Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience, and along with it comes the decision of when and how to return to work after maternity leave. I’m now a stay-at-home-mom, but I went back to my corporate job after the birth of my first two daughters. It can be a challenging and emotional time to navigate the transition from full-time caregiver to working professional. In this blog post, I’ll share some tips and strategies I learned along the way to help ease the transition and make the return to work a smooth process.
Plan Ahead
Returning to work after several weeks or even months of maternity leave with your baby requires careful planning. Start thinking about your return well in advance (i.e. before the baby even comes) and consider the following:
- Childcare: Ensuring your baby in the hands of someone else is a nerve-racking experience, regardless if it’s your first or fourth child. Research and secure reliable childcare options that align with your preferences and budget. Finding someone you trust is in safe hands will provide peace of mind while you’re at work. We went with an in-home daycare option for our first two daughters as we wanted a smaller environment. There are also daycare centers, nannies, and nanny-shares. Find what fits your family, finances, and baby best.
- Flexible Work Options: Discuss with your employer the possibility of flexible work arrangements, such as part-time or remote work. This can help ease the transition while adjusting back to your work responsibilities. After the birth of my first baby, I had to adjust my hours so I could pick her up before daycare closed. My second was born during COVID, so I was remote which helped a ton with commuting. Have an open conversation with your employer of what you need to set you up for success upon your return to the office.
- Transition Period: Request a gradual return to work if possible. This can involve starting with shorter work hours initially and gradually increasing them over time. This allows both you and your baby to adjust gradually to the change in routine. My first month back at work, my employer allowed me to come in for just a couple hours every day which was a huge help. Not all jobs have this option, but ask if there’s anything you can do to help ease this transition.
Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and acknowledge that it’s normal to feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Here are some ways you can manage your expectations:
- Career Shifts: Consider if your career goals and priorities have shifted since becoming a mother. It’s common for new moms to reassess their career trajectory and seek roles that offer greater work-life balance. Don’t hesitate to have open discussions with your employer about any changes you may be considering.
- Support System: Build a support system of fellow working moms if possible. I joined a new moms group after my first daughter while on maternity leave. Connecting with others who have gone through or are going through a similar experience can provide emotional support, advice, and understanding. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the other parents at daycare drop off/pick up either. Some of those we met at our in-home daycare ended up at the same preschool as our girls and are now our good friends. It’s nice to build that camaraderie, and know you’re in the same shoes through all these different phases.
- Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by finding time for activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. This can involve exercise, spending time with friends, or simply taking moments of solitude to relax and recharge. This also might include saying no to plans, or offers that don’t let you relax and recharge. Make sure you’re protective of your time and wellness, and don’t feel bad about it.
Communication is Key
Effective communication is crucial when returning to work after maternity leave. To ensure effective communication with your employer, colleagues, and spouse, give the following a try:
- Open Conversation: Have an open conversation with your employer before your return. Discuss any changes in your role, responsibilities, or working hours that may be necessary to accommodate your new family dynamics. It may be hard to come up with a concrete plan when so much is unknown before having your first baby, but putting the conversation on the table open for discussion when you get back is a good plan.
- Schedule Flexibility: Negotiate your schedule to accommodate your caregiving responsibilities. This can include options like flexible start and end times, as well as the ability to work from home on certain days. No matter what childcare option you choose, you can anticipate sick days, snow days, holidays, etc. If you have a role where you’re able to work from home, make sure you utilize that when you can.
- Delegate Responsibilities: The return to work also comes with bottle washing & prepping, a lot of laundry, and diaper bag packing. It helps to have a plan from the get-go so all of the burden isn’t falling on one person. Clearly communicating with your partner on what responsibilities each of you will take on is essential. This may mean one of you does mornings with the baby, one does evenings; maybe you switch off days of the week, or maybe tasks are divvied up. Whichever you choose, make sure everyone is on board and it’s communicated clearly.
Embrace the Transition
Instead of viewing it as a separation from your little one, try to embrace the transition back to work as an opportunity for growth for both yourself and your family. Remember:
- Quality Time: Make the most of the time you spend together with your baby. Focusing on quality rather than quantity will help you establish a strong bond and make the time you have together more meaningful. We always loved doing swim classes with our girls when they were infants since they loved the water and it was something to do together.
- Work-Life Balance: Prioritize work-life balance by setting boundaries between your personal and professional life. Take regular breaks, avoid bringing work home, and create an environment where you can be present and fully engaged with your family when you are not at work.
- Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate the milestones you achieve both as a mom and a professional. It’s a work in progress, and it may take a couple of weeks or even months to nail down a routine and method that works for your family. Celebrating these moments will help boost your confidence and remind you of the incredible role you play in both aspects of your life.
Returning to work after maternity leave is an individual journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Remember to be kind to yourself, seek support when needed, and embrace the joys and challenges that come with being a working mother. You are capable of balancing both worlds, and this transition will only strengthen your abilities and resilience.
