Like many first-time moms, I entered maternity leave with dreams of being incredibly productive during my time away from the office. I pictured myself keeping a spotless home, staying on top of laundry, preparing exquisite dinners for my partner every evening, organizing lunch meet-ups with fellow stay-at-home moms, capturing beautiful photoshoots with my newborn, enjoying long strolls with our pet, and fitting back into my pre-pregnancy outfits before returning to work.
I thought my experience at a prominent law firm had prepared me to handle sleep deprivation and manage extensive to-do lists with grace. My partner even joked about it being my “vacation,” playfully asking how I planned to spend all my free time. Did you chuckle at that? I just did. WHAT WAS I THINKING? If you’re a new mom, or a mom of any kind, take a deep breath and adjust your expectations for maternity leave—then probably lower them even further.
If I had the chance to redo my maternity leave, my to-do list would look something like this:
- Bond with Your Baby.
Amidst the feeding, burping, and comforting your newborn, take the time to bond and understand your little one. Discover their preferred way of being held or swaddled and what their cries signify. Just remember, this can change at a moment’s notice, so relax and embrace the process. - Prioritize Physical Healing.
You’ve just given birth to a human being. Slow down. I made the mistake of hosting family gatherings shortly after my daughter’s arrival, which led to me snapping at loved ones due to exhaustion and discomfort. Be kind to yourself and carve out time for recovery—this may mean declining visitors or handing the baby over to someone else for a much-needed nap. - Embrace the Mental Shift.
Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, adjusting to your new reality takes time. Hormones can complicate this process, so allow yourself the grace to take however long you need. - Welcome Assistance.
I didn’t write down “ask for help” because I struggled with it. However, I found it beneficial to accept help when it was offered. My mother stayed with us for two weeks after the birth, assisting with chores and the dog, while neighbors brought us meals for a month. It’s tough to seek help as a new mom, but accepting it can significantly ease your transition. - Redefine Productivity.
Babies aren’t concerned with your to-do lists. Their only priority is your undivided attention. While some babies may be great sleepers, others might keep you awake. I had to let go of my expectations and focus on the essentials—ensuring the baby is healthy and the dog is fed. It’s okay if your home isn’t immaculate or dinner isn’t prepared. - Prioritize Sleep.
A couple of weeks into motherhood, I broke down realizing the sleepless nights were far from over. I had been accustomed to functioning on limited sleep during my law firm days, but there was always a weekend to catch up. With a baby, especially if you’re nursing, survival depends on seizing any opportunity to sleep. - Cherish the Cuddles and Record the Moments.
Our little girl has grown so fast, and many days feel like a blur. However, I love being able to look back at videos of her adorable newborn yawns.
So, whether you’re just starting your maternity leave or wrapping it up, the best advice is to relish every moment with your baby. The dishes can wait. When you return to work, you’ll forget about the laundry that didn’t get folded or the meals left uncooked, but you will always remember those sweet snuggles. For more guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination and consider tools from Make a Mom for your journey. Also, make sure to review our privacy policy at this link.
Summary:
Navigating maternity leave can be overwhelming for new moms. It’s essential to adjust your expectations, prioritize bonding with your baby, focus on physical recovery, embrace mental adjustments, accept help, redefine productivity, prioritize sleep, and cherish every moment. Remember, the housework can wait; those precious baby cuddles are what truly matter.