As a mom who returned to work when her baby was only 2 weeks old, I can tell you – it was too soon!
It’s hard enough to go back after 6 weeks. But, life happens and you do what your family needs: food, water, and shelter. Fortunately, our circumstances changed and I was able to stay home longer after baby #2 and become a stay-at-home mom.
The transition from staying at home to working is tough. I’ve gathered the best tips for returning to work after the baby here for you.
What was your babies age when you returned to work? How did you make the transition easier?
This article is part of The Best Parenting Advice for New Parents Series. Click for more articles.
So how do Moms make the transition back to work easier?
Tips for Returning to Work after Baby
1. Part Time
If work and finances allow it, start back at less than full time. 20-30 hours a week verses 40-60 makes a big difference. Moms say 24 hours working was the best, 32 hours per week was still pretty great. Every employee and employer will be different. Ask to schedule an appointment to discuss how you can be most productive and helpful to the company upon return from maternity leave.
Don’t make demands, rather approach the topic cautiously and remain flexible. It helps if you can research problems that “may” arise ahead of time and think up posisble solutions. Use the time not working during the week for pediatrician visits and other necessary appointments.
If you cut hours, pay attention to how your health insurance and vacation are handled.
2. The First Week
Return to work on a Wednesday or Thursday. This will give you a short week, while letting you and your baby adjust to the new routines.
3. Child-Care
Find family or a child-care facility that you love. Knowing that your child is cared for in a safe and loving environment is vital to making the transition back to work go smoothly. If the facility uses video monitors – check in on your baby.
If your provider does not have video monitoring, call, send e-mails, ask them at pick-up how your child’s day went.
4. Pumping
If you are breastfeeding, see if your spouse or nanny can bring the baby to you to nurse once a day. Some parents choose day-care facilities based on their location and stop by to feed their child too. If these options are not available – purchase a double electric pump and supplies.
Ask your workplace for a clean area for pumping. Many states require this. Suggest an empty office area with a plug-in and a lock on the door.
5. Hire help.
If you are working full time with a brand-new baby, sleep deprived, and trying to do it all, it may be time to call in re-inforcements. Consider having a company come clean your house bi-weekly. Subscribe to a meal planning service or have your groceries delivered to your home. Pay the teenager to mow your lawn or snow-blow your driveway.
Are you strapped for cash? Ask family or friends to pitch in. Trade for help in the future or babysitting.
6. Prioritize.
Really make time for what you feel is important. If you feel the best when you have made the time for Yoga, then by all means, make the time for Yoga. If a pile of clean laundry on the sofa doesn’t bother you, leave it. Just call it the family closet from now on.
Focus on what matters to you and let the other stuff slide for now.
7. Find the Positives.
Know that you are making the best choices for your family. It is hard to miss your little one. Write uplifting messages of support to yourself and put them places where you will see them throughout the day: your planner, in your desk, on your calendar, on your computer screen.
Click for more articles in The Best Parenting Advice for New Parents Series.
Parenting Books with Tips for Returning to Work After Baby:
Disclosure: Amazon Affiliate Links
Balance Is a Crock, Sleep Is for the Weak: An Indispensable Guide to Surviving Working Motherhood
Nursing Mother, Working Mother
Working Parents, Thriving Families: 10 Strategies That Make A Difference
Parenting Resources for New Parents
- The #1 Best Advice for All New Parents : A collection of tips and advice from experienced Moms.
- How to Find Parenting Support: Tips for finding in-person and online resources for parenting.
- The Best Parenting Advice for New Parents
- The Best Parenting Books for Expecting to Read: Top parenting book picks from our Mom community.
- Celebrating the End of Breastfeeding As a Mom
- Tips for Working From Home with Kids
You may find these ideas helpful as a new parent…
Thanks for sharing this, I would have loved advice like this when I was heading back to work. To be totally honest I felt a little lost and afraid to ask for help advice for fear it would look as though I was ‘failing’. So silly! new parents please remember you don’t get handed a manual when your baby arrives, everything is new to you and a learning curve. If you need help ask! and if you don’t know where to go look to local resources like your GP, health clinic and blogs like this!