Applicant Tree

While you are gone, do not become consumed with work, but do stay in touch. Send a quick e-mail to your boss and co-workers so you know what is going on work-wise as well as keeping up with the office happenings. This will make the transition back to work less awkward.

Although you may have set a specific date to return to work, do not hold yourself to this date if it just doesn’t feel right. It is an emotional time and many new parents feel the need to spend more time at home. Make sure you are fully rested because new mothers are tired enough as it is. Lack of proper rest can result in excess stress along with additional weight gain.

It is ok to be emotional during this time, but don’t feel guilty about leaving your baby to return to work. Your child will not be miserable without you. Feel free to check in with the caregiver to during the day to give yourself piece of mind. Also, utilize your lunch hour. Either spend that time visiting your baby or do things that would otherwise take away from quality time after work.

Consider easing yourself back into work. Do not throw yourself back into work by going full steam ahead; schedule your first day back on a Thursday or Friday. This will make your first week a short one and allow you just enough time to become acclimated with your old office environment. Also think about going back part-time for a short while. If your job and employer allow you to telecommute for part of the week, this could be a helpful, temporary arrangement for both of you.

Returning to work is a personal decision and only you know when the time is right. No one situation is the same, so this is a situation in which to let your emotions and instincts guide you.