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)
The Tale of Mummyhood
25 comments
Having only been back at work a few weeks I totally agree with all of this. Lots of fantastic advice for mums returning after maternity leave.
Thank you!
Here in Finland we’ve got the chance to stay home after the maternity leave, until the kid is three, if we want to and my maternity leave ends in November. I still haven’t decided whether I go back to work or do I stay at home for a little while… Probably I’ll stay home over the next summer and go back to work in Autumn. 😀 Anyhow, thank you so much for this post! I’ll get back to this when it’s more accurate for me, some great tips here 🙂
Ah, I wish that was an option here. It sounds like a good plan enjoying the Summer first!
I am dreading going back to work in August! ????
I was exactly the same. Although the first week was hard, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you adapt (I’d still rather be home though!)
Good tips! Such a hard transition to go through as a mummy! Xx
It definitely is!
Love these tips, especially the no phone one. Can’t believe the poo smearing, these babies are gross, haha!
Aren’t they just?! I might have let him off with his messy play had it not been my first day back, haha!
I have spent 13 years working towards giving up work. I’ve gone from full time to 4 days to 3 days to 2.5 days and now down to 1 day! My children aren’t babies anymore but I never wanted to return and never got used to being at work. #blogstravaganza
I think eventually I’d like to go part time (my request for part time hours was rejected this time around) but I don’t think I could give it up full stop as I love my job. I can see why you wouldn’t want to go back though!
It might be just me but I very much enjoyed returning back to work – maybe because I enjoy my job. Great tips for those who dread it and the KIT days are fab and extra money for that month!
Mandy
http://www.onesliceoflemon.com
I had a love/hate relationship with going back to work. I was absolutely gutted to be leaving my little boy and probably would have looked forward to it a lot more had work accepted my part time hours.
Lots of great advice, I returned to work after my eldest but opted to stay at home after my other two. Totally agree with the “no phone” suggestion, nothing beats a cuddle after a day at work.
I agree! I always look forward to that part.
I am a big believer of the no phone rule! When i’m with my daughter on mummy duties I put my phone away and devote my attention to her.
I love this, especially the no phone rule. I should definitely stick to it more often. Thanks so much for sharing with #Blogstravaganza xx
I have to admit that I have been known to try and take a sneaky look, especially if something catches my attention, but I try my best to stick to putting it out the way until he’s asleep, especially as he only sees me for 45 minutes on a weekday.
For me, retungin to work was hard, like any mothers it mus of been , but you are right dont be hard on yourself and its great to have that adult time and that time for your baby to be on their own and grow some independence at nursery, to help develop their skills.
Totally. I agree that the independence is a benefit for them.
I would also add to do as many “dry runs” as possible. If going to nursery then use their settling in sessions 🙂
Great list though!
Definitely! My KIT Days became my dry runs but that isn’t going to work for everyone.
This is really helpful – thank you! I’ve still got a while left, but I’m dreading the return. I’ll be keeping these tips in mind (and remembering the positives of someone else having to deal with the poonami!) #blogstravaganza
Yes, that is one big positive…unless they decide to save it for you. Ha!