That precious time with your newborn, filled with sweet yawns and cozy cuddles, is such a special season. It can feel like a big shift when it’s time to return to work–because it is! You might find yourself feeling a mix of excitement to jump back into your career, alongside some guilt about leaving your little one, not to mention the exhaustion from balancing both worlds. Just know that you’re not alone in feeling this way! Getting back to work after having a baby is a significant journey, but with a bit of preparation and self-compassion, you can navigate this transition smoothly. Let’s explore some tips to help make getting back to work easier for you and your little one!
Establish a New Routine
You can help quell any anxiety you have about returning to work by planning ahead! In the weeks before your return, create a more structured daily routine for both of you. This routine could include setting up feeding schedules, nap times, and even a “getting ready for work” routine to avoid feeling rushed on your first days back. As you move through daily activities in the days leading up to returning to work, make a list of everything you and your baby need throughout the day—you can share this with your childcare provider to ensure a smooth experience as they take over caregiving responsibilities while you’re away.
As you outline your new schedule, consider carving out special time dedicated to bonding with your child. It’s natural to feel a little pang of separation after spending so much time together, and it can be easy to get caught up in work tasks after time away. So, remember to prioritize that quality time—you both deserve it!
Talk to Your Employer
Clear communication with your employer will make your return to work much smoother! If you can, consider starting part-time for a little while before jumping into full-time hours. If part-time isn’t an option for you, discuss what kind of flexibility and support would be helpful for you during your transition back. Flexible hours and options for remote work can be a huge help for parents with newborns at home.
If you’re breastfeeding, talk to your employer about where and when you can breastpump at work. Remember, employers are legally obligated to provide a private space and adequate break time for this. To make mornings easier, consider packing all your pumping supplies the night before, and don’t forget to plan how you’ll keep things cool!
Find Childcare You Trust
Returning to work after having a little one can feel overwhelming, but a solid childcare plan can ease your mind. Knowing your child is in safe and caring hands while you focus on your job can boost your confidence and set you up for success! Start planning your childcare well in advance; this gives you enough time to find the perfect fit for your family. If you’re considering daycare, think about how the drop-off and pick-up routines will fit into your work day. If you plan to hire a nanny, this guide has some tips on finding a wonderful caregiver for your baby. Depending on your situation, perhaps a part-time babysitter is a better fit!
Getting an early start on your childcare search allows you to do a couple of practice runs with your new provider. You’ll have more logistics to manage as a parent, so it’s a great idea to practice your new morning routine before heading back to work. Try taking a few trips to daycare with your child before your first day back. If you’ve hired a nanny or babysitter, invite them over to spend time with your child while you go through your morning rituals. This time will help you refine your routine and is a lovely way for your nanny and baby to bond and become comfortable with each other. While practice won’t necessarily make “perfect” when a newborn is involved, you’ll feel much more confident and at ease leaving your child with a caregiver with a few trial runs under your belt!
Normalize Your Emotions
Returning to work after having a baby can evoke a mix of feelings—excitement about reconnecting with your colleagues, guilt about leaving your little one at home, and sometimes sheer exhaustion from juggling work and parenting. It’s normal to experience this emotional rollercoaster, and chances are you’ll find yourself cycling through these feelings (and many more) several times during your initial days back. Remember to be kind to yourself through this process. Acknowledge and validate your emotions; it’s okay to feel a bit overwhelmed at times! Give yourself grace during this transition, and take it one day at a time. You’ve got this!
Prioritize Self-Care
We know this is easier said than done for parents with newborns, but it really is essential! Life may feel overwhelming, but getting enough sleep, enjoying nutritious meals, fitting in some gentle exercise, and especially having a little fun can help lower stress and give you the energy to tackle parenting challenges head-on. Practice setting boundaries at work and in your personal life that allow you to care for yourself well in these ways. And remember, self-care doesn’t mean solo-care! Reach out to friends and your community, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed! Consider checking out a parenting group. It’s an excellent way to connect with others in the same boat, share experiences, and learn together!
Focus on Balance, Not Perfection
As you settle into your new routine, remember that perfection isn’t the goal (nor is it even possible)—it’s more about finding a balance that works for you and your family! Here are some helpful tips for how to make your transition back to work as easy as possible long-term:
- Set realistic expectations: Remember, you’re no longer the pre-baby version of yourself at work. Adjusting your expectations and prioritizing tasks to accommodate your new normal is perfectly okay. You might not be able to juggle everything like before, and that’s totally fine!
- Try time management techniques: Dive into strategies like time blocking or task prioritization. These can help you make the most of your work hours while carving out precious moments with your baby.
- Focus on quality over quantity: It’s natural to feel a bit guilty about spending less time with your little one, but don’t let that weigh you down. Remind yourself why you’re working—to provide for your family! Concentrate on making those moments with your baby special, rather than just counting the minutes.
- Celebrate small victories: Whether it’s a successful pumping session, a productive workday, or a joyful moment with your baby at the end of the day, take time to acknowledge and celebrate those little wins. They add up and can lift your spirits in the challenging moments!
Get Back to Work After Baby with Jovie’s Help
Are you excited to return to work after welcoming your little one? Jovie is here to lighten your load! Our experienced childcare professionals are passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest in childcare education through our ongoing training. We know how important it is to find the perfect match for your family, so we take the time to connect you with nannies who genuinely understand the needs of newborns. Plus, you won’t have to worry about background or reference checks—we handle all that for you! Let Jovie help you find the perfect nanny today, so you can confidently get back to work and back to baby!
