There is nothing quite like that first morning back to work after your maternity leave.
And if you haven’t experienced it, it’s hard to explain.
After our son was born, I dreaded my return to work.
I needed something, but at the same time, the thought of leaving my son was heart wrenching.
My first day back to work, I set out everything I would need.
I sat in the rocking chair in his room staring at that perfect little face and cried.
You may feel more anxious
You’re being thrown into a completely new environment.
You are a new person now, and it can be challenging to find your groove again.
Many new moms experienceseparation anxietywhen leaving the baby for the first time, especially all day.
Call your partner or daycare whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
Another way to avoid some anxiety is making abackup childcare plan.
Babies and caregivers get sicka lot.
check that you have a plan B all lined up for when this happens.
Ask your in-laws or neighbors if they’d ever be able to help out.
Talk with your OB if you’re concerned aboutpostpartum depression.
However, even easing back in can feel foreign.
First, be gentle with yourself.
You just created a human being!
It’s okay if you need a little transition time.
Make a list of all of your responsibilities and ask for help when you need it.
And remember you’re probably doing a better job than you think.
“I’m a better boss now that I’m a mom,” mother of two Sue HermanntoldParents.
Leaving your baby will be painful
It doesn’t matter how much you love your job.
Leaving your new baby for the first time feels unnatural, and there’s a physical reason for that.
After you give birth, your brain isflooded with hormonesto help you bond with your new baby.
It’s this intense bond that makes being apart so hard.
In between pumpings and feedings, your breasts may leak milk.
Everyone is different, so it could be a few drops or it could soak through your shirt.
Our bodies start to produce milk when the hormone oxytocin is released.
Therefore anything that triggers that oxytocin rush could also cause leaking.
double-check you’re being gentle with yourself.
Your body will be depleted from sleep deprivation, so take care of yourself.
Pack nourishing lunches and snacks to get you through the day.
Sign up for a gentle yoga class.
Practicing self-care is one of the best things you’re free to do for your baby.
Remember that working doesnot make you a bad mom.
Find special time throughout the week just for you and baby.
Studies show that simply looking at pictures of their babies helps mothers feelless anxious and less depressed.
You may feel a bit relieved and that’s okay
We humans are social creatures.
We need human connection to live our best lives.
It’s important for everyone,especially new mothers, to get that contact that we all crave.
After being home with a new baby, it’s natural to need to get out of the house.
You may even look forward to seeing your work friends and going to the bathroom alone.
Take advantage of your new social time.
Stop by the coffee shop and grab a latte.
Make lunch plans with coworkers.
Relish in the new adult time.
You’ve earned it!
Your follow-up visit will most likely be about six weeks after delivery.
Assuming that everything is healed, you won’t need another OB follow-up appointment for a year.
Your new baby on the other hand is a bit more high-maintenance.
While some pediatricians offer evening appointments for working parents, these time slots go quick.
check that to schedule the appointment far in advance so you might coordinate the time with work.
Talk to your partner about who will be able to take off work for the appointments.
That bond is just too strong.
However, many women are having to leave their babies earlier and earlier.
Women are returning to work sooner, so the transition can be even more difficult.
Texas Optometrist Erin TaylortoldTODAYthat she returned to work just two weeks after her daughter was born.
“People thought I was absolutely crazy,” said Taylor.
“But I was, like, you tell me: Who’s gonna pay the bills?”
In the United States, the average maternity leaveis just ten weeks.
No matter how long your maternity leave is, focus on taking care of you and your baby.
Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this new world as a working mother.
Remember, you’re doing so much better than you think.
