Back to the Grind, Returning to Work After Baby

You may have just gotten the hang of being a new mom, and now it’s time for another change; going back to work. Whether you love your job or are returning out of financial necessity, going back to work after maternity leave can cause conflicting emotions.

On one hand, you may be happy about returning to the challenges and rewards of your job. Chatting with your coworkers and getting out of your sweats and spit up stained tops may be appealing after maternity leave. But you love spending time with your baby and don’t want to miss anything. You may also feel guilty about leaving your baby.

Rest assured, what you’re feeling is pretty common. Many new moms are torn when it comes time to return to work. But there are things you can do to make the transition easier for you and your baby.

Consider talking to your supervisor before you return to work. If you’re still breastfeeding, determine a location and schedule for pumping. Working things out ahead of time may reduce misunderstands on the job.

Also, try to let someone else bottle feed your baby before you go back to work. This gives your little one time to adjust to a bottle and will help ease your mind.

If possible, allow time for you and your baby to get used to your childcare arrangements before you go back to work. For instance, start your new childcare about a week before your first day back on the job. Giving both you and your baby time to get used to the change before returning to work will ease first-day jitters.

Once you’re back on the job, check in during the day. A quick phone call may give you peace of mind that everything is going well. A nanny cam may also be an option to get a quick baby fix.

Give yourself a little time to get the hang of everything and don’t be afraid to ask for support. It may take a little while to get a routine down that includes work, parenting and still having time for yourself and your partner. Cut yourself some slack if everything does not go perfectly right off the bat.

Lastly, try to let go of the guilt. Working outside the home does not make you a bad mommy. Remind yourself, you’re doing the best you can for your family. Try to relax, lean on friends, family and your partner and remember you got this!

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

The Juggling Act: Balancing Work and Baby

Finding the right balance between work and family life is often a challenge for parents. It can be especially tough for new moms and dads who are learning to juggle their new parenting role.

Let’s fact it, parenting is a lot of work. Between feedings, playtime, doctor’s appointments and endless laundry, there is a lot to do. But you may also have another job that pays the bills. Is it possible to juggle both worlds and do it well? The answer is yes. With a little planning, support and attitude, you can find the right balance between work and being a mommy. Consider some of the following suggestions:

Drop the guilt: Lots of new moms work. Whether you work out of financial necessity, or you love your job, remember you’re doing the best you can. Feeling guilty while at work will prevent you from focusing on your job. While feeling guilty when you’re at home prevents you from enjoying precious time with your family. Learn to be present whether you’re at home or work.

Consider alternatives: One way to balance everything on your plate is to consider alternative working arrangements. Working a full-time job and caring for an infant is a lot of work. It can be even more of a challenge if you are breastfeeding or have a long commute. Find out if it’s possible to cut back hours, job share or work from home one day a week. Although an alternative work arrangement may not work for every situation, you never know until you ask.

Let go a little: You don’t have to be a gourmet cook or keep your house spotless. Some things may need to take a back seat while your baby is young. Simplifying meals and letting household chores go a bit are not going to hurt anyone.

Prioritize: Figure out what is most important to you. Is cuddling your baby every night at bedtime non-negotiable? Are weekends away from work a must? Focusing on what matters most will make it easier to let go of certain things and enjoy others.

Get support: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Have your partner pick up some of the slack at home or take your friend up on her offer to babysit. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Carve out “me” time: Taking care of everyone else without taking care of yourself can leave you feeling depleted. Everyone needs a little time for themselves to recharge. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, a date night with your partner or some quite alone time to exercise or just relax, do what helps you decompress.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

5 Ways to Make Returning to Work Bearable

Talk to 10 different women, and you’ll likely hear 10 different opinions on returning to work after having a baby. For some women, doing so is a necessity, though not something they are excited about. For others, going back to a job they love is something they’re actually looking forward to. But for those women who do re-enter the working force after baby, no matter where they fall in terms of their desire to do so, those first few days back can still be an adjustment.

Thankfully, there are ways to make that returning to work adjustment easier—for both you and your little one.

Find Childcare You Trust: The biggest key to reducing anxiety as you prepare to return to work is finding childcare options you feel good about. Some families are lucky enough to have grandparents nearby who are willing to take on that task, but if you don’t have that option, start looking into local daycares sooner rather than later. Ask friends for recommendations, conduct tours, and get on waiting lists whenever necessary. Feeling comfortable with where you are leaving your baby (and who you are leaving him or her with) is half the battle.
Ease In: It’s silly to go from weeks (or months) on end at home with your little one, to diving right back into a full-time work schedule. Instead, talk to your manager or HR supervisor about easing back into the work world. Maybe you could work half-days for the first few weeks, or just Tuesdays and Thursdays at first. Easing back in will make your whole transition less traumatic.
Break for Facetime: The beauty of our current technological landscape is that it allows you to stay connected, so use that! Talk to your childcare providers about sending you photos and updates throughout the day, and take advantage of Facetime or Skype when you find yourself really missing your little bug.
Look for Positives: If you’re truly struggling with returning to work, it can be hard to find silver linings, but they do exist. Think of this as your opportunity to talk to other adults throughout the day; as your excuse to take care of yourself and get some Mommy time! Sure, that time is probably less enjoyable when spent at work than it might be doing something you really love, but you may find you come to appreciate it more than you ever thought you would.
Savor Pickup Time: There is nothing better than the way little ones light up when they see Mommy or Daddy at the end of a long daycare day. Soak those gleeful smiles and hugs up; they are the reminder of how very loved you are!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.