10 Tips For Returning To Work After Maternity Leave

Your profession is also an important part of who you are so let’s make the transition as seamless as possible.

One of the most challenging times after becoming a parent will be the end of your maternity leave. Personally, I was really anxious and stressed about going back to work after my maternity leave was up. Going through the process again for my second child didn’t make it any easier. Honestly, I felt as if I was already choosing my profession over my children. 

These feelings of guilt, judgment and anxiety have caused the return to work after maternity leave to be called “the third phase of birth.” 

That’s how intense it is. However, it’s not only the feeling of guilt that can become crippling but also the intense fear that something may happen to your little one in your absence.

On the other hand, you may also feel an intense need for professional validation. In fact, you may even want to prove to yourself and the world that you still have what it takes to be a successful professional.

Unfortunately, most parents go through similar emotions when their maternity leave comes to an end and they need to go back to work.

Before I dive into the strategies to to make going back to work after your maternity leave more manageable, let’s explore a little bit more about he anxiety related to returning to work.

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Anxiety of going back to work after maternity leave

In the USA, 51% of mothers who have infants currently work away from home. One study showed that persons who worked full-time had higher levels of anxiety when compared to stay at home parents and those who worked part-time.

Further, the mothers who had a short maternity leave of 6 weeks or less had higher incidence of martial challenges and depression (Hyde, 1995).

Unfortunately, the negative effects on your mental health may be long-term. Further, some organizations view motherhood as an automatic professional liability and as such, some women may even face bias and discrimination. This only adds to the anxiety and pressure.

Another reason for anxiety is that many persons are worried that balancing motherhood and professional life  would adversely affect their child’s development. Let’s discover what the experts say about this.

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"Being a working mom isn't easy. You have to be willing to screw up on every level." - Jami Gertz

Does returning to work affect my child’s development?

Research has shown that employment during the first year of a child’s life is associated with an increased incidence of behavioral issues and negatively affects the cognitive development of the child (Chatterji & Markowitz, 2004).

Additionally, breastfeeding outcomes are also adversely affected. Extended employment hours have also been linked to an increased likelihood of childhood obesity.

On the other hand, other  studies have proven that mothers working outside the home can be beneficial. 

This is especially true if the parent decides to work due to choice rather than obligation. This outcome is perhaps due to the parent having more motivation and personal benefits from working (Poduval & Poduval, 2009).

The effect of a parent’s employment on a child’s development also varies according to the child’s stage of development. For instance, adolescents with working mothers have lower incidences of mental distress and depression. 

This effect may likely be associated with the advantages that come with the increased financial income. Many children of working mothers also have improved academic performance, even during early childhood.

Although nothing you try could completely erase the emotions associated with going back to work after your maternity leave, these tips will make going back to the workplace a lot less emotional.

Related Post: Screen time for kids: 8 tips to win full control. 

How to transition back to work after maternity leave

According to the ‘transition theory,’ there are four factors that influence your ability to cope with change and increase your personal wellness and quality of life.

These factors will substantially help you with your return back to the workplace (Moffett, 2018).  Start by asking yourself these 4 questions:

(1) What can you do about the situation?

(2) How can you prepare yourself for the transition?

(3) What support can you get from other persons or organizations?

(4) What coping strategies can you use?

FactorTips for transitioning to work after maternity leave
SituationManage other sources of stress
Learn from experiences of others
SelfDiscover your reason for returning
change your perspective
Work on increasing your confidence
Support systemFather being equally involved
Assistance from family, friends and organizations
Strategies to copeSelf-care strategies
Techniques to cope and manage stress

Now let’s explore specific tips and strategies to help you transition back to work after your maternity leave:

  • Explore the benefits of returning to work.
  • Start creating routines ASAP.
  • Get more organized. 
  • Prepare yourself physically. 
  • Get the best childcare possible.
  • Ask about a flexible schedule. 
  • Make sure the time with your child is quality time.
  • Be realistic with your plans and goals.
  • Consider other employment options.
  • Remember, it gets easier. 

1. Explore the benefits of returning before your maternity leave ends

At this point, the cons of returning to work are often quite obvious. However, it’s essential to fully explore all the benefits and reasons for returning to the workplace.

In my case, at that point in my career, I was contractually obligated to work because of my previous scholarship.

This made it a lot easier for me because I didn’t have to think about whether I should; I knew I had to, so I instead focused on strategies to get me through the process. 

Also, I considered the influence of my career on others and how valuable the experience would be for myself and my family. 

