Getting back to 9-5 Grind: Tips for New Moms Going Back to Work

When it came to deciding to return to work after giving birth, it was a big decision and a huge milestone in my life as a new mom. All the emotions range from excitement about being back in touch with the workforce to anxiety about leaving your precious little one in someone else's care. Just remember, you are not alone! Many moms, including myself, felt all the emotions when those 6 weeks were up and it was time to go back to work. In this blog post, I will try to give all the tips to help you navigate this transition with confidence and the peace of mind that everything is going to be great.

Plan Ahead:

The biggest key to a smooth transition back to work is to plan in detail. The more detail the better!!! First, create a detailed schedule that shows all the crucial routines you worked so hard during those 6 weeks to build. The best way I stayed organized and to my routine was help with this planner. https://amzn.to/3uyTPLe It made sure I tracked everything, to make sure I exactly knew what worked and didn't. This may include feeding schedules and nap time schedules. You will also need to include the times you plan on dropping off and picking up. This will help you along with your childcare provider and/or family members understand your baby's needs.

Build a Support System:

It's so important to make sure you have a strong support system in place. I could not have done it without the love and support of my husband. Do not be afraid to reach out to friends, family, and even moms in your circle who have been through similar growth. They can help provide you with very helpful advice, and emotional support, and some may even help with childcare when needed.

Ease into It:

Take your time. Your pace will not be the same as a fellow mom's pace. If jumping back full-time right away is too hard, talk with your employer and childcare provider and see if possible, there's an option to gradually return to work. Some examples of this are part-time hours or a shorter workweek for the first few weeks. Gradually increasing your time away from your baby can make the transition less overwhelming for both of you.

Select a Trusted Caregiver:

This by far was the hardest for me. When it comes to putting your little one in the care of someone else full-time, it is okay to check out all the daycares in your area. Don’t feel obligated to choose the first one you visit. Choose your baby's caregiver carefully, even if that means visiting the one you like multiple times. Whether it's a daycare center, a nanny, or a family member, make sure you have complete confidence in their ability to care for your child. Don’t be nervous or embarrassed to ask all those questions. It might even help to do regular check-ins, whatever you feel like you have to do, do it to help ease your worries. Just remember, daycares hire professionals, nannies go through a ton of background checks, and a family member has done this before. Trust your caregiver.

Create a Seamless Morning Routine:

Mornings are going to be hectic, especially when you have to get yourself and your baby ready for the day. One adjustment I had to get used to was my mornings were no longer for me. The hardest thing for me was to realize I could no longer do my morning gym workouts. I had to switch to a morning walk or run with my little one at home rather than the gym. This stroller is amazing for those morning runs! https://amzn.to/3N8IXdl. This one is also good but a little more affordable. https://amzn.to/4a4C1b4 Find what works best and try to establish a morning routine that helps minimize stress and gets you ready for the day. Try to prepare what you can the night before as much as you can. this can be from packing lunches to setting out clothes. These kids bento boxes I find to be the best lunch boxes ! https://amzn.to/3t4E0vw

Stay Connected:

One of the hardest things that made me upset thinking about going back to work was how I would still stay connected with my baby when I am away from him 8 hours a day. I feel it is very important to make an effort to stay connected with your baby during the workday. Some ways this could happen could be if you have the option to Facetime your baby during breaks or pick a daycare that sends you updates and photos throughout the day. This will make you feel like you still have that connection.

Self-Care is Non-Negotiable:

By far the hardest thing for me when I became a new parent, was self-care. Please don’t forget to take care of yourself!! Self-care is so important for both your physical and mental health. Make time for activities you enjoy, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet. Some of these might be taking walks on your lunch break to clear your mind and meal prepping to help you from ordering lunch every day.

Adjust Expectations:

Not everyone’s journey is the same, nor will every day be the same. Prepare yourself for some road bumps throughout your journey. There may be some days when your little one is more clingier than other days or just having a bad day. Understand it’s normal for days like this, but just stick with it because eventually you and your little one will get the hang of things.

Conclusion:

Just remember, returning to work as a new mom is going to be challenging both emotionally and physically, but practicing the right strategies and with a supportive environment, will be very manageable and rewarding. Your feelings and emotions are going to be tested and It’s okay to feel like that. There are plenty of moms like you who are going through the same feelings and emotions, you are not alone. Create a plan, build your support system, and most importantly take care of yourself. With these strategies, you will successfully navigate the transition and find the perfect balance that works for you and your family. Ultimately, it's about doing what feels right for you and your baby, trust your gut, and don’t give up!