If you have had a baby, getting back into work can be incredibly difficult. You are probably experiencing a complete mix of emotions. You may be looking forward to going back to work, and this may be making you feel guilty. Or, you may be dreading it, and this may be making you feel very nervous and anxious. No matter how you are feeling, it is normal! Read on to discover some top tips on getting back into work after having a baby…
Find the ‘working you’ again – You need to try and get back into the working mind frame. For the past few months, you have probably given work very little thought. Therefore, it is vital to get back into the swing of things again. Why not text a few of your co-workers and ask them if they would like to meet up for a coffee? This gives you the chance to catch up with everyone, and you will feel less nervous about going back to work. It is also a good idea to organise a meeting with your boss. This doesn’t need to be a formal one. It gives you the chance to discuss what has been going on in the office (probably not a lot!), and you will find out what is expected of you upon your return.
Remember that flexibility works both ways – You cannot expect your boss to be flexible to your new working hours if you do not give a bit back in return. If you want to start a bit later or leave a bit earlier now and again for your child, make sure that you stay a bit longer than expected whenever possible to make up for it.
Think about what you really want – If you are dreading going back to work, could it be time for a change? Now is a good time to think about what you really want from life. You have had a child; you can do anything. Universities like Southern Cross University have a wide range of courses, so why not take the chance to advance your skills and do something that is going to make you happy?
Embrace your new set of skills – A lot of people assume that having a baby is a detriment to their career. However, the opposite could very well be true. After all, you now have a whole host of new skills at your disposal. You are probably better at multitasking, and you will be able to manage time better too. Being a mother can give you a competitive advantage; so, make the most of it rather than fretting. You’ve not lost any of your skills, but you have gained some.
Hopefully, you now feel more prepared for going back to work after having a baby. There is a lot to consider, and it can be a very emotional time. However, if you really think about what you want, and you make an effort to find the ‘working you’ again, you should find the process a lot smoother and easier.
Establish your new routine ahead of time.
If you can, try to get settled into your new routine a couple of weeks before your return to work. Giving your child an opportunity to start at their daycare center, or spend time with their nanny, before you have to go to work will help with the transition. Even if they just spend a couple of hours away from you at a time, it will start the ball rolling with the adjustment to the new normal for both of you. Time how long it takes in the morning to have breakfast, get ready, leave the house, and make it to your office, so your first day isn’t a mad rush.
Have regular check-ins with your workplace.
Some workplaces will offer check-in days throughout your maternity leave so you can catch up on what’s going on while you’re away. This could cut down on the inevitable anxiety over how you’ll fit back in when you return. If this isn’t something you have access to, ask to have a catch-up on your first day back, so you feel integrated back into the team from the get-go.
Be open with your boss.
Whether it’s establishing your working hours, limiting your involvement in projects that would require you to travel, or establishing your rights when it comes to taking unplanned leave (because let’s face it, babies get sick), being open with your boss is so important right now. Be mindful of what you need from them, and what they need from you. Consider what you’re willing to do (or not), and remind them that by setting these boundaries, you are setting yourself up for success — not shirking responsibilities.
Set expectations with your colleagues.
You used to be the last one in the office, with no qualms about after-hours meetings or late-night planning sessions. But now you need to leave at 5 pm on the dot to make daycare pick-up. People don’t know what you don’t tell them, so make sure the team around you knows what to expect from your new schedule.
Consider flexibility.
Whether you’re returning to work gradually or jumping right back into the full-time career you had before, there’s no shame in admitting you need more flexibility than in pre-baby times. It might be possible to cut back on hours, work from home, or increase your hours gradually as you get into the swing of returning to work after maternity leave.
Know your breastfeeding rights.
If you’re still breastfeeding when you return to work, get familiar with the rules around pumping breaks, and know that you have the right to somewhere private to breastfeed or pump in your workplace. And if pumping just isn’t working for you, try not to feel guilty for making the switch to formula or combination feeding. Do whatever feels best for you and your baby.
Give yourself time.
Looking after a baby is a full-time job, so it can be hard to combine that with heading back to work and adulting in general. Add in all the emotions you’re probably feeling (guilt over leaving your baby, anxiety over meeting expectations in the workplace, excitement over going back to a job you love, and then more guilt about feeling the excitement…) and it’s normal to feel just a tad overwhelmed. If you’re not feeling great about your working mom life right away, don’t stress. It’s understandable to need a while to settle in and feel like you again.
Enjoy your baby.
While you might have been clear about getting back into the working frame of mind while you’re in the office, it’s important to flip that out-of-office switch too. Make sure there’s time for just you and your baby, whether that’s bathtime in the evenings or a special activity at the weekend. Reinforcing your bond and being present in the moment with your baby will mean you get the most out of your time together.
Do babies suffer when mothers return to work?
Absolutely not, but it’s important to choose who looks after your baby carefully. You need to feel confident and comfortable with your childcare provider. Separation anxiety can make daycare drop-off difficult, but most children thrive in the right childcare environment.
How long should you stay with your baby before going back to work?
This will depend on everyone’s specific family situation, but some things you may need to consider are:
How much time can you have off from your workplace?
How long can you afford to stay home?
When can your child enroll with your chosen childcare provider?
What are your preferences around breastfeeding?
Not to mention being emotionally ready to leave your baby. As we said, this is a very personal choice.
How do I cope with going back to work after having a baby?
Postpartum depression is often associated with the period soon after the birth of your baby, but “going back to work after baby depression” is a real thing too. Many mamas might feel like they’re stretched too thin to enjoy anything anymore, and it’s important to acknowledge these feelings. If you think you have depression, don’t be afraid to reach out to a therapist or your healthcare provider. They are here to help!
However, you feel about going back to work after maternity leave, you’re not alone! Speaking to other working mamas, can help you find others in your same situation and come up with some real-life strategies to make it all work. Good luck mama!
