Is it (almost) time to get back to work after your maternity leave? Going back to work after your maternity leave can be quite a challenge. How can you get back into your work rhythm without becoming overwhelmed? We share practical tips for you to easily resume your work routine. Whether it’s about minor changes in your daily routines or useful tools – find out what works best for you. Opt for a smooth transition from your maternity leave to working life with a baby.
Prepare well in advance for your return to the workplace
Your successful return to the workplace already starts during your leave. Prepare well in advance so that you know exactly how things will go in the first few weeks and months. Keep in touch with your employer during your leave and discuss what your return will look like. For example, is there a possibility to build up your working hours gradually? Also make sure that everything is properly arranged in terms of childcare, whether this means a child daycare center, a babysitter or family. Allow your child to get used to these arrangements in advance so that you can go to work with peace of mind when the time comes.
Minor changes to your routine
Start small: stick to feasible steps and do not immediately expose yourself to an (overly) full working week. You may arrange, for example, to start your first week back at work halfway through the week so that you only have to work for half a week and to build up your time at work in a less stressful manner. This will give you time to get used to the expected pace of work again.
Give yourself time to settle in
Going back to work after your leave can be quite a challenge. Give yourself time to settle in and don’t be overly ambitious at the outset. Don’t be disappointed or too hard on yourself if things don’t go as expected and if your work pace and level are not as high as before your leave.
Set boundaries and conserve your energy
Listen to your body carefully and set yourself limits! Make sure you don’t cross those boundaries. Dare to say no if work gets too much or if you get a load of work served up right away on your return. Take regular breaks, for example, go for short walks and keep nutritious snacks at hand to maintain your energy levels. You will probably have less energy than before, which is hardly surprising given that you have recently had a baby. Ask for help when needed, at work, but also at home.
Sometimes, mothers returning to work have to cope with mental issues as well.
Breastfeeding and pumping
Are you still breastfeeding on your return to work? Inquire about your rights in terms of pumping milk when you’re back at work. How this manifests itself in practice will vary according to your respective employer or role but inquire about your rights in advance and discuss your needs clearly with your employer.
Helpful resources
Nowadays, there are a lot of useful tools available that can help you structure your day and remain productive, such as to-do lists, day planners, timers, but also tools for managing and creating tasks, setting priorities, setting deadlines and organizing tasks. They can help you keep an overview and set priorities. Also very useful: with “The Wonder Weeks” app, you will know exactly when your baby is about to take leap so that you can also take these developments into account in your daily (work)routine.
The mental aspect of going to work again
Sometimes, mothers returning to work have to cope with mental issues as well. You may feel guilty about your baby or be just not ready to go back to work as yet. Talk about it with the people around you or with women who have been in the same situation. This may be a relief and possibly provide practical tips.
Be flexible and kind to yourself, accept that not everything will be perfectly right away and that you may need to adjust your old routine or create a new one.
