How to Make Returning to Work Easier After Having a Baby

Many new mothers find returning to work after having a baby to be a traumatic experience. They may find themselves overwhelmed, overworked and under appreciated at home yet when they have to go back to work it can get even worse. Returning to work after baby is rarely a pleasant experience but it can be made more enjoyable if you are prepared.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Have reliable child care lined up. If you are comfortable with your child's caregiver it will be much easier to feel comfortable going back to work.

2. Do a trial run. The week before you are due back at work, go through the motions. Get dressed, get baby dressed, pack all the things you and your baby will need for a typical day, drop the baby at the babysitters, then instead of going to work do something constructive for a few hours, perhaps you need to go to the supermarket or even have a manicure.

3. Try a half day if possible. Many new moms cannot fathom being away from their new baby for an entire day. They may have been with baby for 6 weeks straight, and then suddenly be expected to leave for 10 or 12 hours, this can be extremely overwhelming. If you can swing it, try working only a few hours a day until you and baby get into the new routine.

4. If you are nursing, start pumping. You should pump a supply of breast milk and begin letting Dad (or someone besides you) introduce the bottle.

5. Remember happy parents produce happy babies. If you are comfortable with your decision to go back to work and comfortable with the childcare you have chosen, chances are your child will thrive and so will you.

[grouch]

on 1/4/2008 I wish I could be at home all the time with my children and it is so hard to leave them the littler they are. Thanks for all the tips and being comfortable with the caregiver is key.