Working mom woes? Follow our tips for going back to work after giving birth
If your family finances demand that you’re to become a working mom, you’re more than likely planning your return to work while navigating a rollercoaster of emotions — from feeling guilty and anxious to excited and motivated. How do you manage your working mom work-life balance? If you’re wondering how to plan, what to say and what to ask your employer, our tips for going back to work after giving birth will help you.
Checklist
1. Choosing the right daycare
To help ease any working mom daycare guilt, do your research and make sure you’re happy with the childcare you have in place. When choosing childcare, ask around for recommendations, perhaps pay the premises a “surprise visit”, check reviews on them and, most important of all, trust your gut! If your mind is at rest, you’ll be able to more easily concentrate when you’re at work.
2. Requesting flexible working
If you can handle a reduction in your salary, you could ask your employer about job share, or reducing your hours or days. If that’s not an option, then put in a request for flexible working. You could ask for your hours to be staggered to fit with your childcare needs (an earlier start and an earlier finish, for example) or home working. Employers won’t want to lose good employees, so it’s in their interest to consider your request carefully.
3. Working moms: handle your work colleagues
If your working hours have changed, or you’ve reduced your working week, make sure your team realise that. Tell them all so as to manage their expectations and to ensure you don’t feel pressured into doing overtime or taking on tight deadlines that you won’t realistically be able to meet. When prioritising your workload, remember to take into account your working hours. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels too tight or suggest more realistic deadlines.
4. Control working mom anxiety
Don’t be hard on yourself. This is going to be a massive change for you, so accept that it’ll take some time to adjust to your new routine. It could be good to ease yourself back into working to get into the swing of things. Ask your employer about a phased return. You could do reduced hours or days for the first month, for example, to ensure both you and your child are coping and happy.
5. Seek out working mom support
Whether it’s a friend that’s in the same boat, working mom co-workers or a working mom support group, seek out a network of people you can talk to when it’s all getting too much, answer any of your questions, and basically sympathise with your situation. Don’t bottle up how you’re feeling. Your partner and family will also want to support you however they can, so don’t be afraid to shout if you need help.
Related articles
How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Amazing news! You’re expecting your first child. But what can you do to emotionally prepare for parenthood?
3 mins to read
7 Changes During Pregnancy
You lament, “I’m not myself anymore!” With a blossoming belly, comes crazy physical changes.
4 mins to read
Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labour checklist
You probably think it’ll be obvious when you go into labour, but it isn’t always what you see in the movies. Here are a few signs of labour to look out for.
1 min to read
Your maternity leave and maternity pay checklist
It might seem a while away, but once you’ve made your pregnancy announcement, it’s a good idea to begin maternity leave preparations and find out if you’re entitled to maternity pay.
2 mins to read
The 6 Best Apps for Couples in Pregnancy Mode
We’ve tracked down 6 apps to help you and your partner make the most out of this exciting stage in your life.
1 min to read
Planning a diaper party checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party. Whether friends or family are planning a diaper party for you, or you’re doing it yourself, here are some diaper party ideas to get you started.
2 mins to read
Children’s names help
Need children’s names inspiration? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favourite, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet junior face-to-face.
2 mins to read
Getting your child's nursery ready
Preparing your child’s nursery is a fun job to do before your bundle of joy arrives. Here’s a nursery list to help get them settled in at home.
2 mins to read
What to pack in your hospital bag
Time to think about what to pack for your new child — including that special going-home outfit — and for yourself, as well as what you might need for breastfeeding.
3 mins to read
How to Cope with First Trimester Anxiety
Suffering from first trimester anxiety? You’re not alone, 1 in 10 pregnant women experience this pregnancy symptom in their first trimester. Here’s how to keep the feelings under control.
2 mins to read
8 Ways A Pregnant Mother Should Be Preparing For Childbirth
Every pregnant mother wants to prepare as much as possible so that when she gives birth, it goes as smoothly as possible.
4 mins to read
26-Week pregnant: Development and diet
A little ta-da moment for the final week of your second trimester – your darling-in-the-womb will open her eyes for the first time around now! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
7-Week pregnant: Development and diet
Your unborn child is already a pretty impressive 18 mm long. Though you won’t feel it yet, she’s on the move. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
39-Week pregnant: Development and diet
You might have felt a few contractions already and were wondering if that was “it”. Don’t worry, you won’t miss the start of labour! Read more about this next to last week.
3 mins to read
Food for Your First Trimester
The first trimester marks the beginning of motherhood. As you step into this new world, you will begin to experience various changes not only in your body, but in your dietary needs as well.
4 mins to read
20-Week pregnant: Development and diet
There’s so much going on in your belly this week that you may want to take a little nap after reading about it! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Signs of Baby blues vs postpartum depression
Wondering how to know if I have postnatal depression? You’ve just birthed a human, your whole has been turned upside down, and you haven’t slept for what feels like an age.
5 mins to read
33-Week pregnant: Development and diet
Six weeks. That’s about how long you’ve got left before you get to meet the little person growing inside you. Amazing, right? We think so. Read on to know more about this week.
3 mins to read
14-Week pregnant: Development and diet
Your little angel is about the size of a grapefruit! Have you felt her move or kick yet? If not, you should be able to in the next weeks! Read more about this exciting time.
3 mins to read
Related tools
Ovulation calendar
Determine when you are likely to ovulate can improve your chances of conceiving.
Pregnancy week
Find out what changes you can expect in your body, your emotions, your life and your little one.
