It's never easy for any mom to return to work after maternity leave. It brings about several emotions, such as stress, guilt, and frustration.
Transitioning from having your baby as your center of attention and then suddenly having to leave them with a secondary caretaker to go to work needs an "intense physical and psychological adjustment," says Denise Rousseau, a professor of organizational behavior and public policy.
Despite such anxious feelings, there could also be some positive emotions that spring from the idea of going back to work. Some mamas are motivated to earn for their families, and some are excited about getting a sense of accomplishment and normalcy in their lives by returning to a career they once enjoyed pre-baby.
Regardless of how one feels about returning to work, it's important to prepare ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition at home and in the office.
Go easy on yourself
Before anything else, mamas should never forget to be gentle with themselves. Once you're back on the job, don't expect to be the same person you were before having your little one. Take things one day at a time, and give yourself some room to breathe and adjust to your new working situation.
Plan your schedule ahead
While transitioning back to work will be challenging for any mom, certain aspects can be manageable if a schedule is planned. Many workplaces currently offer hybrid work setups amid the pandemic, which can be an option you can consider.
For instance, moms who feel more comfortable working remotely five times a week can request such an arrangement, or those who need to report to the office can try to compromise for a three-day office work week while spending two days at home. While not everyone has this option, if you do, it is a great thing to consider so you can have your little one near you and somehow lessen your anxiety.
Breastfeeding moms must also plan their schedules to make time for those pumping sessions at work. Pumping on top of your daily work responsibilities could quickly drain your energy, so it's important to prioritize your meal planning ahead of time to ensure you have all the nutrients you need.
Set expectations with your boss and colleagues
It's important to let those you are working with know of your current situation. Be realistic about the amount of work you can take in, and work hand-in-hand with your team in reentering the workforce seamlessly and successfully.
During such a transition, communication is critical to ensure everyone is on the same page. Be clear about how and when you're available to work so that they learn how and when to adjust to your working situation.
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Don't go through your transition alone. Ask for support from other working mamas by asking for advice, or search for an online support community that can provide tips and hacks for working mamas.
At home, ask for help from your partner or family members in managing all tasks expected from you. Remember to take care of yourself and not take in all the responsibility alone. Ask for help when needed, and take things one day at a time.
Going back to work after maternity leave can be an overwhelming process, and that's okay, mama. All transitions take time, and emotions will come and go. Embrace them.
At the end of the day, the most important thing to do is pay attention to your needs as an individual and ignore other people's opinions on how you should be feeling or how you should be transitioning. Make decisions based on what you think is best for you and your little one.
Allow yourself to feel all emotions, both good and bad. Be proud when you feel accomplished at work, and embrace the feeling of relief when you know your baby is doing okay even when you are apart.
When you're with your little one, stay present, and appreciate the time you have away from work. Cherish your special moments together so that when you need to be apart, you can happily look back at these memories and look forward to having more of them.
