Going Back to Work After Having a Baby
Although many moms will agree that “maternity leave” often doesn’t feel like a leave at all due to your new role and its many responsibilities, there comes a moment when moms want to go back to building their careers. It’s yet another part of your identity, and as such, it’s perfectly natural to crave that feeling of professional accomplishment, but being a mom often makes those emotions a mixed batch.
You might find yourself feeling guilty, preoccupied with those “baby thoughts” at work, constantly tired from adjusting to yet another change of routine, or simply dreading how you’ll cope with all of it. The good news is, it’s all a natural part of the adjusting process, while the simple truth is that everyone has their own tempo. Hopefully, these tips will help you cope a little better with restoring your professional life and make the transition a little smoother.
Focus on support
Being a mom is a full-time role, especially in the first several months of your baby’s life. As such, it’s often overwhelming, and it comes with a steep learning curve even for moms with more than one child, since every single bundle of joy has their own temperament and different needs you need to master. All of that paired with a restored career means that you should look for all the help you can possibly get, and in every possible shape and form.
It truly takes a village, so don’t hesitate to talk to your friends and family if you have any concerns. Talk to a psychologist to give you a few tips on how to adjust depending on your specific situation. Develop a strong support system overall to make your transition as simple as possible.
Find your baby’s safe haven
Many moms feel guilty for going back to work simply because that means leaving their kids in a daycare, especially when there is no option for a family member to care for them at your own home. However, your decision to start working is a constructive and a rewarding one, that will only enrich your role as a mom, so you can do your best to make peace with this decision and find the most suitable solution for it.
For instance, many Australian moms look for an early learning centre to provide their kids with the safest, healthiest environment where they can grow and develop. These institutions are reliable, and they have an engaging teaching system that helps kids make friends, learn, and have tons of fun in the process.
Face your emotions
Those emotions of guilt, second-guessing, and upset will not go away on their own, even after you talk to your spouse and find a great daycare for your baby. These complex, often contradictory emotions need to be dealt with directly, so you need to give yourself the time to adjust, and the patience to find your pace.
Take a few moments every day to remind yourself that your decision to go back to work is a positive one on so many levels. You’ll be an excellent role model to your kids, you’ll keep growing as a person, which will, in turn, make you a better parent, and you’ll contribute to the financial stability of your family, among many other things.
Take baby steps
Depending on what you do for a living, some moms need to make the switch a “cold turkey” one, while others can actually make it a more gradual experience. If it’s at all possible, do your best to choose the latter: talk to your supervisors, or clients if you’re a solopreneur, explain your situation and tell them that you’d appreciate going back to work by working flexible hours or as a part-time engagement rather than immersing yourself in a full-time role in a heartbeat.
You can divide your hours by working from home and at the office, or spending a few days at the week working entirely from home. Make a schedule that will help you adjust and deal with the separation anxiety that comes with the territory.
Strive for a balanced life
Finally, the elusive notion of balance is somewhat of a mission impossible for new moms. You’re probably overwhelmed with your love and care for the new family member, and as a result, you will likely neglect your own needs.
As you go back to work, you may experience a lack of energy, focus, or exhaustion from doing your best to be a full-time mom and a full-time employee. In addition to slowing down and defining your schedule to make the transition easier, you should also consider including a few healthy activities solely for you – whether it’s a weekly yoga class, or starting to meditate in the evening, as long as it helps you heal and adjust, you should definitely do your best to incorporate it into your day.
Article written by Sara Solomon. 
Sara is a writer from Sydney, Australia. Love to dance, smile, having a good time with the people she loves. Most of her time spending with her kids and little dog Zoi. She takes them in all her adventures. Passionate about everything she does, and because of that all her articles are unique.