with your boss. If you are struggling with returning to work, speak with them about it. You may find that they are more than receptive to working with you to find an arrangement that works for both of you. Make sure to talk through things like work schedule, pumping times and accommodations, etc. It’s much better to have these things worked out up front. It’s not a bad idea to know what your rights are before you have this conversation. The Le Leche League is a great resource for laws pertaining to breastfeeding in the workplace.
Ease Into Work
If possible, I strongly encourage you to modify your schedule for the first week back. Not only will it be easier for the baby, but you will be tired! I was exhausted those first weeks back both physically and mentally. The fewer demands you have on yourself, the better. Even if you aren’t able to modify your schedule, try to make it easier on yourself at home. Order carry out when you feel like, let the laundry slide for a bit, etc. Look for anything to give yourself a break.
Be Easy on Yourself
Everyone handles this transition differently. Be easy on yourself for however you take it. For me, I felt bad that I wasn’t as distraught as others said I would be. I missed my babies, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t feel this overwhelming sadness that I thought I would. I actually felt guilty that I didn’t feel so sad. That is okay. If you ARE super upset and have guilt, that is okay too. Regardless of how you feel, you love your babies immensely and want the very best for them. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.
What did you do to help make going back to work after maternity leave easier? What struggles did you have? Drop a comment below!
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Thank you for these tips. I would have never thought of seeing a lactation consultant but it would be so helpful.
It was very helpful, even going into it I didn’t think I would learn much but I really did. Thank so much for reading!
I felt very relaxed after reading ur post.
That is awesome, thank you so much for reading!
I actually did a spa day before going back to work (with my first)! It was definitely a nice way to treat myself before going back to not only being responsible for my child but for my career as well 🙂
I actually did a spa day before I went back to work (with my first). It actually helped to take some time for myself before heading back into work 🙂
I never thought of seeing a lactation consultant, what a great idea.
And don’t forget to remember it’s okay to have emotions
This are awesome tips
Great read
Wow, I love this! I really could have used this when I went back to work after having my daughter! Great read!
Such great ideas here! It will be a long time before I get back into the work force, but I’m stumbling this for when I do! THank you!
Very helpful blog. None of your points can be neglected. Very nicely written
I don’t think this post could have been more spot on!! Going back to work after a baby was NOT something I was prepared for at all.
SO DIFFICULT. It’s not something you are ever fully prepared for but it does help to take some steps. Thanks so much for reading!
Very good tips. Being a new mom is a challenge. These tips will make it easier.
Thanks so much.
These are great tips! Going back to work is so so hard! I love the idea of a spa day, it will definitely make you feel better!
Yes, it really gives you something to look forward to. Thanks for reading!
Great tips – I’m not a mum myself but I will definitely keep your tips in mind should that change
Thanks so much for reading!
Aw! I don’t think it’s ever easy to go back to work post babe but I love that you included a spa day- so smart!
We need something to look forward to! Thanks so much for reading ! 💙
Great post. Your tips are really spot on.
I would like to add two things:
1) If you are going to be pumping at work, make sure your new clothes are pumping friendly. Nothing is more awkward than having to pretty much strip down naked to pump at work – even when you are behind a closes, locked door!
2) If you have a job where you can work from home, I suggest taking the first few days to work from home. For me, it allowed me time to just sort through email and catch up on what I missed without having to attend meetings or be distracted at the office. It also allowed for an easier adjustment as I could go see my baby during lunch time, not have a long commute, and most importantly miss my baby without feeling like I had to hide it from those around me at the office. It made the first day of being actually in the office much easier.
Love these suggestions! I made the mistake of wearing a dress a couple of times which was just so horrible. It was like a massive production every time I had to pump. Never made that mistake again! Thanks so much for the suggestions and reading. You rock!
Great tips! Will be going back to work in September, feel like time is flying by, even though I have a total of 9 months maternity leave😅
It really does fly by! I had an extra month with my second child and that seemed to make it seem shorter! Best of luck to you when you go back. Let me know if you need to chat ! Thanks for reading!
This is amazing! I seriously struggled coming back to work and even now that my son is almost 10 months, it’s still hard most days. Not to mention pumping in a room that was near the coffee machine and water cooler was a little unnerving at first but became much more comfortable after a while.
Pumping was the worst part! The things we do for our little loves. Keep up the great work Mama! Thanks for reading.
Great Article. Your are full of knowledge.
I do not know what that is like to have a child and have to go back to work. My sister has though and I can only imagine how hard that would be. Such a challenging transition, so a great article to help those mothers!
It is tough! Thanks for reading !
I like your article your tips are very useful to decrease the post partum stress too
Great point! Thanks so much for reading !
It’s really hard to get ready back to work after baby. I’m really glad that you shared this, I know someone who need this tips.
I hope it helps them! It’s so tough! Thanks for reading and sharing!
I am intrigued about the lactating consultant ha ha. i haven’t heard about it before. Nowadays it will be easy going back to work after having a baby
Wonderful advice for new mothers! Everyone needs pampered!
Thanks so much for reading!
I can understand how hard it is to go back to work after having a baby, but I must say your blog-post will give so much relaxation to all the ladies who are in the same situation right now. They can definitely manage things better this way.
Thanks so much! That was definitely my intent, anyway to remove any stress from an otherwise stressful situation! Thank you for reading!
Spa days were the best way to go back
Yes!
Great information for working moms, especially clearing the air with your employer about your needs and easing into your schedule.. having a child makes our schedules so unpredictable.
Yes it really is. I apologize for anyone that worked for me before I had children. I would be much more sympathetic to their schedules knowing what it is like to be a parent. Thanks for reading!
This is so helpful! Going to work after having a baby is so overwhelming. It’s great to have a list and to feel prepared!
It can be SO overwhelming. Thanks for reading!
I decided that I wouldn’t even try to go back to work because it was so hard to spend those 6 weeks at home and then try to go back. Nope, there was no way I could leave my little guy. He was so perfect in every shape, way and form.
Great for you!
Not in that situation yet, but great tips – the most important thing for the mum to do is look after herself as well as the baby
Absolutely! It’s like they says on planes, you need to put the air mask on yourself before you can care for others.
I am not yet a mom but these are great tips! Heck I’d use them right now too. You gotta pamper yourself!
Absolutely! #treatyoself!
Suddenly, I don’t wanna be a mom now. I know how hard and lots of responsibility to have when you become a mother. I am 26 now, and I am very excited to have a baby. But, only because I want too, but I am afraid if I am ready to embrace all those mommy duties. Though thanks for the tip, will instil this in mind.
These are all such helpful tips. I’ll be making a note of these for future reference! Thank you!
Great post ! I never even thought about how helpful it would be to get a lactation consultation before returning to work 👍
Great post! I’m going to share this with all my friends going through the same phase 🙂