This archive report was first published on 12 November 2019.
Rejoining the workforce after maternity leave can be a daunting experience for many working mothers. The first days back to work can be the toughest, regardless of whether you're resuming office duties or rejoining the workforce years after your child was born.
Leaving your baby at home, perhaps with a nanny or caregiver, for eight to 10 hours straight can trigger anxiety. The sound of another baby crying, mention of a name that resembles your child's, or even the thought of what you could be doing together if you were at home can be overwhelming.
Published on November 12, 2019, these tips can help make the transition easier:
Plan Ahead ¶
Be it meals, outfits, baby's outfits, or work and home-related tasks, planning ahead is crucial for peace of mind. Write down an exhaustive list of everything that needs to be done on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and schedule when you will perform each task.
Get Reliable Help ¶
Take the time to hire and train a capable nanny. Involve your partner in childcare and household responsibilities. Don't try to do everything; having too much on your plate will only stress you.
Stay Connected ¶
Make it a habit to call your family at least once during the day to find out how things are. This can help calm your nerves and provide an unbiased report of how things are at home.
Inform Your Co-workers and Supervisors ¶
Keeping your workplace informed about your situation is essential. Be it flexible working hours or an emergency cropping up at home, if they know in advance that you are a parent, it makes it easier for them to excuse you.
Make Time for Yourself ¶
One thing that's essential for working mothers is 'me time.' You need personal time to recharge and destress. Make time away from family life and work, even two hours every weekend, for your favourite activities.
