{"id":78739,"date":"2024-01-05T14:21:48","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T11:21:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog?p=78739"},"modified":"2024-01-05T14:21:48","modified_gmt":"2024-01-05T11:21:48","slug":"returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-6-tips-for-new-moms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-6-tips-for-new-moms","title":{"rendered":"Returning To Work After Maternity Leave: 6 Tips For New Moms"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm9\">Going back to work after maternity leave can be a big and stressful change. As time passes and the day you resume working again grows closer, you will experience many different emotions. Guilt, anxiety, excitement, indecision, and unease are just some of them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm9\">You might feel anxious about what working again would be like as a new mother. You might feel guilty about leaving your child in someone else\u2019s care.<\/span> <span class=\"tm9\">You may even worry that your child will develop a stronger bond with the care or experience separation anxiety when you leave them to go to work. <\/span><span class=\"tm9\">You could also be excited about catching up with colleagues and peers. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm9\">It sure is a lot to take in but all of these big feelings are perfectly normal. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm9\">Returning to work involves a period of adjustment for everyone, but believe us things usually settle down. Make sure to always keep that in mind and try to stay calm. Worry won&#8217;t get you anywhere!<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm9\">Working again is an individual decision dependent on many factors: Irrespective of the reason behind your decision, you should be prepared for a fresh start. Working as a new mother can bring to light issues such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm10\"><span class=\"tm9\">Getting used to new family routines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm10\"><span class=\"tm9\">Finding a good child care option.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm10\"><span class=\"tm9\">Balancing parenting and work.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm9\">In this article you will read 6 tips that might help you cope with your new chapter as a working mom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm9\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"be-gentle-with-yourself\" class=\"Normal tm8\"><strong><span class=\"tm7\">Be gentle with yourself<br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">You can be tired, frustrated, and full of self-doubt and that\u2019s okay. Feeling all these emotions doesn\u2019t mean that things will always stay this way. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">Always remember that the first few days and weeks represent a period of transition. So it is too early to reach any conclusions. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">During this phase, don&#8217;t neglect your emotions. Similar to the development and growth stages of your child, your negative emotions will soon subside. Be gentle with yourself and don\u2019t give yourself a tough time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/13-self-care-strategies-for-parents\">13 Self Care Strategies For Parents<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"plan-a-breastfeeding-routine\" class=\"tm8\"><strong><span class=\"tm12\">Plan a breastfeeding routine<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">Many women return to work while they are still breastfeeding. And according to e<\/span><span class=\"tm9\">xperts, working is not an obstacle for breastfeeding. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">To manage a healthy breastfeeding period, you should prepare accordingly. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"tm8\"><span class=\"tm13\">First, monitor your breast milk supply and then try to set up a breast pumping routine before starting work. Keep in mind that your supply will go through some changes when you return to work. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm9\">These tips will support you in breastfeeding your baby when you go back to work. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">You may notice a difference in your milk supply at the start because pumping is a big change from directly nursing. Your body will adjust to the new schedule over time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Bring a picture of your baby with you when you pump. Looking at your newborn&#8217;s picture helps with milk letdown and will make you feel connected to your baby when you are away from each other.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Be patient.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Allow yourself time to figure out what works and what doesn&#8217;t. It will take a few weeks to get used to the new routine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">You can talk to other working mothers to learn about how they cope with breastfeeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Ask your employer to support you by providing you with a quiet place at work to express breast milk and allowing you adequate time to pump.<\/span><strong><span class=\"tm7\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"share-responsibilities\" class=\"tm8\"><strong><span class=\"tm12\">Share responsibilities<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal\"><span class=\"tm9\">Everything in life becomes far easier when you share the load and responsibilities.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">If you have a partner, task sharing is an important step to discuss before you start work. This will minimize chaos at home and knowing that you are supported by your partner will help you cope with hard emotions.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">You might want to discuss what will happen when you go back to work. You can:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">List the needs of the baby.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Decide on how you will share responsibilities.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Determine who will take time off if your baby gets sick.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Talk about how you will share domestic chores such as shopping, cooking and cleaning.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/how-to-handle-housework-with-a-baby-9-tips\">How To Handle Housework with a Baby \u2013 9 Tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"seek-support-from-family-friends-and-professionals\" class=\"tm8\"><strong><span class=\"tm9\">Seek support from family, friends and professionals<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">Leaning on your friends and family for support can help make the transition back to work much easier. They can provide you with useful advice and support when you need. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"tm9\">It also helps to connect with other mothers since you&#8217;ll relate to them more when it comes to their experience of returning to work after maternity leave.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"tm8\"><span class=\"tm13\">Always keep in mind that whether it is your partner, family, friends, co-workers or health care providers, people want to help:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Having a baby can cause changes in mood. It is important to stay conscious of your needs and accept support from your environment. Be<\/span><span class=\"tm9\"> as healthy as possible so you can provide the best care to your new baby.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Talk to your provider if you think you may be experiencing postpartum depression. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">If you are having trouble with your milk supply, contact a lactation specialist. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">If you are anxious about leaving your baby with a caregiver, ask one of your close friends or any family member to spare some time and watch your baby while you are at work. <\/span><span class=\"tm9\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"learn-your-rights-at-work\" class=\"tm8\"><strong><span class=\"tm9\">Learn your rights at work <\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">All states have guidelines that outline how employers should support new moms upon their return to work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"tm8\"><span class=\"tm13\">You should check your state&#8217;s laws for details. The following are some points that will support your back-to-work transition.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Employers should provide a space for moms to pump. Consider mentioning your plan to pump to your employer weeks to months in advance of your due date. This will allow your employer time to prepare a comfortable space for you. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Employers should provide break times for pumping. Pumping can take about 10 to 15 minutes once you get used to the routine. For some, it may take longer. Talk to your employer before your due date so you can agree on a schedule.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Touch base with your employer a few weeks before you return to ensure they are prepared for your time and space needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/stay-at-home-mom\">How To Thrive As A Stay At Home Mom \u2013 10 Simple Strategies<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"set-up-new-family-routines\" class=\"tm8\"><strong><span class=\"tm9\">Set up new family routines <\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">Going back to work means you should arrange new family routines to accommodate this new chapter. Start by talking to your partner about your responsibilities and roles. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Make changes before you return to work. For example, you could start your new child care routine a week or so before you go back to the office. This can help ease the transition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Talk with family, friends, and other caregivers about your plans. Other people might have ideas for saving time or might be able to help you spot potential problems before they arise.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Ask your work colleagues how they made the transition back to work.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">If possible, plan on working fewer days or shorter hours for the first couple of weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm8 tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Think about who might be able to help you in practical ways. For example, family or friends might agree to register their details with your child care service so they can pick up your child if you\u2019re held back at work.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"Normal tm9\"><strong><span class=\"tm7\">R<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm9\"><strong>eferences:<\/strong> parents.com, todaysparent.com, babycenter.com, nct.org.uk, hbr.org, whattoexpect.com, raisingchildren.net.au, mayoclinichealthsystem.org, <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Going back to work after maternity leave can be a big and stressful change. As time passes and&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":78740,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[164],"tags":[1560,1555,1556,1564,1566,1562,1553,1559,1561,1565,1567,1557,1558,1554,1563],"table_tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78739"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78739"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78739\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78749,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78739\/revisions\/78749"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78740"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78739"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78739"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78739"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=78739"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}