After weeks of being home with your newborn child, your maternity leave is coming to an end. Getting back to work can be stressful for some women. It may be difficult to spend time away from your baby. Yet, more than half of American mothers are in the workforce. Here are some things to think about for a smooth transition.
Get ready
Before returning to work, you’ll need to find a caregiver you trust. For daycare centers, watch and see how the children are treated there. You’ll also want to know the answers to the following important questions:
Realize that no matter who takes care of your baby, it will be tough for you and your baby to be apart from each other. Consider having your child spend time with his or her future daycare provider while you’re still on maternity leave. This will help both of you get accustomed to this new person. You can also consider visiting your baby during your lunch break to ease the transition. If you’d like to work from home a couple days a week, ask your employer about available flextime options.
Breastfeeding at work
Returning to work may also raise concerns about how you can continue providing your baby with breast milk during the day. Pumping your breast milk at work will maintain your milk supply and continue meeting your baby’s nutritional needs. You can introduce your baby to a bottle when he or she is 4-6 months old and breastfeeds well. Practice your new routine about two weeks before you actually return to work, so that both you and your baby will be ready for the changes to come.
Talk with your employer about your plans to pump at work. Many states have laws requiring employers to provide a private, clean location for women to pump as well as allowing mothers work time to pump. You’ll also want to consider how to properly store your breast milk. Breast milk can usually be stored at room temperature for four to eight hours, refrigerated three days or frozen for about three months. Ask your healthcare provider about breast milk storage guidelines that are appropriate for your climate.
Take it easy at first
Many experts suggest going back to work on a Wednesday. The shorter week is easier to manage and you can ease back into your work schedule. Staying organized and making to-do lists helps you feel more in control, both at home and at work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it—your partner can give you some much-needed down time.
One day at a time
Getting back to work after maternity leave is often a time of mixed emotions. Keep in mind that your healthcare provider can suggest resources, support groups and classes that can help you adjust to being a full-time mom and working woman. By easing back into your job, your family and well-being will be better for it.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Sources: AAFP.org, Census.gov, WomensHealth.gov
