Returning to work after having a baby – what to expect?

The birth of a child is an exciting time. Whether it’s your first child or you’re adding to the family, your little one’s arrival is unforgettable. You catch yourself wanting to soak up every moment so you don’t miss a second. Between feeding, sleeping and playing, the days can seem endless. And yet time seems to pass so quickly because it’s time to head back to the office soon enough.

Returning to work after having a baby is a challenge for most women. Be sure that if you are afraid to return to work after maternity leaveyou are not the only one. Returning to work after having a baby is a huge change and it can take time to adjust to the new responsibilities and rhythm.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect when you return to work after having a baby so you can prepare yourself emotionally and physically for this new period in your life.

Request a phased return to work

For a new mom, the thought of immediately returning to a 40-hour work week can be overwhelming. From the fear of missing out and feelings of guilt towards the mother to the delay in physical recovery after a traumatic birth. as a result of injury, returning to work as a new mom is a time filled with emotions. When you have so much to do, the expectation that you will immediately get back to work and pick up where you left off can seem like a daunting task.

This is why we highly recommend requesting a phased return to work. This is what many companies offer to employees returning after a long absence to make it easier to get back to work. For example, you can start with half-day work twice a week and then gradually build up. The amount of work you do and how quickly you return to your previous work patterns can be agreed between you and your employer. But the most important thing to remember is that you have to do everything at your own pace.

Returning to work can be both emotionally and physically challenging for women who have had a baby, so work slowly and gradually.

Request more flexibility

We don’t need to tell you that being a mom is a full-time job in and of itself. So it’s no surprise that adding work to this mix can be a challenge. If going back to your pre-pregnancy full-time work schedule you just can’t now, consider requesting more flexibility. You can ask work at home part-time, work flexible hours, share work with another person on your team, or propose a new work schedule that better fits your schedule.

Flexible working hours are a must for most parents. Between nursery and childcare, your baby’s medical needs, and the added complications of breastfeeding or pumping, it can often feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. A flexible work schedule can really help alleviate any anxiety you may have about returning to work. Therefore, it is important to talk to your manager about the flexibility available to you so that you can balance both your personal and professional ambitions.

Ask for a place to pump at work

Not every mother can or wants to breastfeed, and this is a choice every mother must make for herself. However, if you are breastfeeding, you may want to consider how your return to work will affect your breastfeeding schedule. According to NHS, “you will most likely be breastfeeding when you return to work.” Thus, preparing for this possibility in advance will help ease the transition.

We recommend that you speak with your employer in advance and organize a quiet place in the office where you can pump during the day. If you need to pump at work, be sure to let your employer know so they can set up space for you. Bathrooms should not be considered as suitable rooms for pumping out.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Being a new mom can be an exciting time, but it can also be a time full of challenges. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with loved ones who can support you through the ups and downs of parenting and cheer you up every step of the way.

We believe that the right support is especially important when you return to work. Returning to work is a huge change for the whole family, including the child, so it’s no surprise that you’ll need as much support as possible.

Having close family members and friends with whom you can talk about your feelings and ask for advice can be very comforting. And if you feel like you could use some specialist support, always reach out to your therapist, who will gladly point you in the right direction.

Be kind to yourself

When it’s time to get back to work, it’s easy to assume that everything will fall into place and you’ll just pick up where you left off. But this is not reality. If you’re struggling to get back into the work world or enjoy taking on a new challenge, adjusting to work again will be difficult. Therefore, it is important to be kind to yourself. Be patient and give yourself time to adjust. You’ve gone through so many changes – emotional and physical – so it’s no wonder you need a break from time to time. Just remember to do everything step by step.

Final words

Remember, if you’re afraid to return to work after having a baby, you’re not alone. There are so many new moms who feel the same way. So, be kind to yourself. Returning to work after having a baby is a big change. However, we hope the tips in this article will help make this transition a little easier for both you and your child.