Returning to work...

Not only is today our first day after Christmas celebrations, but it is also the day we celebrate the 10 month birthday of our daughter. Now I could chat about how amazing and wonderful our life has been since she was born, but I’ve done that before; therefore today is about preparing you and your baby for that ‘dreaded’ day of returning to work.

For most of us the 10 month celebration of our children means the countdown to returning to work after maternity leave. For me personally I have mixed feelings as I can’t imagine not spending everyday with our little miracle, but I’m also looking forward to connecting with work peers and challenging myself on a different level of intelligence. Since moving out to the country I’ve noticed a dramatic shift in mindsets around working vs. stay at home moms. When in Calgary it seemed the norm for women to return to work after maternity leave, whereas out here it seems most women stay at home. For us we’re going to share the at home and work responsibilities allowing each of us to grow with our daughter and to also expand and challenge our professional personalities.

As I start to prepare myself to go back to work I’ve started to look into different recommendations for making the transition easier for our entire family. I’d like to share a few of those with you now.

1.    Encourage a bond between your baby and caregiver through play dates long before that return to work date.

2.    Get to know the daycare – meet the staff and spend some time in the new environment

3.    Send reminders of home – a favourite blanket, stuffy, song etc.

4.    Establish a morning routine to cue that it’s daycare or dayhome day.

5.    Maximize your time together – the household chores will wait while you snuggle and play.

6.    Minimize meal prep – frozen meals are great options.

7.    Give baby time to transition from caregiver to parent – allow time at the end of the day for your baby to switch gears back to being with mom or dad.

8.    Reconnect through touch – skin to skin contact, bath time, baby massages…

9.    Minimize night waking – establish a night time routine and how you’ll handle baby waking throughout the night weeks or months prior.

10. Share the night shift – if both parents are working away from home take turns responding to your baby’s night time needs.

11. Continue breastfeeding – if your still breastfeeding the first month of you returning to work is not the best time to wean as your little one will benefit from the bonding you share during ‘meal times’.

12. Cut yourself some slack – this may be a stressful time for the whole family, but you can ease this by dividing household chores and putting your time with baby first.

In conclusion make sure to acknowledge your own feelings. It is perfectly normal to miss your baby and/or feel upset; take time to talk with your partner as you continue to be each other’s best support system. If you’re going it alone, make sure you have someone you trust to talk with and don’t be afraid to shed a few tears during the process.

“Returning to Work” by Susan Spicer. Today’s Parent. January 2011