Pregnancy, childbirth and the first few months of motherhood leave you sleep-deprived, feeling like a milk machine, and irritable, thanks to those postpartum hormones. But nothing leaves you having a pit in your stomach quite like heading back to work after maternity leave. You’re arming yourself with the breast pump, finding the right childcare, and now gearing up for heading back to the workforce. As someone who has been there done that, I’m here to reassure you that you got this.
Learn to say no
Since you’re back, you might feel the need to overcompensate and do more. However, there is power in saying no. You don’t want to take on more, and then be stressed about your baby and work. If you’re someone who can’t say no easily, learn the power of delegation. You can say no to after-work drinks but remember once in a while it is important to go out.
Talk to your office mates and boss
Be honest and open with your boss about timings, flexible work hours and also with your co-workers. Give them time-frames that you won’t be available on the phone, for example an hour after when you just get home from work. Also, figure out where you will be pumping in the office, (if you’re planning on doing so). According to the Indian Maternity Act, a woman is entitled to two pumping breaks of half an hour each during her work hours. The more honest and upfront you are, the better it is for you to smoothly transition at work.
Trust your caregiver
It is hard to let go. After all, you’ve created this little human and now you have to leave her for a few hours in the care of someone else. If you have a nanny, ensure that you trust her in handling your little one, but not without taking some precautions. Ensure that there are nanny cams, she’s trained in handling emergencies, and your husband and you have a contingency plan.
Don’t give into Mom guilt
Mom guilt affects us all, and it is hard to assuage it. But remember that if you’re wasting all that time feeling guilty, you truly don’t enjoy the actual time you have with your bub.
Be prepared to miss the big moments
The first steps, the first word, all those important milestones are things you might miss out on and you need to be prepared for it. But trust me, your baby will do these things in front of you soon and you won’t feel that FOMO. You can get your caregiver or mother in law to record certain moments on their phone or do a video call so that you don’t miss out on everything.
Good luck mommas!
