Deciding when to go back to work after having a baby can be difficult for mothers, whether it’s their first child or their fifth! When is the right time to return to work after the birth of a child?

Tips for Moms Returning to Work

When is the right time to go back to work after you’ve had a baby? There’s no clear-cut answer for this one, as there are so many factors that affect this decision, like finances, career path, family support, and the emotional readiness of the mother. We asked early childhood expert, Jeanne-Marie Paynel, to weigh in on the topic.

“It’s a personal, delicate question” explains Paynel. “In an ideal world, you choose the time you want to stay at home with your child.”

Paynel, who is a home guide and consultant for parents, acknowledges that while it would be wonderful for moms to stay home for the first year, most mothers simply can’t afford that.  When possible, she recommends a minimum of three months of staying home with the baby. The first few weeks of life is when the infant is building trust in the world he lives in, and that is best accomplished when Mom is there with him.

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When it is time to return to work, Paynel advises mothers to let go of the guilt. “I really don’t want mothers to feel guilty about going to work,” she says. “If they love their job and they are happy working then they really should go back to work because children want happy parents.  If a parent is thinking this is the best thing for my child, but they’re miserable that’s not beneficial to the child.”

Way to Ease the Transition of Returning to Work after Baby

1. Find dependable childcare. Whether it’s family or daycare, take the time to get comfortable with your child’s future care provider. Ask them questions, shadow them, and even educate them on what’s best for your child. Do this before you actually return to work, and you will feel better knowing you’ve left your child in good hands.
2. Speak with your employer about your duties and expectations after you return from work. You might ask about telecommuting or having flexible hours. If you choose to pump breast milk, make sure both you and your employer have a plan to work that into your schedule.
3. Stay connected with your child care provider throughout the day if it makes you feel better. A short text or phone call over your lunch break might give you the peace of mind you seek.
4. Enjoy your time with baby. When you’re home, be 100% present! Cherish the time you have with your child in the mornings and in the evenings. Creating special routines where you truly connect with your baby will help you both get through the work day easier.
5. Take care of you. You are at your best as a parent when you have taken care of yourself. Do what you can to stay emotionally and physically well.

Paynel reminds us that it is a parent’s instinct to do what is best for their babies with the means they have. “We instinctually try our hardest to give our children the best possible thing and that’s all we can do. Children are way more intelligent than we give them credit for, so they feel everything. If you’re a happy parent, they will be happy children.”

by Pamela Layug Laney