Many women spend years establishing themselves in their career, building up their identity and becoming comfortable in that world. When she adds on to her identity by becoming a mother, life changes for her. The choice to return to work can be a difficult one to make. Whether it’s for financial reasons or simply because she enjoys working, many women do go back. Thirty-six percent of new mothers return full-time, and 17 percent return part-time.
Getting back into a work routine postpartum can be an immense transition. It’s natural at first to be constantly thinking about and wanting to be with your newborn. Worrying that they aren’t with you can feel emotionally draining. Nevertheless, here are a few helpful tricks to ease your way back into your job making you the woman boss you know you are and the wonderful mother you’ve just become.
Take it Slow
As you start to go back to work, take everything one step at a time. Spend your first week getting caught up to speed and making sure you’re in the know on what’s been happening while you were away. Sit down with your supervisor to make sure that you are both on the same page. While they will expect you to put 110% effort into your job, they’ll also understand the need to ease back into the everyday routine. This a good opportunity for the two of you to figure out the full capacity of the return. Will there be any limitations or days/times when you are unavailable? Plan this discussion as early in advance as possible.
Talk to Your Human Resources Department
Another important step for your return is to set up a meeting with human resources. Here, they will discuss all the important steps with you. At this meeting, you can set up your official return date, and plan for any special accommodations including a private room to pump in if you’re breastfeeding. They may have paperwork for you to complete during this time as well. Rely on them when you have issues or need help to figure out the appropriate work-life balance for you personally.
Focus on Caring for Yourself
Your emotions will likely be out of sorts during this time. Your priority will shift towards focusing on your newborn and caring about their wellbeing more than your own. It’s important for your mental health to take care of yourself as well. Spending time prioritizing self-care, even in simple acts, will help you feel like your best self. This is a feeling you’ll want before you return. Buy new professional clothes that fit well and a comfortable nursing bra that will give you the support you need at work all day. Refreshing your hairstyle could give you a boost of confidence you need as well. Even a few minutes spent focusing on yourself only helps keep you in the best frame of mind for excelling at your career.
Ask for Help
It’s true it takes a village to help raise a child. A few extra sets of hands are helpful when you’re trying to balance being a career woman, supermom, and yourself all at once. Arrange a childcare provider whether that is a daycare or a nanny, well in advance of going back. You will want to become comfortable and familiar with them ahead of time. Running background checks and/or contacting a potential candidates references is never a bad idea. It’s like hiring an employee, as you’ll want to make sure you choose the right fit for both you and your child.
Find Your Circle
Finding other moms at your office who have gone through this process before, can help immensely. They’ll help give you advice for getting through the tough times because they’ve been there before. Grab a cup of coffee with your new circle or set up a playdate for your children. They can help you forget about the stress of balancing it all to have fun for a few moments.
As you make this shift, know that you’re not alone. Your coworkers, family, and friends will all be there to lend a helping hand so long as you’re not too full of pride to ask them for help. As immense as this transition can be, many successful career women have gone through this before you. They’ve come out of it as a better employee and mother, and guess what… you will too.
