Top 5 Tips for a Successful Transition After Maternity Leave

Heading back to work after you have a baby is one of the hardest things new mothers face. After having a baby we all feel tired, busy, mentally and physically exhausted, spread thin as it is, so how on earth will we have the capacity to add another full time job into the mix? This thought alone is daunting and then when you add in the guilt, fear and heartbreak with thought of leaving your new little one it feels so completely overwhelming. It is hard, there is no way to sugar coat that! You will need to figure out systems and routines that work best for your family. It can be manageable and successful.

After supporting thousands of families through this transition, here are the top tips for a successful transition after maternity leave:

1. Plan ahead! Start thinking about your transition back to work during your pregnancy. Do not stress about it, but plan for it. How many weeks or months will you have off What will your days look like when you return to work? Will you be allowed to work from home part-time? Start figuring out those logistics.

2. Enjoy your maternity leave. I know this is easier said than done, BUT let others help with chores, tasks, cooking and ALL the things so you can spend as much time as possible with your little one. Recruit your family and friends to help and if possible hire support to fill in gaps. Postpartum Doulas specialize in supporting families during this special time and will be an incredible resource. If you enjoy this time then heading back to work may not feel quite as overwhelming.

3. Set realistic expectations. Setting realistic expectations for yourself, your baby and your family will help you to understand this time and also help you to be gentle on yourself. Giving yourself the grace to recover, rest and bond with your little one will make all the difference immediately and in the future. I highly encourage every family to learn as much as possible during pregnancy to get a true sense of what is to be expected and what is normal. I encourage all expecting families to read books, listen to podcasts and take birth, baby and breastfeeding classes during pregnancy. Knowing what is normal will not only help you to have an understanding, but it will also help you to make plans. This will help you plan for the return to work!

4. What is your feeding plan? If you plan to continue to nurse after you return to work, then you MUST integrate bottles sooner rather than later. Please speak with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) about this plan, but typically integrating at least 1 bottle of pumped milk per day starting around the one month mark will help your little one take a bottle. I have seen so many families introduce a bottle the week or weekend prior to their return to work and it can be stressful and unsuccessful. It adds enormous stress to an already very stressful situation.

5. Find systems that work and stick to them! The first month or so postpartum often can be a blur as there are so many things happening and changing. Your only job during this time is to rest, recover and bond with your baby. Once you are feeling ready, start experimenting with systems that you can put into place to make things a bit more manageable and consistent. Nothing extreme, but figuring out when you will shower, eat, cook, do laundry, check emails, have time for yourself, spend time with your husband or partner, go for a walk, exercise and head to bed can make a huge impact on not only accomplishing these things, but alleviating the stress about making these things happen. Your schedule will of course change dramatically when heading back to work, but you will already be used to creating consistent routines so this will be less overwhelming.

Bonus Tip: Consider Hiring a Nanny. Nannies are able to provide consistent care to your little one/ones as you transition back to work. They can cook meals and help with household chores like laundry or grocery shopping, while watching your children. Read below to learn more about nanny care from Sommet Nannies.

Finding the right nanny for your family can be tough!

Sommet Nannies is a boutique nanny placement agency that specializes in connecting college-educated caregivers with busy, professional families. Their nannies are energetic, dynamic, and uniquely suited to meet the growing needs of the modern family. Whether you are seeking a loving caregiver for your newborn or an experienced after-school nanny that excels at homework help, Sommet Nannies will find your unicorn.

Personalized Support: Hiring a nanny provides families with personalized care and support tailored to their specific needs during the postpartum period. Nannies can adapt to the family’s routine, offering assistance with feeding, diaper changes, and soothing techniques.
Flexible Schedules: Nannies offer flexibility in scheduling, allowing parents to rest or attend to other responsibilities while ensuring that their baby receives consistent care. This flexibility is crucial for parents who may be recovering from childbirth or managing other children in the household.
Smooth Transition to Work: For parents returning to work, a nanny can assist in easing the transition by ensuring a smooth and loving environment for the baby. This support can reduce the stress associated with balancing work responsibilities and childcare.
Consistent Care: A nanny provides consistent and individualized care for the baby, fostering a sense of security and routine. This stability can contribute to a positive postpartum experience for both parents and the baby.
Household Assistance: Beyond baby care, nannies can help with light household tasks, such as laundry or meal preparation, easing the overall workload for parents and allowing them to focus on their own recovery and bonding with their newborn.
Reduced Stress: Overall, hiring a nanny can significantly reduce the stress and demands on parents during the postpartum period, allowing them to navigate the challenges of parenthood with more support, confidence, and peace of mind.