Benefits of returning to work after maternity leave

For most parents, going back to work after your maternity leave is a financial necessity. For others, it may be because of their love for their careers and their desire for professional development.

Notably, for women with a strong professional identity, going back to work after their maternity leave is of even greater importance. 

Working outside of the home may be personally stimulating and have a positive effect on the parent’s self esteem. Subsequently, this increased self-esteem will be beneficial to their parenting and marital life.

Being a working parent will likely result in more work discipline. In fact, having obligations that are often non-negotiable will improve structure and routine.

It will also lead to a more enriched home environment. Whatever the reason, being very clear of all the advantages of returning will help you concentrate on the process.

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The obligation for working mothers is a very precise one: the feeling that one ought to work as if one did not have children, while raising one's children as if one did not have a job. - Annabel Crabb

2. Routines during your maternity leave

This may vary a lot depending on the age of your baby. However, if you’re able to establish a routine during your maternity leave, it can make the transition easier for both you and your child.

Be sure to start the process weeks in advance and remember that all children are different so establishing routines may be difficult for some more than others. 

Although I gave my baby expressed breast milk in a bottle a few times, neither did I do so regularly nor towards the end of my maternity leave.

Therefore, I was additionally stressed and worried since my baby, who was only 3 months old, was still refusing the bottle when I was at work.

Like most babies, she eventually adjusted so don’t be too worried if you’re having similar challenges. Avoid comparing yourself to others.

No one is perfect and the other person’s parenting skills may not be as great as it seems.

Even if you’re not a first time parent, be sure to check out my recommended strategies to adjust to parenthood for practical tips and advice.

3.Get organized before returning to work after your maternity leave

Organization, organization and then some more organization. I just can’t stress this enough. Time flies extremely fast when you have to prepare for work with a baby in the house.

Not only will they decide to defecate just after you’ve finished dressing them, but you may end up forgetting to pack something essential.

Make a checklist for the night before and the morning of. Oh, and remember to put that checklist in a place that’s easy to find because even that will go missing in the chaos that will surround you.

Think of things you can get done over the weekend such as organizing your clothes, bags and meals for the week. 

Things won’t always-or ever- go as planned! You’ll cherish any opportunity to press snooze for even 5 minutes so getting snacks/foods that are healthy and easy to prepare is a great idea and can allow you to get a little extra sleep.

4.Prepare yourself before returning to work after your maternity leave

Your body went through a lot so don’t be too obsessed if it looks nothing like it did before. Go easy on yourself. Choosing the right clothes, color and hairstyle to complement your look will help you get an extra confidence boost.

Also, if you’re still breastfeeding, remember to use your breast pads and think of ways of expressing the milk if you’d be at the office for an extended period.

Your colleagues are probably too grateful you’re back from maternity leave to notice the little imperfections you see in yourself.

Continue to communicate with your doctor and take steps to remain hydrated and healthy.

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"Some days, she'll have no idea how she'll do it, but every single day it still gets done." - Unknown

5.Find the best care before returning to work after your maternity leave

Knowing that your baby is in good hands will put your mind at ease and allow you to be as productive as possible while at work.

Unfortunately, in many regions, mothers are often judged and undervalued, so you’ll want to have your best game plan to show them what you’re worth.

So please, don’t leave your great-great-grandma to babysit because you’ll spend all day worrying about if she’s falling asleep with the baby.

Whoever you select, make sure that they have the health and strength to take care of a baby or toddler for the full length of time that you will be out of the house.

Your alternative may end up being a little more expensive, but it may certainly be worth it. Also, inspect the area beforehand to ensure that it’s baby-proof. 

Even with tons of toys, toddlers are curious and will gravitate to things that are dangerous so set up bars, cover outlets and put all toxins and medications away. Leaving the baby with the caregiver, even for short periods, before returning to work will help.

Also note that in some areas, it may take months or even a full year to get daycare spots so apply early if needed.

6.Ask about flexible schedules before returning to work after your mat leave

Hopefully, your workplace has something set up that can make your schedule a little more flexible. I remember choosing to do mostly night shifts and weekends so that my husband would be there with our children while I was at work.

The disadvantage was that we were hardly together at the same time.

Shifting to part-time instead of full time is another option you should explore. Communicate with your boss, preferably before you return to work.

Also consider using pending vacation or other types of leave to extend the period if desired. However, fully explore all the pros and cons of whatever method you choose.

Use this link to learn how to improve your work-life balance by increasing your personal productivity.

