Having a baby is a very joyful experience. It also feels like a full-time job, now that the little one is completely dependent on you for every need.
As your maternity leave starts to come to an end, and it’s time to get back to work, it’s natural to start feeling anxious. After all, maternity break means you are with your baby almost 24/7. The thought of going to work and leaving the baby in someone else’s care can feel overwhelming.
Don’t worry, mommy. What you are feeling right now is very natural. All moms go through this when it’s time to go back to work.
Read on to find out how you can prepare yourself (and your baby) when you start working again after maternity break.
Dealing with the emotions you feel when it’s time to go back to work
Many mothers feel guilty about leaving the baby in someone else’s care. But know that ‘mummy guilt’ is very real and not only working mums but even stay at home mums have to deal with mummy guilt at some point.
Talk to people you trust or consult with health care professionals. Remind yourself that as your baby grows, he will appreciate a strong mom like you who took the time to focus on his career.
It is also natural to feel anxious for the baby’s safety. You may worry about whether the baby will be safe while you are gone. The best way to deal with this anxiety is to start planning ahead. Let the baby spend some time with alternate caregivers. Gradually, increase the time. This will help the baby and the caregiver bond and will also put you at ease.
You can also schedule regular baby check-ins. When you’re at work, you can call periodically to check on the baby or have a trusted loved one (like your spouse or family member) check in regularly. Just remember not to overdo it. Calling every 15 minutes is completely draining. It is best to talk to the caregiver and decide on a schedule.
Finding Reliable Alternate Childcare
When it comes to finding reliable alternatives for childcare, it’s never too early. You can start planning from different options like babysitting, home nanny, exchange with your spouse, a close family member, etc. The sooner you decide, the more time you’ll have to get used to the idea and feel less anxious about it.
Once you’ve decided who the caregiver(s) will be, try to get them involved as early as possible. If it’s a spouse, family member, or a nanny, you can include them on day one. With childcare, you may need to wait until the baby is a little older.
Make sure the caregiver(s) understand the baby’s needs and know the baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule. It is helpful to record these things in a diary so that the caregiver(s) have something to refer to when in doubt.
Source: ECDA
The continuation of breast milk for the baby when you start working
If you choose to breastfeed and want to continue giving your baby the benefits of breast milk, there are several ways you can continue to do so after you return to work.
If the nature of your job allows you to take enough time off to visit the baby and breastfeed, that’s great. If not, you can choose to pump and store breast milk. While at work, when this is the time when the baby is usually nursing, you can find a private place to pump breast milk. When you get home, you can take the baby to latch and feed as usual. This will help you maintain your breast milk supply.
For feeding and pumping on the go, nursing bras is a blessing. You can also wear nursing clothes and nursing tops while at work to facilitate the bombing.
Conclusion
The first step before planning to return to work is to believe in yourself and trust the decision you made. Go back to work with confidence and know that it doesn’t make you less of a mother. In fact, it just goes to prove that you are a strong mother.
While managing a baby and work at the same time can be stressful, remember to take regular breaks. Take some time for self-care and prioritize your health and well-being. Ask for help with household chores like cooking, cleaning, getting groceries, etc. to avoid surprise.
Know that as the baby grows, it becomes easier for other caregivers to care for them. Try not to worry too much, and stay happy. Remember that a happy mummy makes a happy baby!
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