Returning To Work: How to Prepare Yourself & What to Consider

Transitioning back to work after having a baby, involves significant change. With some planning and thoughtful communication, hopefully, the transition will be smooth for you and your baby. Below are some considerations to keep in mind when you are planning your return to work.

Set your return-to-work vision

Before talking to someone at your workplace, envision what you want your return to look like. When would you like to return? Do you want to return full-time, part-time, gradually increase your number of hours to your previous time, or only work on certain days? Also, do you envision yourself having the same responsibilities you did previously? This may be an ideal time to shift your work in the direction that you would like for it to go. Think about the challenges that you’ve had in the past with your work and if there are any changes that you want to ask for at this time. 

Consider childcare options

Consider how childcare will work with your employment. Is there a daycare nearby? Perhaps you want to talk to others who work at your place of employment to see if they know of good childcare in the area. Maybe you and your partner will work different shifts so that the need for childcare will be less. Or perhaps, you have a friend or family member who will be assisting with childcare. Explore your options before you talk to your employer. 

Make your breastfeeding plan, if needed

If you plan to continue breastfeeding while working, consider whether or not you will be able to have your baby with you to nurse or go to your baby when they need to nurse, or whether you will need to pump. If you are going to pump, do you have a place to do so in private, to clean and store the pumping supplies and a place to store the milk safely? 

Have a conversation with your employer

Once you’ve thought through the above considerations and have talked about them with your partner, plan who to have a conversation with at your workplace. It may be your direct boss or someone within the human relations department. You deserve to be heard and listened to. Although they may not be able to make all the changes you request, you deserve to have an open conversation about your return to the workplace. 

You have rights! Make sure you know them

If you are unsure as to whether or not you’re being given the appropriate protections after having a baby, seek additional support and learn more about your rights. This is not needed by most new moms returning to work, but it’s good to know that you have some protection under the law when returning to your previous place of employment. 

Take time to care for yourself

When returning to work, it’s important to consider how you will continue to care for yourself. It is easy to get incredibly busy with reengaging in work life again, and healthy eating, getting adequate physical activity, and getting adequate sleep, can easily be put to the side. However, these healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nourishing food, moving more, and getting restorative sleep are more important now than ever. Consider doing meal prep on the weekends so that you’ll have a plan for weeknight dinners that don’t take lots of time. Even if you used to work late into the night at home, try to set aside your work so that you can spend time with your family when you’re at home, and get a good night’s sleep.

Be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace.

Last, practice self-compassion. Returning to work can be challenging for many new mothers. Keep the lines of communication open with your partner or support person. Consider talking to other parents of young children you work with, too, as they may be excellent sources of advice. And remember that it can take a while to feel comfortable at work again and get back into the swing of things upon returning. Your life is now more rich as a mother, and you can bring an even richer life experience to your place of employment in your role. 

At Diana Health, we care about you and your growing family. We want your return to work to be as smooth as possible. Please reach out to us if there is anything that we can do to support your wellbeing during this transition. We are only a phone call away and have mental health professionals if you would like some extra support during this time.