Here’s How to Kill Your Transition Back to Work After Maternity Leave!

Just when you finally get your routine down is when it seems like maternity leave is over and it’s time to return back to work. Am I right? Ezra is 5 months old, and just last week I finally came to the realization that, “I’m actually doing this mom of two thing.” Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard work! But, I can finally get Eden fed and to bed at a reasonable time; yassss! I can also manage taking them both into the grocery store and going for mini outings. This is big, y’all! When I tell you I could not fathom the thought before, and would rather just arrange for my sister to come over, or for Matt to be home. This is progress. It doesn’t necessarily get easier, you just get better!

Werk it!

Every mom is a working mom. Let me tell you, my 4.5 months at home have been far from a vacation. My working mamas have a little more to juggle. You now have job #2, and the responsibilities on both ends require you to give your best. My maternity leave was so enjoyable! I got to bond with Ezra and Eden, so being at work for 13 hour shifts, 3 days out the week was not easy. Today I’m sharing some tips on things that have made my transition smooth, and have helped me get back into the swing of things!

Hold on, Before you Even Start

Find Child Care Early On This is at the top of the list for a good reason. Even before your maternity leave starts, talk to other parents and do your research. Having peace of mind while at work, knowing your child is in good hands is the only way you’ll make it through your shift. You have to start early to tour facilities and get on waiting lists. shWith my daughter we were on the waiting list for 7 months!

Get on a Good Pump Schedule My advice on pumping at work is to give yourself grace. Get on a pumping schedule that works. Pumping every 2-3 hours is going to be hard to keep up if you have a demanding job. Make a stock pile before returning to work to compensate. After returning to work is when a lot of moms say their milk supply decreased–this was definitely true for me. I recommend training your body to get on a manageable frequency so you will be used to the pumping times, and not experience a dip in supply.

Figure Out a Routine Get it together.. NOW. Get the details worked out on the logistics. Who’s going to do what. Are you doing drop offs or is your husband? What day is best for groceries? When is best time to meal prep? I know, it’s easier said than done. But a routine is so helpful when you have a lot on your plate. Once you have the routine together practice it weeks before you even return to work.

Meal Prep Make the time to cook in advance. It is a time investment upfront that will save you time and money later. No one likes coming home and looking for something to eat, on top of getting the baby ready for bed. Prep food for the baby as well. You’ll realize how much saved time you have once you make this a habit.

Get Ready the Night Before I mean get everything ready to go, down to the socks. Kids bags, pump bag, work bag, lunches, work outfit. All laid out like the first day of school. The morning should be just grab and go.

Have a Back Up Plan No matter how much you plan and try to prepare, anything can happen. Have a go to person you can call on if they call you from the daycare with, “your child has a fever.’ If it’s just you, talk to your job ahead of time on what to do if something like this were to come up.

You Set the Tone of your Return

Check in with HR/manager and Colleagues Confirm your return date from maternity leave. Figure what has to be done prior to arrival. I had to get a physical before I returned, as well as get return-to-work forms signed by my doctor. I also like to know what’s going on at work. Get a sense of the climate at work prior to returning. Get up to date with any new changes or policies. Be involved with making the schedule and see if you can work a half week if possible the first week back.

Make Your Needs Clear Everyone’s needs are different. For me, it’s making sure I get my time to pump. It is Georgia law for a woman to be allowed to pump for up to a year in a place other than a bathroom. Inform those who need to know about your pump schedule and be sure to stick to it. With Eden, I learned this the hard way as I watched my milk supply dwindle down. It would get so busy at work, and I would repeatedly miss my pumping times.

Learn to Say No Always keep it professional. Be realistic with your at home responsibilities when it comes to being ‘helpful’ at work. Tryin to being helpful and working extra weekend shifts for example, is just not going to work with your new normal.

Trust me, You Got This!

All of the emotions that you are feeling about being away from your child are completely normal. It’s so hard in the beginning leaving that precious baby in daycare and being gone all day. And for some of us, when we get off of work the kids are already asleep. When they get older they will appreciate the strong woman that you are. Keep their pictures close by. It gets easier, mama! xo