Challenges of returning to work after having a baby
As if pregnancy, delivery, and the first few weeks with a newborn weren't enough, eventually maternity leave will end, leaving many challenges ahead on the road towards normalcy.
According to Parents magazine, it is easy for guilt to creep in over the decision to return to work. Although it will never be easy, some things can help ease this painful transition.
Consider starting childcare a week early to get yourself and the baby used to being separated from one another. Similarly, heading back to the office a few days early for half days can shorten the first few trips to the sitter to a more manageable size. Set the alarm early for the first week as well to help mitigate any delays that pop up in the new morning schedule.
Once the routine is in order, it can be tempting to take on too much too soon and sacrifice sleep and time with the baby to return to pre-motherhood performance. Popular blog Happy You Happy Family recommends saying no to extra work or after-work activities.
Practically, it would also make sense to think about the need to update work attire after going through nine months of pregnancy for fit as well as utility. For breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to have a plan for pumping throughout the day, and there should be dedicated times and places provided in which you can take care of this. If the daycare is nearby, you could even consider making a trip during a lunch break to avoid the necessity of pumping at all while snagging a few precious moments with your infant.
