Transitioning back to work after maternity leave is hard. You’ve been out of the flow for a while, and now you’re coming back with a new set of demands to juggle, concerns to prioritize, and logistics to manage. Not to mention the emotional tug-of-war you may feel between your job and your new baby. It can all feel very overwhelming.
A return to work after maternity leave is never easy, but the following tips will help your return be as smooth and successful as possible.
How to Prepare For Your Return From Maternity Leave
As you approach the end of your maternity leave, there are a few ways you can prepare in advance for your return to the workforce:
Have a childcare back-up plan. You know you will need to find childcare, but have you thought about your back-up plans? Inevitably, there will be days your baby gets sick or your daycare provider is unable to provide his/her services. Establish a plan with your significant other or parenting partner/s for primary contact, unexpected pick-ups, and potential back-up caretakers.
Schedule your return date. Decide when and how you will return to work. Will you ease back in by working part-time in the beginning, or will you return full-time right away? Whichever you choose, consider working only two or three days in your first week or two. This will ease the transition and help you (and your baby) adjust more comfortably.
Communicate with your boss. At some point, you’ll want to reach out to your boss to check in and talk about your transition plan. Share your plans for return, communicate your expectations and logistical needs, ask about changes that have occurred while you were gone, and discuss any adjustments to your job responsibilities and schedule.
Do a dry run with the daycare or sitter. If possible, don’t wait until your first day to leave your baby with the daycare provider or babysitter for the first time. Do a trial run a day or two in advance. This will familiarize your baby with the process and the caregiver, give you a preview of what to expect, and help you work out the kinks before the big day. If you are breastfeeding, you will also want to give your baby opportunities to get used to taking a bottle before your first day apart.
Prepare for pumping (if you choose to do so). If you will be pumping on the job, make sure you’re prepared for that before you return to work. Know your rights as a working breastfeeding mother, communicate your plan and expectations to your supervisors, and determine where you can pump in your workplace. In the weeks leading up to your return, figure out your pumping schedule, gather all the supplies you’ll need, and practice pumping at home beforehand. If you are in Houston, be sure to check out Work & Mother and see if there is a suite near you!
What You Need to Know About Returning From Maternity Leave
Once it’s time for you to return to work, here are a few things you should expect (and you should know are completely normal):
It’s normal to experience some anxiety. The initial days and weeks of a return are emotionally taxing. You may experience some separation anxiety, doubts about balancing work and motherhood, and even working mom guilt. That’s normal. Remind yourself that this is a temporary transition and that both you and your baby will adjust.
It’s also normal to feel excitement. On the other hand, you may feel excited or relieved about returning to work. If you do, don’t feel guilty. It doesn’t make you less of a mom or less invested in your child. It simply means you have another area of life you love and a passion to pursue.
Reset your expectations. Be gentle with yourself as you ease back into your professional routine. This is a major life transition, and it will take some time to adjust. Be realistic about what you can (and should) give to your job, and adapt your expectations to your new season of life. You may not be the same employee you were before you left, but you can be just as valuable in your new role.
Be intentional about time with your child. As much as you may love or need to work, your baby is also a priority. Make a plan for how and when you’ll spend time with him/her. Will it be in the mornings? In the evenings? On the weekends? Whenever you can get it, be deliberate about making the most of the time you have with your baby.
Seek support. Returning to work after a baby can be a tough transition, so don’t do it alone! Seek out support and encouragement from your partner, family, friends, and/or online mom communities. You can even ask advice from colleagues who have walked this road before you. Parents Pivot is also here to help whenever you need it. Schedule a phone call with Anna for a consultation to determine if 1:1 or group coaching is right for you!
Returning to work after maternity leave may not be easy, but with these tips in mind, you can make it as smooth a transition as possible for everyone involved!
