Tips for returning to work after maternity leave

After spending months being a stay at home Mum, it’s understandable that you might find it difficult returning to work after maternity leave. For me, the last few months were spent fretting over it, getting extremely upset, and desperately seeking a way of not having to return. Finally, the dreaded day arrived and…surprisingly, passed with only minor hiccups!

So when your time comes to make that transition from Stay at Home Mum to Working Mum, here are some top tips that will help you when returning to work after maternity leave:

Use KIT days, where possible, leading up to your return to work

To begin with, I was determined that I would not waste my last days of maternity at work but as my return to work drew near, I began to panic. I soon gave in and I arranged a day and a half at work and I can honestly say it was the best thing I could have done. Not only did it allow me to get reacquainted with my role, it gave me my first taste of being away from my little one, allowing me to iron out any issues that we might encounter.

Use your final weeks of maternity wisely

Create memories by going out places and experiencing new things both in and out of the house. Remember, there are plenty of free activities about if money doesn’t stretch that far. We love going out for walks and attending baby classes. We also enjoy setting up our own messy play activities.

Prepare your little one’s bag the night before

You never know what challenges your little one might throw at you on the morning. My first day back to work is a perfect example after my little one thought it would be a great idea to poo in his cot and then smear it everywhere. Needless to say, this added extra time to our morning routine!

Get up atleast half an hour earlier than you’re used to

Yes, I know, sleep is precious but if you need anymore convincing, refer back to the previous point.

Enforce a ‘No Phone’ rule

Devote your time after work to your little one. Whether that’s spending time playing, bathing them or whatever your routine is. Work, emails, social media, etc, can wait until you have a sleeping baby. Cherish ever moment with them!

Don’t expect too much

I’ll admit, there were days when I would just cry. Then there have been others when I just couldn’t wait to get out the door! But, that’s to be expected. Your life has gone from spending every minute with your baby to suddenly not knowing every last detail from what they ate to how many poops they’ve had. My green eyed monster still surfaces when I hear about my little one’s day, wishing that I was part of it…although, maybe not the pooping. Hearing that I’ve avoided the daily poo is like finding out I’ve won a competition!

Stop being hard on yourself

The hardest thing that I still struggle with now is the guilt of leaving my baby. You wonder what type of effect this will have on your child. However, don’t forget that children are extremely fickle. Whilst they might kick up a fuss whilst you’re in sight, once you’re out of sight, you’re out of mind! (Mostly)