Going Back To Work After Maternity Leave
Being away from your newborn for the first time
Many moms experience a mixed bag of emotions as they prepare to return to work after maternity leave. While you may be looking forward to resuming your career, it can be heart-breaking to leave your new baby for the first time.
The shift from being at home to going back to work is a combination of physical, mental and emotional challenges. Instead of letting your anxieties overwhelm you, acknowledge the emotions and find practical ways to put your mind at ease, so you can enjoy your last few weeks at home with your baby.
Practical Ways To Prepare Yourself Mentally
Returning to work involves a number of logistical changes. Decisions need to be made about baby’s care and changes to your daily routine and responsibilities. Talk things over with your partner or another support person. If they live with you and the baby, the changes will impact them too. Ask for advice, and perhaps a different perspective on these challenges, so you can work together to make the change a positive one. Sharing your concerns can help you cope better with stress.
Plan For Baby’s Care
Emotionally, it can be very distressing to place your baby in the care of another person. How will baby adapt to the change? Will the caregiver understand baby’s needs?
What you can do: To alleviate some anxiety, whilst on maternity leave, arrange to leave your baby with the caregiver for a few hours at a time, possibly over several days. This is helpful for everyone and can bring you some peace of mind before your return.
Make Schedule Changes
Another stressor for moms returning to work is a big change in the daily schedule and a change of pace. Getting yourself ready for the workday while attending to baby’s morning needs can be very stressful.
What you can do: Acknowledge that routines will change. Think about the positive aspects this will bring. For example, a better financial situation and strengthening your career. These have positive benefits for you and your family. Do a morning trial run the week before your return, to iron out problems.
Reconnect At Work
You may be concerned about fitting back into your team, changes that may have taken place in your absence, or if your job has been handled effectively. Added to these stressors may be concerns around balancing a full workload with your new family responsibilities. Going back to work during the pandemic can also cause concerns about your baby’s safety.
What you can do: Schedule a meeting with your boss or HR officer to reconnect. This can help break the ice and bring you up to speed on any important changes. It’s also a good time to check on any changes in COVID-19 protocols and if any concessions can be made to assist you in keeping your newborn safe. If you are going to express breastmilk at work, check with them if there is a dedicated space for you to pump in privacy. This is your legal right according to the labour act.
Anticipate Setbacks
No matter how well you plan, there will be bumps in the road. Instead of focusing on what can go wrong, focus on strengthening your resilience, the ability to cope when things don’t go as planned.
What you can do: Build a confidence mindset. Find a mantra or affirmation which speaks to your values. When your mind turns to negative thought patterns, replace them immediately with your positive affirmations. For example: “I can do this, “I will embrace this change”, “I’m a great mom” or “I’m good at my job”.
Another practical way to help alleviate anxiety is to practice mindful breathing. If you feel anxious, stop a moment and monitor your breathing. Take a deep breath through your nostrils, hold for two counts, then exhale through your mouth for four counts. Continue monitoring each breath for several minutes. If you find your thoughts wandering, gently bring them back to the present and concentrate only on your breathing. Continue until you feel more relaxed.
If you haven’t yet had your baby, our article, Taking Maternity Leave, can help you prepare mentally for this change.
Resources: https://www.verywellmind.com/; https://www.indeed.com/ https://psychologychartered.co.uk; https://www.thebalancecareers.com/; https://ggia.berkeley.edu/; https://mywage.co.za/
