Your first few months as a parent are filled with getting to know your infant, creating a parenting schedule and sleeping whenever possible. However, just as you’ve settled into your new life as a parent, everything is rearranged once again as your maternity leave is nearing its end.
Returning to work after maternity leave brings many emotions. While you may be excited to begin working again and contribute to the family’s income, you’re likely hesitant to leave your infant for the first time. The following are four tips to successfully make this transition while minimizing the stress it can bring.
Begin with a Half Week
Jumping into a full work week directly out of maternity leave often brings stress, worry and guilt. Rather than taking on more than you can handle, ease into the transition by working a half week or by only going to the office for half days during the first week. This allows you to slowly adjust your schedule without as much stress while your infant becomes acclimated to the childcare setting. Working half days for one or two weeks may also allow you to stretch your maternity leave a little longer before transitioning back to fulltime.
Don’t Overload
Often, mothers returning to the workplace feel they must prove their abilities by taking on large work projects during their first few days back on the job. Unfortunately, this often leads to overload between parenting duties, lack of sleep and workplace stress. Avoid taking on more than you can handle by working on a few minor projects until you’ve readjusted to being in the workplace.
Maintain a Schedule
If there’s one thing that can help you to maintain a sense of sanity between parenting and working, it’s a schedule. By creating a weekly schedule for everything from meal times to errand-running, you’ll know what to expect at each turn which will reduce stress. Of course, infants are unpredictable in many ways, especially when it comes to sleeping, so a little flexibility is also necessary.
Discuss Breastfeeding Policies
If you are breastfeeding, discuss any arrangements that must be made with management before your maternity leave ends. By knowing how many breaks you’re allowed each workday for pumping and by knowing which office area is designated for this activity, you’ll have fewer uncertainties when returning to work. This discussion with management will also ensure that any adjustments in office settings are made prior to your first day back on the job.
Becoming a parent brings many joys but it can also bring worries when transitioning from maternity leave back to the office. By easing into the transition and by creating a manageable schedule, this transition will be an easier one without as much stress.
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