Life After Maternity Leave

Going back to work after three months with baby… it’s hard, guys. Mom guilt is real and it hits you like a ton of bricks. Not only are you emotional and worried about leaving your little one, but some of us may actually feel excited about going back to work, which only increases the amount of guilt you feel. But we can and will get through this! And with time, it does get easier. You will find a routine that works for your family and you will find your new normal.

Going back to work for me was bitter sweet. I really love my job and everyone that I work with. Believe it or not, I was excited to get back to managing my team. But still, I felt like I was just getting into the swing of everything at home with the baby, and I really loved the time we got to spend together, just me and her. Seriously, soak it all in ladies! Some days were hard, not going to lie. Taking care of a newborn is overwhelming and exhausting!

Once it came time to go back though, I was an emotional wreck- as expected. But honestly, it gets easier with time. Here’s what helped me along the way:

• Being kind to myself: The first few weeks I was really hard on myself. In my line of work, it seems like you show how hard working you are by the amount of hours you put in. Not to mention the fact that there is SO much work, that you could literally work through the night. Every night. Trying to find a balance between work and wanting to get home was tough. It just felt like I wasn’t doing all that I could at work or at home, and that’s a hard pill to swallow. Learning to be kind and encouraging to yourself was key to getting through this initial phase. You have to talk yourself up! You are strong; you are hard working; you are setting a great example for your daughter. You’re doing great, sweetie!
• Buying some new clothes: New clothes = instant confidence boost. Don’t get bogged down by the size. Maybe it’s a size larger than before- maybe it’s a size smaller. Regardless, treat yourself.
• Finding a mom friend at work: Talking to people in your work world that also have kids is super comforting. A reminder that it can be done, and people do it all the time. Plus, exchanging cute baby/kid stories is fun too. They just get it.
• Finding ways to be more efficient at work and setting clear and healthy boundaries: Having a clear list of what I need to get done and what can wait until tomorrow is key. Prioritizing and making lists is my jam- and it really helps me stay organized and get things done. Plus, I love the feeling of crossing things off as I complete them. I also set boundaries with my team. Having an open and honest conversation regarding my availability and expectations is all it took.
• Staying positive: This can be hard, especially when you think about everything your baby is doing and learning while you are not there. But, try to think about the fact that your baby is spending time with someone that loves them, or is making new friends at daycare. Your kids will be proud of your accomplishments once they are old enough to understand them and you are setting a good example for them!

What helped you get through the transition back to work after leave? Let me know!

Until next time,

Jannette