Returning to work after your maternity leave is a significant milestone that brings in a mix of emotions, adjustments, and challenges for you to overcome. Having embraced the joys of parenthood for weeks, to re-enter the work-life it is essential to equip yourself with the emotional support, and helpful tools needed to navigate this process successfully. How can we make this process as smooth as possible both for us and for our little ones? With the right steps and the right products. Let’s see how we can manage this, just as comfy as a baby dosing off on your lap.
Seeking Emotional Support
After months of bonding with your baby and creating the warmest of memories as you experience the world together, it can be hard to have it in you to get back to the office. One of the most critical aspects of returning to work after your maternity leave is emotional strength. From the excitement of re-engaging with an old aspect of life to the anxiety of leaving your baby to another caregiver, this stage evokes a wide range of emotions, and having a strong system to back you up works wonders in this stage of life. To get yourself started, it is important to acknowledge these emotions and recognise that they are entirely normal. Surrounding yourself with a community who have been through the same can be a source of comfort. Whether it is talking to friends who are also working parents, scrolling in forums, joining a support group, or seeking guidance from a specialist, having people around you who understand your struggle makes a huge difference. When dealing with such an issue, it is just as important to reach out as it is to acknowledge the issue. Do not hesitate to reach out to your partner, family members or close friends, as sharing your feelings openly with those you can trust can help alleviate the stress, and reassure you that you are not alone in this journey. At work, it may be helpful for you to have an open conversation with your supervisor about your transition back to work. Many employers offer flexible working hours during this period, and having a slow adjustment can also be just as helpful in this process, to slowly balance out your work and family life.
Being Patient and Gentle with Yourself
Your patience and gentleness towards yourself in this process are key, as you adjust to a new routine that involves balancing many different aspects and this is no small feat, it is essential to give yourself grace during this time. After weeks of staying at home, you may feel like your focus is not quite where it used to be and you may feel more emotional. It is important for you as a new mother that these feelings are normal, and a part of the process. Allow yourself the space to adjust, without high expectations. Delegate tasks, lean on your support system, and please be aware that you do not have to do everything on your own. This period of your life can be a rough patch and every small win counts! Whether it is making it through the workday, or successfully expressing milk on a busy schedule, every win is a win and it matters. Do not ignore that you are putting in so much effort, and do not be too hard on yourself if things do not go perfectly. Just like everything, you will find your own rhythm with time and feel more confident in yourself to balance both worlds.
Setting Priorities and Finding Balance
Clear boundaries allow us to navigate this process smoothly. After identifying what matters most to you as an individual, understanding your priorities and planning your days according to them will guide your decisions and help you manage your time effectively. Establishing boundaries between work and home life also helps you achieve balance. Setting limits on work hours, creating a designated workspace at home, or ensuring that weekends are dedicated to family time sets clear boundaries. Managing your energy is just as important as managing your time. Raising a baby is both physically and emotionally demanding, and returning to work adds another layer of complexity. When possible, make sure to spare some time for your self-care, for taking care of yourself will make you more effective in both your personal and professional roles. From regular exercise to mindfulness practices, or simply taking a few minutes each day to relax and recharge, taking care of yourself always benefits you.
Utilising Helpful Products
With work life, the time we can spend with our baby dwindles and our peace of mind can get just as affected. During these times, certain products can provide us the peace and help to ensure our bond with our babies is not affected.
- Breast Pumps: A reliable breast pump is essential to ensure your comfort, especially during a possibly difficult time. From manual breast pumps to electric breast pumps, various types of pumps exist to provide the best for every mother, and with a small research you can find the best one for you just as well. To find the best breast pump for yourself, make sure to check our article on “How to Find the Right Breast Pump?”
- Milk Storage Bags: Pairing your breast pump with the best milk storage bags ensures that your baby has access to breast milk even when you are not home, and without losing any nutrients.
- Bottles: Bottles designed to mimic the breastfeeding experience can make feeding smoother for your baby, ensuring your peace of mind and the comfort of your caregiver. Easy-to-clean, BPA-free bottles and anti-colic bottles are the best for ticking all these boxes.
- Safety Gear: Safety comes first. A dependable baby monitor can help you keep an eye on your baby even when you are at work whether it is a traditional audio baby monitor or a video baby monitor one with live feed. Safety gates, latches and locks, and corner cushions also keep your mind at ease, preventing your baby from accessing dangerous areas.
- Activity Toys: Providing another source of fun, activity toys can help keep your baby engaged and content while you are apart. From sensory toys that stimulate development while keeping them entertained to comforting items like their favourite soft toy or blanket, these products can provide comfort, development and distraction all at the same time.
