It may be challenging to return to work after being with your baby 24/7 during your maternity leave. (Photo credit: John Ryan)
If you are like most moms, you are probably dreading the end of your maternity leave. 60 days for normal delivery and 78 days for caesarian section never seem to be enough time to bond with your new baby and adjust to the new family life you now have. Here are some tips to help you prepare to go back to work after having a baby:
Know your baby. Nobody understands your child as well you. However, knowing your baby is part instinct and part learned. Spend a lot of time with your new baby to understand his or her temperament, behavior, sleeping patterns and even health. You are the go-to person for everything that’s related to your baby so absorb everything during your bonding moments.
Train your child’s caregiver. Whether it’s your partner, relative, or a yaya, make sure it’s someone you can trust. Take the time during your leave to train the caregiver on how to look after your child. Remember that there are different ways and styles of caring for an infant. If you are confident with your own style, gently remind the caregiver that, while you respect their ways, you know your child best and request that they follow your guidance.
Write it down. Leave a list of things to do. Many babies have a pattern of activities. Sleep, wake up, feed, diaper change. Repeat. It helps to know the time interval between some of these activities so you and the caregiver will not be clueless the next time your baby gets cranky. Also, write down your contact numbers and other numbers to call in cases of emergency.
Plan how to feed your child. If you have been breastfeeding your child directly, think of how your caregiver will feed him or her when you are at work. Cup feeding is a good alternative to direct breastfeeding because it does not involve artificial nipples. If you baby has to be fed through a bottle, read this guide on introducing the bottle to a baby. Whether it is by bottle or cup, allow your caregiver to practice while you are also at home. Also remember that it is not advisable to introduce artificial nipples to babies younger than six weeks because it may cause nipple confusion and lead to difficult breastfeeding.
Stock up on milk. If you’re breastfeeding, start building your milk stash at least two weeks before you return to work. Express milk in between nursing sessions or whenever you feel that your breasts are engorged. The approximate quantity of milk that you should leave at home is one ounce for every hour that you are away.
Prepare your gear. If you plan to express milk at work (as you should), have your breast pump, bottles and cooler ready. If your workplace has a lactation room, then you’re one of the lucky ones. If your workplace doesn’t, talk your human resources department into making one. Meanwhile, bring a nursing cover or shawl and pump away. Many moms have been successful at expressing milk while at an office meeting!
Go back to work on a Wednesday. Your baby has been used to being with you every day. Going back to work mid-week makes it easier for you and your baby to adjust.
Think happy thoughts. Leaving your baby at home is hard enough as it is. As long as you know that your child is safe, there is no need to immerse yourself in guilt. Say a little prayer, kiss your baby goodbye and quickly leave for work. Soon enough, it’s time to go home to you sweet bundle of joy.
Do you have tips on going back to work after having a baby? We’d love to hear them! Share them at the comments section below.
This post first appeared on Yahoo Philippines.
The post Going Back to Work after Having a Baby appeared first on Go Breastfeed.
