Returning to work after spending several weeks at home can be a big change for you and your baby. You have been there for the entirety of your baby’s life; your sudden absence is sure to be noticed. Some find it easy to make the transition back to work, but others find it tough. Here are some tips that might help.

Prepare to deal with your emotions

Even though you’ll look forward to doing something different (and there’s no shame in that), a part of you is sure to feel anxious about leaving your child with someone else for the day. Keep in mind that you aren’t a bad mother for returning to work and there will be plenty of time to be with your little one.

Find proper child care

Don’t wait until the last minute to arrange care for your child while you’re at work. Investigating day cares takes time. Ask your friends, colleagues and doctor for recommendations. Some require a couple weeks’ fees paid in advance, so you’ll need to be prepared to pay. Even if you’ll be leaving the child with a relative, set up times and procedures in advance.

Talk with your employer

Set up any special arrangements you need with your employer several weeks before returning to work. If you need more flexible hours, don’t spring this on your boss the day you return. People will be much more accommodating if you give them some notice.

Create a morning routine

Everything becomes tougher in the morning when you have a little one to get out of the house. Unlike the days of your maternity leave, you can’t take your time. Create a morning routine that will get you out the door on time. Complete any tasks you can the night before.

Don’t make everything about the baby

At your first day back, everyone is going to ask “How’s the baby?” Be polite, but for your own sanity, avoid making every conversation about the baby. Enjoy spending some time outside the house concerning yourself with matters other than your child.

Build a breast milk supply

Even if you plan to pump while working, begin building a supply early and freeze the bags. Your employer is required to make accommodations so you can pump at work, but the transition might be tough. You might pump less than you would like during the first few days, so you’ll want a supply handy to compensate.

Divide up the household chores

While you were home with the baby, you likely took care of a lot of the day-to-day chores that every family needs handled. Make sure everyone in your household understands that you won’t be able to handle those tasks like before. Split up the jobs accordingly.

Guest Blog by Jennifer Cicci of Babee Talk

As a mother, Jennifer understands the importance of offering nothing by the best for baby. Motivated by teeth marks on her children’s cribs, she decided to design a teething rail cover after trying products that didn’t measure up when it came to quality or style. What she found out made her even more concerned about children’s safety and health: The toxic chemicals used in the production of synthetic materials have been linked to birth defects, reproductive disorders, and weakened immune systems.

She asked herself, “What if I could revolutionize the way parents decorated their crib with a safe and stylish teething rail cover that could be placed on the crib from day one?” Babee Talk® launched in 2014 with organic bedding and accessories. Chew-friendly, drool-friendly, and organic inside and out, her products ensure a healthy start in life for babies.

She only offers products that she would provide for her own children. She hopes moms and dads will start to talk about the importance of choosing safe, healthy, eco-friendly products, especially for babies.

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

Interested in writing a guest blog for Baby Elephant Ears? Send your topic idea to pr@babyelephantears.com.

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Baby Elephant Ears makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, current-ness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

Photo Credit: teddyb via Compfight cc