Returning to Work after Maternity Leave
Making the Transition Back to a Job after Baby is Born
Feb 17, 2009
The length of a new mom's maternity leave can vary from company to company. Everyone's situation is different and the amount of maternity leave one can take can vary greatly. One common factor, however, is that eventually working moms have to return to work. While this transition is never easy, there are things you can do to make it easier on you and baby.
Consider these ideas to make the return to work easier on the whole family.
Plan Ahead for Meals After Baby is Born
While you are still on maternity leave – or even before the baby arrives – there are a number of things you can do to prepare for your return. Think ahead about the meals you will be eating when the baby arrives and when you return to work. If you do most of the cooking, start making meals ahead of time to stock in the freezer. When you are cooking dinner for your family, double or triple the recipes to make enough to freeze, or prepare several meals at once that freeze well, such as stews and soups, casseroles, and other meals. Then, once you go back to work, you won’t want to spend a minute longer than you have to in the kitchen making dinner.
Set up Day Care Prior to Returning to Work
If you haven’t already, be sure to set up the day care you’ll be using for your child. Find one that is local to your home or work place for maximum convenience. To find a good one, ask friends and neighbors for referrals and call around. Be sure to make an unexpected visit to the day care as well – it will be the best way to learn of the everyday happenings at the facility.
Consider Baby's Feedings While Working Outside of the Home
If you are planning to nurse your baby, think about whether you want to continue after returning to work. Will you breast feed in the evenings only, and give baby a bottle during the day? Or pump breast milk a few times during the day and use that to feed baby when you’re not around? Where will you pump and how will you store the milk? If you do decide to pump, be sure to purchase an efficient hospital grade pump and try it out while you’re still on leave to ensure that you know how to use it and are comfortable with the process.
Try on Work Clothes Before Maternity Leave Ends
Try on the clothes you will be wearing to work a week or two before you will be returning to work. Don’t be surprised if your pre-pregnancy clothes don’t fit – many women still wear some of their maternity clothes for several few months after giving birth. By trying on your clothes early, you'll have plenty of time to purchase a few new pieces if you need to.
Going back to work and leaving your baby in the care of others is not easy. However, by planning ahead, setting up day care, organizing your work wardrobe and cooking meals ahead, you can make the transition easier for the whole family.
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