One of the most difficult things about being a working mother is going back to work after having a baby. Returning to your daily work grind while adjusting to your new set of responsibilities as a new mom can be tough. For new working moms, balancing work and family life is a struggle, but it can be done. Here are some tips on how you can transition back to work with ease after having a baby.
Adjust your baby’s sleeping schedule
Sleep deprivation can be very tough to deal with, especially if you’re a working mother. If you’re still getting up at the middle of the night by the time you’re back at work, it can definitely take a toll on both your physical and mental state. This is why it’s crucial to give your baby plenty of time to adjust way before your maternity leave ends, so that you can get enough rest and function well throughout the day.
Develop a support system
As they say, it takes a village to raise children, so it would really be nice to have a great support system to help you take care of your baby while you’re at work. Whether you have five people around or just one, true support comes in quality and not in quantity. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for a helping hand from someone in the family, or even from someone outside your circle.
Practice your new routine
It will definitely take a while for you to adjust to your new roles as a mom and a working woman, but it will be much easier for you if your routine is well organized. Before you go back to work, do a couple of practice runs of your morning routine so that you can try it out and work out any kinks before the actual day. It’s also best to arrange your set-up with your family or your nanny at least a week before to avoid problems on your first day back at work.
Find a way to keep tabs on your baby while you’re at work
Separation anxiety is something that working mothers like you dread, but thanks to the advancements in technology, you can now easily keep tabs on your baby while you’re away. From phone calls to real-time videos, you can have your peace of mind at work knowing that your baby is doing well back home.
Keep extra pumping paraphernalia at the office
As a new mom, you’ll definitely be pumping at work, so you want to be extra prepared. If you can’t have an extra gear that you can leave at the office, make sure that you bring your pumping gear wherever you go and store extra storage bags, wipes, and paper towels in your workplace to avoid mishaps.
Jot everything down
A lot of new moms say that they became more forgetful and had a much harder time concentrating after giving birth. To be able to be more efficient in work and in other aspects of your life, make it a habit to write down notes and lists. This can help you keep track of everything from your nanny schedules to grocery lists.
Bond with your baby before anything else
After a long day sitting in the desk at work, allow yourself to have at least an hour of bonding time with your baby before working on your chores. Your laundry and dishes can definitely wait. Sometimes, it just takes a quick moment with your baby to remind you that your sacrifices and hard work are all worth it.
Avoid over-exhaustion
One of the most common complaints of working mothers is exhaustion. Most of the time, you prioritize the needs of your family over yours, making you physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted at the end of the day. Make your family members clean the house or hire professional cleaner whenever possible would be a great help. Your well-being is very important, especially now that you’re juggling two roles, so it’s important to take care of yourself too.
Don’t focus on too many things at the same time
One surefire way to shoot up your stress levels is to try to focus on too many things at once. Dealing with your personal struggles as a new mom while adjusting back to work at the same time can make you feel overwhelmed in no time. Try to focus on what’s on hand, so that you can be more efficient on what you’re doing whether you’re at the office or at home.
Don’t Feel Guilty For Going Back To Work
For sure, you will be feeling guilty for at least a couple of weeks or months as you go back to work as a new mom and that’s completely normal. “Mom guilt” is real, but you have to remember that you’re only doing what’s best for you and your baby. You’re working hard because you want your baby to have a secured and comfortable life, and that’s something not to be guilty about.
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