Returning to work after having a baby can be a tough transition. We make it easier for you with these smart tips. No matter how prepared you think you are for your return to work post baby, the first few weeks (and even months) back can pack quite an emotional and physical wallop. Our tried-and-true survival guide—with tips from moms who’ve been there, done that—will help you navigate this challenging transition.
Take baby steps. After weeks of sweatpants, stroller pushing, and nursing, jumping back into the world of work clothes, commuting, and conference calls can be jarring. Find out if a more gradual transition is feasible, such as slowly increasing the number of days at the office or working part-time for a few months. Try doing a little work from home during your leave,—answer emails, conduct online research—which may help you feel more on top of things once you’re back, says Kathleen Huggins, RN, coauthor of Nursing Mother, Working Mother. And drop by your workplace once or twice after your baby is born, either with pictures or your little one herself in tow, so you can catch up on company news and allow your colleagues to meet the new addition to your life.
Seek nursing support. If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need to pump two or three times every workday to maintain a steady supply of milk for your baby. If you don’t have a private office, ask your supervisor if you can use an empty room with a door that locks. Also consider talking to HR about establishing a lactation room for all the new moms in the office. “You shouldn’t feel ashamed of providing a meal for your baby,” says Andrea Serrette, a former IBM employee and coauthor of The Milk Memos. It’s perfectly reasonable to take pumping breaks at work; in twelve states, there are specific laws related to breastfeeding in the workplace. (For more information, contact La Leche League, a breastfeeding advocacy group.)
Remember that milk flow is more abundant early in the morning, so try pumping at home after the first nursing of the day. That way, you’ll have a few extra ounces to give to your caregiver or to store in the fridge for the next day.To help your baby get used to the bottle, Huggins says, start alternating between breast- and bottle-feeding when she’s three or four weeks old. Also, let other family members pull bottle duty occasionally, so your baby gets used to being fed by someone other than you.
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