Back to Business: 3 Things to Consider When Returning to Work

by | Oct 21, 2024 | New Moms, Support

The process of returning to work after having a baby can be tough. Some moms transition well into having this time to do what they love, while others find it excruciating to leave baby and spend hours each day at work. And some moms feel both ways at the same time.

I often come across this common situation: a new mother is confronted with the challenge of resuming work and feels uncertain about navigating this transition.

 

“How am I supposed to leave my baby in the hands of someone else?”
“I’m so exhausted, how am I going to have energy to work?”
“I can’t even keep up with the household chores as it is.”

“I’m looking forward to time with other adults, but I’m going to miss being with my baby.”

 

It’s not easy. And from experience, I know how tough it is to work and have a little one.

Toughest of all is the transition – going from taking care of your little baby all day and night to taking care of the needs of others at work. And don’t forget about taking care of your OWN needs!

Let’s break it down. This weekend, I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Katie Rider Mundey with She Thrives Psychology & Consulting during our Matters of Motherhood Sunday Chat.  Dr. Katie spoke of some important things we should all keep in mind when returning to work.
 
 

Expectations

When we transition back to work after having a baby, we have to take a look at our expectations, not only of ourselves but of our overall experience, including workplace and childcare.
 
After you have a baby, you are a new person. You have new values and priorities, you may not be able to work as many hours, and your workload may need to look different. Having expectations that work might look different is key in a successful transition. Be flexible and gentle with yourself.
 
Set expectations that will be within reach.  Give yourself breaks, have open communication with your superiors and prepare for childcare that you will be confident in.
 

Flexibility

Know that nothing is permanent. As you are preparing to return to work, remind yourself that if things don’t feel right or if they just aren’t working for your family, you are allowed to be flexible to change things up!

Often times, we put on this “I can do it all” mask – I can work just as hard as I did or I don’t want to ruffle any feathers. But in reality, it’s okay to express our needs to our superiors. If you need a break, more support, less responsibility, you are allowed to communicate those needs!

Being flexible with yourself is also key. Give yourself the permission to delegate tasks at home or in your personal life that just aren’t serving you as you transition back to work. Be flexible in your duties at home – if you need your partner to pick up some chores around the house one week in order for you to rest, feel confident in communicating that.

 

Be Open to your Emotions

Guaranteed, you will have many emotions about this transition.  Change isn’t always easy, and this one in particular may feel very hard.

Fear, excitement, hesitation, worry, relief…whatever the emotion is, welcome it.  Know that you are allowed to have two conflicting emotions at the same time.

You are allowed to be excited to get back into work and have adult conversations while at the same time terrified for someone else to be taking care of your baby.

You are also allowed to grieve the loss of the motherhood journey you have had so far.  This time at home, snuggling and taking care of your little, can be difficult to let go of and giving yourself space to grieve that loss is actually a good thing for your mental health.

We know it’s not easy to go back to work, but you have all the support from moms who have been in your shoes.  Reach out on our private Facebook page if you need some support or consider being paired with one of our Mom Mentors to some one-on-one support.

You’ve got this mama. Do what you need to do to make things manageable and fit into what you and your family need.

 

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