Y Talk: Transitioning Back to Work after Having a Baby by Brittany Nissley

If you’ve recently had a baby, you may have experienced just how quickly the maternity leave goes. It’s unclear which goes faster – the maternity leave or your baby’s growth! For many mothers and families, returning to work after maternity leave is not very easy.

Common feelings for mothers returning to work after maternity leave may include guilt, relief, stress and exhaustion. Making the transition from staying at home to returning to work smooth and easy may seem impossible, but it isn’t! There are several suggested things you can do to ease the transition.

For starters, communicate with your boss ahead of time. Make sure there is an open line of communication and expectations are set before returning to work. Will your hours be the same? Is there any flexibility? What will you do if your baby gets sick? See if starting back part-time and slowly increasing your hours is a possibility.

Secondly, have child care set up ahead of time. Many centers will allow you to tour their facility before enrolling. Call around, do several tours and pick the best center for your family. Or, make sure there is a family member/friend that is available to watch the baby. Another tip that most people don’t consider is having a backup child care option BEFORE you need the backup child care option.

Third, bring some baby with you! Take in pictures of your baby and display them at your work area.

Throughout all of this, don’t forget about yourself. Neither job will be performed well if you are too tired or too stressed to function. Make sure to get rest, exercise and throw some “me time” into your week!

It’s essential to plan ahead when it comes to your child’s care, especially when balancing work and family responsibilities. Having reliable options for childcare is key, and ensuring you have a trusted backup is often overlooked. Whether it’s a daycare center or a family member, it’s crucial to have a system in place that works for both your schedule and your child’s needs.

For infants, this could include researching centers that specialize in infant care, as these facilities are equipped to provide the individualized attention that babies need during their early development stages. It’s also wise to have a backup plan, whether it’s a neighbor or a close friend, so you’re never caught in a bind when unexpected events arise.

We currently have openings in our Child Care Center. Please contact me (Brittany Nissley, Child Care Director), for more information regarding our infant classroom. Let us help you make your transition easier!

-by Brittany Nissley, Child Care Director​