Going back to work after a baby is never easy. These tips will ease the transition.
How do you make the most of this time off so you’re ready and rested when it’s time to resume a schedule?
Organize Your Life Before the Baby
Your maternity leave is not a great time to catch up on life. Taking care of yourself and your newborn will fill up your day. If possible, take time off before the baby to take care of appointments, stock your freezer and organize your house.
And if you don’t get to it? Don’t worry. Most things can wait.
Take Off As Much Time As Possible!
I’ve spoken to many women–teachers, secretaries, business owners, and business leaders. So many have regretted going back to work too early. I never met a woman who regretted taking off too much maternity leave. Each week you take off is an investment in your emotional health.
In recent years the state has extended Maternity leave and family bonding times because they recognize its importance. Many employers have also softened to the idea that women need time to recover after a baby.
Lower Your Expectations
Yes, you have time off from work. In ambitious moments you may be tempted to try those complicated recipes you’ve never gotten to or organize all the closets in your house.
Don’t pressure yourself. It’s just not worth it. Taking care of yourself and your baby is your priority. And caring for a newborn takes So. Much. Time!
Test Run Your Babysitting Arrangements
Leaving your baby is hard. Do your research carefully. If Baby is in good hands, it will make the experience much easier for you. Start researching early, even months before going back to work. Then do a test-run with the babysitter a few days before returning to work. It will make back-to-work day much smoother.
Attentively, you may decide to leave your baby home with a trustworthy housekeeper (and video cameras).
It’s Not All or Nothing
If the thought of returning to work overwhelms you, consider going back part-time initially, or doing a hybrid of work in the office and work from home. This can make the transition a lot easier.
Shortcuts are Cool
We all know how important cleaning help, take out, and homework helpers are. It’s sanity-saving after a baby. But more than that: it’s about a shift in mindset! So many things can slide! It’s not cool to be the superwoman with fresh challah on Friday morning after a sleepless night with a newborn and no cleaning help. Playing superwoman always comes with a catch. A woman I admire once told me that she doesn’t take out a mixer for the first year after a baby. I thought that was cool!
Be Your Own Cheerleader!
In today’s society so many Moms work that it’s become almost normal and almost expected. But the juggling act really is very difficult! You may have to be your own cheerleader. Keep telling yourself how amazing you are for doing it all. And go easy on yourself when some balls inevitably drop.
You Feel Better When You Look Better
Get your sheitel set. (You can have someone else pick it up for you.) Don’t stress if your old clothing doesn’t yet look right. Pick up some new pieces or even borrow from a sister or a friend. But make sure you have clothing that you feel good in.
Take Care of Mommy!
Self-care is all the buzz, but don’t let it become just another thing to check off on your to-do list (get manicure on Friday morning before the kids’ bus). You know yourself, and you know what you need–whether it’s a nap, exercise, or leaving the dishes in the sink while you read a magazine on the couch. Don’t let your own needs fall aside!
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