5 Quick Tips for When You Return to Work After Having a Baby

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Just as you’ve put your work concerns aside and are enjoying your maternity leave, you realize that you’re soon going to return to work after having a baby. The prospect of waking up so early each morning and going to work after having not slept a wink with a crying tot seems scary. And then you feel guilty about spending hours away from your baby.

No matter how much you’ve thought about returning to work, as well as how confident you are about it, you need to be ready for mixed emotions. There’s the guilt of leaving your child in the care of someone else or the guilt of being keen to resume your old life. 

Things To Do Before Returning to Work (After Maternity Leave)

You might think it’s pretty simple but there’s more to it than it first appears. While there will inevitably be a few bumps on the way, the following tips can help make your return to work after delivery a bit easier.

#1 Do Up Your Wardrobe

Don’t try to get into your prenatal work clothes, no matter what. Your body took 9 months to change so you could give birth, so it’ll take longer than 4 months to get back into shape. 

To feel normal again, treat yourself to a facial, manicure and pedicure. Change your maternity wear with new ones and spoil yourself with a new hairstyle and some new work clothes and shoes to up your confidence. But don’t forget, you still have to nurse your baby so you must still include a nursing nightgown in your wardrobe. If you want a simple and comfortable nightgown, then go for Ekouaer Short Sleeve Nursing Nightgown.

#2 Organize Childcare

Whether you opt for a nursery, childminder or relative, it must be a safe, reliable option for your baby and one you’re fine with. Where possible, it also helps to ask your boss for a bit of flexibility in work hours.

#3 Plan Your Nursing Routine

If you’re nursing, you’ll find it hard to balance your work life with your pumping schedule. So, start planning well before you resume work. You can start your routine one month before returning to work and begin freezing breast milk so your child gets used to being bottle-fed. 

If you have to breast-pump at work, be sure to speak to your HR department and boss, and request a private, clean area for breast-pumping. For this, we recommend Wwhuaus’ Rechargeable Electric Breast Pump since this product is affordable and aims for moms’ comfort. It has 3 modes with 9 suction levels for each mode – a perfect way to get maximum comfort and milk production!

#4 Practice Your New Schedule

In the week prior to resuming work, it’s wise to start practicing your morning schedule of settling your baby and for you to get ready and leave home on time. Use this week to practice waking up early, feeding your kid, getting to the childminder or nursery and getting to work with punctuality in mind. If there are any challenges, you’ll be able to alter your routine before the big day. 

#5 Keep Your Cool At The Office

While you may feel like a complete wreck while at work—worrying about your kid, feeling mentally and physically exhausted, being overwhelmed by the pile of work that has built up during your leave—avoid showing a hint to your boss that you’re not up for the job.

Keep your issues to yourself, and never vent to your colleagues. Remember, your new balancing act might even help you become more productive. 

Are You Ready To Return To Work After Giving Birth?

Getting back to work after a long, happy but exhausting maternity leave may be difficult. After all, it’s tough to leave your little angel behind after caring for him/her day and night. 

Another tip: Convert your worries into motivation. Do a great job every day, and look forward to coming home and seeing your sweet little baby’s cute smile, those pretty eyes staring (or blinking) at you, tiny little hands and feet waiting for you, the adorable expression they have whenever they yawn…????

What a teaser, right? But think about it, wouldn’t it be fulfilling when you know that you’ve done a great job as an employee and get your reward as a  mom at the end of the day? Speaking of which, check out our Ultimate Guide to Free Baby Stuff! Why buy everything if you can take advantage of baby freebies?!

We hope these tips will make your return to work after having a baby a bit easier, and if you have any other tips for working moms, we’d love to see your inputs in the comment section below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do babies suffer when mothers return to work?
If you’re able to get things ready and have someone reliable to look after your baby while you’re at work, then no. Of course, you also have to make sure that your baby’s ready. Get them used to switch between breastmilk and baby bottles so that it wouldn’t be difficult for them to feed while you’re gone.

How do I cope with going back to work after having a baby?
It may not be easy. You have to change your mindset (if you haven’t already). Motivate yourself. You are now working for your baby. Take comfort knowing that your baby’s waiting for you every day. All the frustration and stress would go away with just one smile from your little one. You’ll see.

How long after having a baby can you go back to work?
You’re ready to go within 2 months.

What happens if I don’t return to work after maternity leave?
That would depend on your company’s policy. It’ll be best if you inform them beforehand if you can’t go back to work immediately after your maternity leave is up.