Navigating the Return to Work After Having a Baby
Congratulations on the arrival of your little bundle of joy! It's an exciting and transformative time in your life. As you navigate through the early days of motherhood, one important aspect to consider is your return to work. Balancing the demands of a career and a newborn can feel overwhelming, but fear not! With some careful planning and support, you can transition back into the working world smoothly. Here are some helpful tips to guide you on your journey.
1. Start Planning Early
Begin contemplating your return to work before your maternity leave even begins. Determine the duration of your leave and when you would like to resume your career. This will provide you with a clear timeline and give you enough time to make any necessary arrangements. Additionally, check if your employer offers flexible work arrangements or remote work options, as these may ease the transition back to work after baby. For idea of what to expect, ask friends how the return to work was for them, or ask your doula for tips and note what things they share to be helpful. No matter what, do NOT wait until the last minute to plan! As an expecting mom, you nor your sweet baby need that kind of stress am I right?!
2. Arrange Childcare in Advance
Finding suitable childcare is crucial when returning to work. Start researching different options such as daycare centers, nannies, or family members who can help with the baby, like ASAP. Schedule visits and interviews to make sure you choose a provider that aligns with your parenting style and values when possible. Here in the northeast Florida area, daycares often book up a year in advance, so getting on a “wait list” is imperative! If you’re local to Jacksonville FL, check out Montessori options, general daycares and in home nannies such as Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency or 904 Nannies! It's essential to give yourself plenty of time to find the right fit.
3. Establish a Routine
Babies thrive on flexible routine, so implementing one will help both you and your little one adjust when you return to work. Notice I mentioned FLEXIBLE in there?! Start by setting regular feeding and sleeping schedule based on when baby sends out hunger cues. Being flexible to learn & read your baby’s hunger and sleep cues can aid a balance between using the clock… AND your baby’s clock! Using both side by side to help you understand when baby is hungry and sleepy, together with getting educated on what’s normal and expected, can encourage a realistic flexible schedule, instead of an arbitrary “it’s not time to eat yet” schedule. You can even book an infant care/sleep specialist to help you develop this! Consistency will provide structure and stability for your baby, reducing potential stress during your absence once at daycare. It's also beneficial for you to establish a routine that incorporates self-care activities, such as light exercise or relaxation, to maintain your own well-being.
4. Communicate with Your Employer
Open and proactive communication with your employer is essential during this transitional period. Reach out well in advance to discuss your return-to-work plan, any accommodations you may need, and potential changes to your schedule. Create a plan together that allows for a smooth re-entry while addressing your concerns. In Florida, there are no statutes on this topic sadly. But all breastfeeding employees are protected by the federal FLSA's PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. Under this federal mandate, breastfeeding employees are entitled to reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) to pump at work for one year. Think about what options you need for milk storage while pumping at work as well! Honesty and transparency lay the foundation for a successful working relationship, so be open about what your needs are! The last thing you need is to miss out on something that can help make this transition easier, just because you were afraid to ask for it.
5. Accept Help and Delegate
Remember, it's okay to ask for help! Delegate tasks and responsibilities at home to your partner, family members, or close friends. Accept offers of assistance, whether it's preparing a meal, folding laundry, or watching the baby while you catch up on some much-needed rest. Sharing the load will alleviate some of the normal daily life stressors, so you and your partner can rest and care for yourselves and that sweet bundle of joy!
In conclusion, returning to work after having a baby is not an easy feat. It requires careful planning, emotional readiness, and support from loved ones. Remember, it's okay to feel both excited and anxious about this new chapter in your life. Allow yourself time to adjust, set realistic expectations, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Ultimately, finding the right balance between career and motherhood is a personal journey, and it may take time to figure it all out, so be open to changing the plan if that’s what’s best for your family. Above all, trust your instincts and remember that you are not alone. The transition may be challenging, but with perseverance, flexibility, and self-compassion, you can create a fulfilling and harmonious life as a working mom.
