Your 3 months maternity leave is likely drawing to an end if you are reading this article. It’s not easy to juggle a million things together, but it helps if you are prepared both mentally and physically. These 5 tips will help you get ready.
Returning to work after delivery is a big phase and with every new phase comes to its own challenges. Most mums end up with conflicting emotions. You may feel sad to leave your baby. You may be scared to leave your baby in the hands of total strangers and relief that you get a break to breathe. However you are feeling, you need to be prepared for it. Many women don’t prepare and just realize they have to be back at work in a week…sometimes, less.
These 5 tips will help you ease into your new normal.
1. Flexible working hours
It’s definitely okay to ask for flexible working hours. Check with the Human Resource person in your office to know what’s acceptable.
2. Find a reliable creche
Don’t worry, your baby will be fine, in the right hands. Do a survey of creches close to home or work. Ask about them, but also go and see for yourself.
3. Get a good breast pump
This is key if your baby is exclusively fed. You’ll also need these tips to boost your breastmilk supply. Get a good breast pump and milk bags so you can start your milk stash early.
4. Ask for help
It will be a lot to juggle. Don’t even try to do it all. Do the best you can and ask for help on the rest.
5. Learn to prioritize
I can’t overemphasize this. Learn how to prioritize tasks and do them off your checklist. This is the easiest way to get a lot done.
5. Plan a routine and test
What’s the plan for logistics? Now you have an extra stop to make on your way to work. Now to have a tiny human to bath and dress up, bags to pack and so on. Plan a routine that works for you, test and tweak as you go.
In case you are wondering, this is how to preserve your breast milk.
