Back to Work After Baby: All you need to know about balancing work and a new baby born

Hello mums! It’s Sommayya here, and today I’m tackling a topic that many of us face after welcoming a little one into our lives: going back to work. The transition from maternity leave back to a professional setting is never easy, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible to manage the demands of your career while keeping a happy home life.

I can’t describe how overwhelming it can be to balance the needs of your children with your professional responsibilities. Personally, I never looked for a nanny or a babysitter because I emphasize on having parents closely involved in a child’s early development since it plays a crucial role in shaping their psychological well-being. In this guide, I’ll share advice and tips on everything from choosing the right childcare to managing the emotional and mental shifts that come with this new chapter.

1. Prepare Early and Set Expectations

The first step to a smooth transition back to work is planning ahead. Start preparing yourself emotionally and logistically a few weeks before your return date. Begin by having conversations with your partner, family, or close friends about the help you might need. Setting realistic expectations with your employer is also key—whether it’s about flexible hours or remote work options.

Real-Life Example: Let’s say you’re working in an office setting, but you want to try a hybrid model to spend more time at home with your baby. Discuss with your boss how many days a week you can work from home and outline your productivity goals. In my own situation, transitioning from full-time work to a part-time schedule made a significant difference in helping me adjust.

2. Childcare Options: Finding What Works for You

Finding the right childcare is one of the most critical steps. Whether you opt for a nanny, a daycare, or a relative to help, it’s important to research your options thoroughly. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons, and what works best will depend on your family’s needs.

• Nanny: Offers one-on-one attention but can be more expensive.
• Daycare: Encourages socialization with other children but has limited hours.
• Relatives: Can provide a more familiar environment for your child but may require clear boundaries.

Real-Life Example: A friend of mine, Sarah, went back to work after her second child. After comparing the flexibility and cost of hiring a nanny versus using a daycare, she realized that a part-time nanny was a better fit because it allowed her baby to stay at home while Sarah juggled her work schedule. The key is finding what you’re most comfortable with and what best supports your child’s development.

3. Managing Mum Guilt

Returning to work often brings a wave of “mum guilt.” The emotional weight of leaving your child in someone else’s care while you pursue your career can feel heavy. However, it’s essential to remember that it’s okay to be a working mum. In fact, research has shown that children of working parents often grow up more independent and confident.

One way to cope with these feelings is by reminding yourself of the benefits of being a working mum—both for you and your family. You’re setting a strong example of work ethic, independence, and ambition for your children.

Real-Life Example: For me, returning to work after my second daughter was born was challenging. I struggled with feelings of guilt, wondering if I was doing the right thing by splitting my time. I found that making time for short “check-ins” with my daughters before and after work helped ease the guilt and reminded me that I could still be a great mum while pursuing my career.

4. Time Management and Routine: The Lifesavers

When you’re balancing a career and raising kids, time management becomes your best friend. Here are some practical ways to make it work:

• Time Blocking: Dedicate specific time slots for different tasks. This will help you focus on one thing at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
• Meal Planning: Plan meals for the week in advance to save time on grocery shopping and cooking. Batch cooking is also a great option.
• Delegating: Don’t be afraid to delegate household chores. If your partner, older kids, or a relative can help out, let them!

Real-Life Example: One mum I know, Emma, works as a project manager and juggles her job and her 3-year-old’s busy schedule. She found that time-blocking—setting specific times for work, family time, and personal care—helped her stay focused. In my own life, I started using a shared family calendar that keeps everyone on the same page, ensuring I’m not missing important moments with my daughters or work deadlines.

5. Emotional Well-Being: Taking Care of You

Taking care of your emotional well-being is crucial during this transition. Between the demands of work and home, it’s easy to forget about yourself. But self-care is vital not just for you, but for your whole family.

Here are a few tips for nurturing your mental health:

• Mindfulness Practices: Simple mindfulness techniques, like 5-minute breathing exercises, can help manage stress.
• Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide clarity and reduce anxiety.
• Exercise: Even a short walk or 20-minute workout can boost your mood and energy.

Real-Life Example: After my first week back at work, I felt incredibly stressed and disconnected from myself. I started journaling about my emotions at the end of each day, and it helped me process the transition. This small act of self-care gave me the mental space I needed to feel balanced again.

6. Returning to Work: How to Build a New Routine

Building a new routine is key to managing the demands of work and home life. Take it slow and give yourself permission to adjust. Finding a rhythm that works for you and your family will take time.

Real-Life Example: After returning to work, I found that tweaking my morning routine made the biggest difference. Instead of trying to rush through everything, I gave myself extra time in the mornings to spend with my daughters, making the transition to daycare or school smoother.

7. Fitness and Self-Care: Prioritizing Your Health

Finding time for fitness and self-care can be challenging, but it’s important to make time for these activities. Even if it’s just a 10-minute workout at home, you’ll feel more energized and centered.

Some great YouTube channels for home workouts include:

• FitnessBlender: Offers a variety of workout videos that cater to different fitness levels and time constraints.
• Popsugar Fitness: Focuses on fun and high-energy workouts that don’t require equipment.
• Yoga with Adriene: A fantastic channel for mums looking for yoga practices that are calming yet effective.

8. The Role of a Support System

Lastly, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s your partner, friends, or fellow mums, building a support system is crucial. It’s okay to ask for help and lean on others when things get tough.

Real-Life Example: One mum in my circle, Layla, set up a weekly meet-up with other working mums to discuss their challenges and support each other. I’ve personally found that having regular chats with close friends helps me navigate my work-life balance with more ease.

Final Thoughts

Returning to work after having a baby can be both exciting and daunting, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can successfully navigate this transition. Prioritizing your emotional well-being, finding the right childcare, and building a flexible routine will help you thrive in both your personal and professional life.

Have any of these tips worked for you? Share your own experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!