Taking Maternity Leave

What you need to know to prepare yourself mentally

The practical aspects of pregnancy planning focus on the baby, but for the mom-to-be, preparing for this new chapter is an emotional transition too. You may be excited to meet your baby, but you also know that your life is about to change.

Contemplating change can be stressful, with a myriad of emotions, some unexpected and even conflicting. You may be looking forward to motherhood, but you may also worry if you’ll be a good mom, what this means to your relationship with your partner and how parenthood will impact your career. Some women look forward to taking a break from work and the responsibilities of corporate life, but for others, a complete change of routine can be daunting.

Preparing for these changes and working through your emotions can help make your transition to motherhood a positive one.

Prepare Yourself Mentally

Here are some ways to help prepare yourself mentally as you make a change from working women, to being home with your new baby.

Career On Pause

• Acknowledge your anxieties. You may be worried about your job, your replacement or perhaps you feel guilty about taking time off. Your work has been a central part of your life and these feelings are completely normal. Talk it over with your partner, a friend or a trusted colleague, to process your thoughts and put your mind at ease.
• Consider the bigger picture. If you are concerned about job security, focus on the fact that the law is on your side. You are entitled to four months maternity leave and you cannot be dismissed because you are pregnant. You may not receive your full salary or be able to claim UIF for the complete period, but you are entitled to take the time off, even as unpaid leave. You also have the option of taking a shorter leave, but you can only return to work six weeks after your baby’s birth.
• End on a high note. Tie up loose ends and aim to complete outstanding projects. When you do leave, you’ll feel more settled and less likely to worry about things back at work. If possible, take a day or two to help transition your replacement into their new role.
• Shift your sense of identity. Many women find identity in their careers and worry that this will change. Embrace your new role as a mom with a positive attitude. The break from work is a temporary one. You may return to work with a new sense of purpose, but you will return, ready to take on new challenges.
• Think about your return. Does your company offer maternity benefits? Do you plan to take all your leave? Will your company consider a part-time transition back? These are the more practical aspects of maternity leave, but very important to consider. If you haven’t yet considered the application for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) maternity benefits, contact your company HR’s department for assistance with the process. Our article, Going Back To Work, deals with the emotional side of returning to work, so do look out for it in this month’s e-newsletter.

Focusing On Motherhood

Maternity leave provides you with time to ease into your new role as a mother. It’s the right thing for your baby and will help to build and nurture the bond between you. This foundation is essential for your baby’s development and wellbeing.

• Plan to make the most of it. Don’t underestimate your newborn workload. Your days and nights will be filled with feeds, nappy changes and taking care of your baby. You also need time to rest and recuperate after the birth.
• Connect rather than disconnect. Taking care of a newborn can be very isolating, especially if your partner works outside the home. COVID-19 social distancing adds to this sense of seclusion, as you stay home more to protect yourself and your baby. Prepare now by connecting with friends and family on social media, so you (and them) can get used to any new technology.
• Find your go-to person. This is someone you can call on in a pinch, when you need to unpack your feelings, or chat over a cup of tea. It may be your partner, but it could also be a trusted friend or other family member.
• Becoming a mom can be stressful. Psychological issues like anxiety, the baby blues and post-natal depression (PND) are common after childbirth. Maternity leave gives you the time you need to adapt to big changes in your life, without the stress of fulltime employment. Plan to prioritise self-care during your post-partum period.

Staying home with your baby will be a complete change in your daily routine, and it’s completely natural to feel apprehensive about how you will adapt to the change. By giving yourself time to consider your thoughts and work through the emotions, you can make the transition a positive one.

Resources: https://www.sheknows.com/; https://www.nct.org.uk/; https://hbr.org/; https://apresgroup.com/; https://www.parents.com/; https://www.labourguide.co.za/; https://www.panda.org.au/