Returning to work after maternity leave can be very emotionally difficult and physically exhausting. Here are some tips to make the transition a little bit smoother.
1. Plan ahead by grocery shopping and making some freezer meals over the weekend.
2. All hands on deck. Ask your partner to go to work a little bit late to help you and baby get out the door.
3. Make sure the breast pump, breast pump bag and breast pads are ready to go and practice using that pump if you haven’t already.
4. Make sure bottles are sanitized and ready for feeds.
5. Frame a picture of sweet baby for your desk or workspace. Sure you have his cute mug on your phone, but a framed picture will allow you to see him more often.
6. Ease back in if possible. Maybe start in the middle of the week so the weekend is not so far away.
7. Meet with your boss on the first day so you are clear on expectations and up to date on what you missed.
8. Do a dry run to practice getting up early and out of the house. Some daycares do a practice day. Take advantage of the few hours that she is at daycare by trying on your work clothes, and maybe buying some new ones that accentuate your new figure. (Remember it took 9 months for your body to produce your baby. It takes time to get back to pre-pregnant status).
9. Get in the habit of putting your purse, wallet or work bag in the back seat with your baby. Start this from day one. Nobody ever thinks they will leave their baby in the car all day, but it happens. In sleep deprived states, we operate on auto-pilot. Your routine was always to just drive to work. Now you have the child care stop on the way.
You got this! Remember those deep breathing techniques to keep you calm so you can take care of yourself first!