After Maternity Leave: Making The Transition Back To Work

By Kimberly Redison

After Maternity Leave: Making The Transition Back To Work

You've carried your child for nine months. You've experienced the joy and excitement of childbirth. You've also spent the last few months bonding with your infant. Unfortunately, the time has come to return to work and leave your baby behind. It's a difficult transition to make for any new parent; it can be emotionally devastating. Not only will you want to stay with your little one, but you're likely to be nervous about what to expect.

In this article, we'll offer useful advice on preparing to return to the workplace after enjoying your maternity leave. We'll explore making the decision, planning to breastfeed, and finding the time to get everything done.

Making The Decision

Even if you know you want to return to the office after your maternity leave ends, be open to making that decision after you've spent time with your newborn. Many women decide early that they want to go back into the workplace, yet change their minds once they have bonded with their babies. Other women can't fathom leaving their little ones behind until they have spent an entire three months at home.

Also, make a list of the things that are important to you and your partner. Prioritize them. For example, you might enjoy certain luxuries, such as eating in fine restaurants. Your career may be important to you. On the other hand, you might be willing to sacrifice those things in order to stay home with your little one.

Planning To Breastfeed

Breastfeeding your infant gives her access to protective nutrients that are unavailable to her otherwise. If you're staying home, you'll have the flexibility to nurse her whenever she's hungry. After you return to the workplace, doing so will become far more difficult. You'll need to plan your schedule carefully. Work with your manager to schedule time during which you can express milk (plan to set aside thirty minutes). Also, make sure there's a refrigerator in which you can store the milk.

Getting Everything Done

New mothers are often anxious of letting details fall through the cracks. This may be the reason they're so efficient as multitaskers. Having said that, you can reduce your stress and frustration by delegating household duties to your partner and children. Make a list of the individual tasks for which each person is responsible. Create a schedule on which those tasks should be completed. Then, be flexible and don't expect perfection. Your household can run smoothly if you communicate openly and place your faith in your family.

After your maternity leave ends, you'll need to decide whether returning to work is the right decision for you and your family. As noted, it will likely be a difficult decision to make. You'll feel pangs of guilt and wonder how any mother could leave her infant. That said, if you decide to go back into the workplace, stay organized and stick as closely as possible to your new schedule. - 30525

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