Balancing return to work with a new baby

Question

I've recently returned to work after parental leave, and feeling overwhelmed juggling my infant, being in the office and job responsibilities, and maintaining any semblance of a social life. Any tips?

Romy Newman · Answer

I would just remind you to take it all in steps. This phase is probably one of the most demanding, but it won’t be this way forever. Also, no matter what you do, take some time for yourself! Schedule it, get a sitter, whatever is needed. Or you will burn out. Mostly, remember to go easy on yourself, and keep your sense of humor!

JB09718 · Answer

The only thing that helped me keep my sanity that first month back to work was developing and sticking to a routine. Not a schedule because there was no guarantee that my work day would start or end at the same time or the baby would fall asleep at the same time. On really crazy days, it helped keep me on track and focused.

I also would spend about 30 minutes after the baby went to bed to restore order to the house (run dishwasher, throw in laundry, wipe counters, etc) and prep for tomorrow (pack lunches, lay out clothes, refill diaper bag) I felt so much better waking up to an organized house and was less likely to forget something if I packed/prepped the night before.

Dawn A · Answer

I just came back to work in September after maternity leave and it was INSANELY hard.  I didn't really have a choice because I am the main breadwinner in my household (sometimes it is nice to rub it in that I make more money than my husband!), but it was also something I wanted to do as a hard working empowered girl boss.  The mom guilt is real, it never really goes away, but I keep a positive outlook as best as I can.

The best advice I can give is to surround yourself with positive people.  It helps when you like your job or at least the people you work with, so that work doesn't seem so terrible away from the baby.  It is also easy to focus on the daily struggles like time management, lack of sleep, fear of missing out, skipped meals, etc.  Try instead to focus on the big picture: that you are capable of incredible things!  You got this!  Please feel free to reach out to me for anything, sometimes creating a network of other moms helps you realize you are not alone, you are a great mom, and sleep deprivation can make you crazy and it's ok :)

Katie Malone · Answer

Ugh... Going back to work after my first was sooo difficult. Take full advantage of any flexibility your employer offers. Can you work from home one or two days a week? That's something that saves my sanity even with two older kiddos.
Also... LISTS! Everyday, I was having to schlep 1 million things to work -- bottle bag for day care, my lunch, pumping supplies, work bag. I literally had a list of daily items I needed by my door and ran through them every morning before I left the house. 
At work, I have a running to-do list and use the Microsoft One Note feature on my comp. I write EVERYTHING down... plus, I'm a firm believer in the fact that if you write it, you'll remember it better.
Lastly, do NOT be afraid to carve out time for you. I learned that way late in my parenting game. But I would advise that you pick a time every weekend day to get out of the house and do something for yourself. I love to workout, so I generally go to my workout class every Sat and Sun morning. It keeps me sane and focused.
And I agree with Romy... This time in your life is one of the hardest, but also super enjoyable and rewarding from the baby perspective. Enjoy your baby and don't be too hard on yourself.

Balancing return to work with a new baby

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