Just when you start feeling comfortable with the newborn routine—like mastering those onesie snaps at 3 a.m., establishing nap time rituals, and maneuvering the stroller through every coffee shop doorway—it’s time to return to work. Some new moms can’t wait to ditch their sweats for professional attire, while others are heartbroken to leave their little ones behind. Many of us experience a blend of both feelings. Balancing the demands of a job with sudden pangs of separation anxiety, all while caring for an infant, can be quite challenging.
My guiding principle for returning to work is “manage expectations.” This means setting realistic expectations for your colleagues and, more importantly, for yourself. Here are five tips to help ease your transition back to work:
1. Schedule Pumping Breaks
You’ll likely have a few crucial daily meetings with your breast pump and hands-free bra (a true lifesaver!). Before heading back, block out 30 minutes in your calendar for pumping sessions in the morning, midday, and afternoon. This way, you won’t end up with back-to-back meetings that leave you no time for pumping. And trust me, you might worry about unexpected interruptions; keep a nursing cover in your pump bag for a little extra privacy just in case.
2. Embrace the Mixed Emotions
When co-workers ask how you’re doing, you might find yourself smiling and saying, “It’s great to be back!” while internally battling feelings of separation from your baby. Don’t worry, it does get easier! You’ll also relish the chance to enjoy a hot cup of coffee, engage in adult conversations, and share the brilliant ideas that popped into your mind during those late-night feedings. Sometimes those sleepless nights can spark creativity!
3. Harness Your Productivity
You might find that you become more efficient than ever. Moms who need to leave on time for daycare or to relieve the nanny often develop an incredible ability to prioritize tasks and get things done swiftly. As noted in an insightful essay by Sarah Thompson, founder of CareerMoms, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” This is why many employers value working moms on their teams.
4. Secure Reliable Child Care
Having trustworthy child care is crucial for your success at work. If you’re constantly worrying about your baby’s well-being, or if your babysitter is frequently late, it can hinder your performance. I had an experienced nanny all lined up before returning, only to hear just days before that she had asthma issues. Thankfully, everything worked out, but it reminded me that even the best plans can change unexpectedly. “It’s always a work in progress,” a friend once told me, and she was right—things can shift in an instant.
5. Tackle Morning Chaos
Mornings can be a whirlwind. Between feeding, changing, and playing with your baby, getting yourself ready can feel like a challenge. To simplify things, consider using tech hacks to remember outfits that work well together. Take photos of your favorite looks for easy reference. Keep a bouncy seat in your bathroom to entertain your little one while you blow-dry your hair—confidence can make all the difference. And hey, invest in a salon cape to wear over your work clothes to protect them from any baby mess.
No matter how organized or composed you appear, expect that each day will have its ups and downs. From dependable child care to your “supermom” cape, having your support systems in place will help ease your transition.
For more insightful tips and wisdom from working moms, check out this other blog post here. You might also find valuable information about enhancing your chances of pregnancy with boost fertility supplements or an excellent resource for pregnancy at CDC’s infertility FAQ.
Summary: As new moms return to work, managing expectations, scheduling pumping breaks, embracing mixed emotions, securing reliable child care, and tackling morning chaos can significantly ease the transition.