Now that your maternity leave is coming to end you are probably torn with going back to work. Here are some tips for returning to work after having kids.

 

Tips for Returning to Work After Having Kids

The transition from maternity leave to going back to work will be tough for everyone. While some moms jump at the opportunity to get back to the office, others are reluctant to put their child into someone else’s care. Whatever your viewpoint is, you’ll have a wide array of new responsibilities as a parent. To help smooth the transition back to work, here are some tips that can help.

Be Gentle with Yourself

One of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to be patient and gentle with yourself as you arrive for your first day back at work. It’s normal to feel nervous and anxious about walking back into work, especially after maternity leave, so don’t feel afraid to give yourself some breathing space to help you settle back in. Make sure you don’t take on any major client meetings or presentations right away, otherwise your stress levels will go through the roof.

Choose Childcare Wisely

As much as some moms would love it, it’s simply not practical to have your baby sat next to you at work. This means you’re going to need to find the right childcare, so you know your little one is well cared for while you’re away from home. What’s more, you will feel more relaxed and productive at work. It’s wise to begin looking for childcare as soon as possible. Whether a grandparent offers to step in, or you like the idea of hiring a nanny, make sure you take your time picking the person for the job.

Keep Communication Lines Open

With a new baby to look after, you’ll have all sorts of responsibilities on your shoulders. While a lot of your focus will be on work commitments, your boss and colleagues need to understand that your children always come first. Make sure you have meetings with your boss before you return, as there will need to be some wiggle room in terms of start and finish times.

Make Time for Yourself

Looking after a baby is a full-time job in itself, so when you throw a 40-hour work week into the mix, having some time for yourself may seem impossible. However, when it comes to keeping your mental and physical wellbeing in check, there are things you can do to keep you going. These include taking time to meditate, getting enough sleep, and eating healthily.

Get Support

If you have a partner, you will need to sit down and have conversations about sharing the duties that come with having a child. If you cannot work remotely, there will be an array of household chores that will need to be done, so sharing the responsibilities will be another load off your shoulders. Make sure you speak to loved ones too as they may be willing to help in regard to looking after the house, childcare, and other duties.

Push Yourself

You may have used your maternity leave to reassess your situation. If you’re not happy in your job, don’t feel pressured into returning. Whether you want to do another role within the organisation or leave the company, you’ll need to prepare for job interviews alongside keeping your little one happy and healthy.

If you have been off work for the last 12-18 months due to having a baby, being away from your workload for so long may fill you with dread and anxiety about returning. To help you settle back in right away, make sure you follow the guidance above.