7.Make sure your time is quality time

Ensure that the reduced time that you do that with your baby and family is quality time. This may mean that you won’t be as available as you previously were for after-work activities and overtime.

As such, explore the needs of your family and your desires and choose the plan that best works for you.

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Trying to do it all and expecting that it all can be done exactly right is a recipe for disappointment. Perfection is the enemy. - Sheryl Sandberg

8.Be realistic about your return to work after mat leave

Set realistic expectations and carve out a little time for yourself. Trust me, sometimes it all gets overwhelming and all you need is a little time to yourself to rest and unwind.

Delegate some of the tasks you take on for yourself. Find little ways to stay in touch with your passions.

Remember to always take time to explore your emotions before you explode. The world already knows that you’re a superhuman- or at least it should.

9.Consider other employment options before returning to work

Parenting can make you more motivated and zealous for professional success. However, it’s perfectly fine to choose not to return to work immediately or indefinitely.

Consider the long-term implications of your choice to ensure that you have no feeling of regret. As the child gets older, some parents may feel very incomplete or even angry for not pursuing passions and career goals and the ‘empty nest syndrome’ could be even more difficult.

So remember not to limit yourself if you don’t really want or need to. If you would like to return when your child is older, you may want to consider other ways of staying in touch with your profession through online courses.

Thanks to technology, they are so many other ways for you to work on your own schedule from the comfort of your own home.

We decided on options, although completely new to us, that allowed us to set our own schedule and have unlimited earning potential.

We’ll even be able to pass it on to our children someday. Feel free to check out our website at www.robenshorace.com to sign up for a free info session to learn more about starting your own online business.

Click here to discover how starting an online side hustle can be your ticket to success.

Given the physical and psychological changes associated with motherhood, many women may decide not to return. This is particularly true if the work place lacks policies and systems to help women successfully transition.

Read also: Career shift: How to master the transition.

10.It gets easier despite that maternity leave ending

If you can’t resist those tears, just let them out. We all understand what you’re feeling. We’ve been there and can assure you that it gets easier and you’ll move on to the next battle in no time.

Soon you’ll have a clear view of what you’re facing and the best strategies to help you manage. One thing’s for sure, no two days will ever be the same again. Hold on and be strong, you’re in for one hell of a ride!

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“The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home” – Harold B. Lee

Final thoughts on going back to work after maternity leave

The whole point of this article was to provide you with the best tips to make going back to work after your maternity leave as manageable as possible.

You may have started out thinking that coping with work and a new baby is virtually impossible. Well… actually, it somewhat is. But, you’ll find your own ways to cope and you’ll emerge even stronger because of it.

I hope by now that you’ve come to realize that it’s important to use all the resources available to help you on your journey. I don’t necessarily expect the process of transitioning back to work after your maternity leave to be without drawbacks.

But, implementing these tips will make your life a whole lot easier.  Go ahead and try them – you may be surprised at how well they work!

Related Articles

Does motherhood affect career advancement?

Undeniably, motherhood influences your personal wellness and identity. And so does your professional life.

Figuring out how to balance both can lead to significant burnout and overwhelm. For most women having children results in decreased professional advancement.

Unfortunately, this is not often due to the choice of the mother but is a direct result of discrimination and devaluation from the employer. 

One study showed that women who worked outside of the home worked less hours, had slower career progression and professional satisfaction (Poduval & Poduval, 2009). Needless to say, for fathers the outcome is a lot different.

Read also: Burnout from work: Signs, Causes and Prevention. 

How do I adjust to being a new parent?

Becoming a parent will perhaps be one of the happiest, most emotional stage of your life. However, it’s an understatement to say that parenting is challenging. It affects everything single area of your life.

That’s why it helps when you know what to expect and are knowledgeable about the strategies to make the journey as manageable as possible. Read more on adjusting to life as a new parent

Let me know what strategies worked best for you in the comments below. Be sure to share this, another parent may find it useful!

References:

Chatterji, P and Markowitz, S (2004) Does the Length of Maternity Leave Affect Maternal Health?, National Bureau of Economic Research, Working Paper Series 10206.

Hyde JS, Klein MH, Essex MJ, Clark R. Maternity Leave And Women’s Mental Health. Psychology of Women Quarterly. 1995;19(2):257-285.

Moffett, J (2018) Adjusting to the new norm: How and why maternity coaching can help with the transition back to work after maternity leave. 

Poduval, J., & Poduval, M. (2009). Working mothers: how much working, how much mothers, and where is the womanhood?Mens sana monographs7(1), 63–79.

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