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Returning to work after having a baby

Being a working parent involves a change of
lifestyle, and it can take a while to get used those changes. We take a look at everything from breastfeeding to flexible working to make your return to work as seamless as possible.

Breastfeeding and working

Some mothers enjoy continuing the close bond of breastfeeding after they return to
work. By maintaining this link, they can continue to play a vital part in their
baby’s life, even though they’re apart for more of the time. It can provide a close
time for mother and baby at the end of a working day, reinforcing the mother-child bond.

If you want to breastfeed fully, you will need to investigate your office for a
suitable room to express milk, and a place to store it in. You can also:

  • Make sure you have a plentiful stock of expressed breast milk in the freezer
  • Try out different methods of expressing milk so you are sure you have the right
    equipment available
  • Make sure your baby is happy to take expressed breast milk from a bottle or cup well
    before you return to work

You may prefer to offer your baby formula milk
while you are away and breastfeed when you are together, thus avoiding the need to express
milk. Your milk supply will adjust to dropping some daytime feeds over a period of a few
days.

Find out how to express and store breast milk.

Preparing yourself

When the time approaches for you to return to work, there are some steps you can take
to prepare yourself:

  • Start leaving your baby with the carer for short periods
  • Use the time your baby is getting used to childcare to prepare for going back to work
  • Do a dummy run to the office at the time of day that you will be travelling. It will
    give you an idea of how much longer to add onto your journey if you are dropping your baby
    off somewhere
  • Talk to friends from work to catch up on changes that have happened while you have been
    away
  • You may be able to ease back into work by starting part-time and building your hours up
  • Make alternative childcare plans in case you have a last minute problem. Think about
    friends or relatives who you may be able to help out in a crisis and talk to them now
  • Check if your company has a family leave policy so you can take a few extra days off if
    your child is ill. If not, you may need to reserve some of your holiday to use in an
    emergency

Preparing your baby

Your return to work, of course, affects not only
you, but your baby too. For your peace of mind and for your baby’s sense of security,
you should take steps to make the transition as smooth as possible. Remember that your
feelings are likely to affect how your baby feels, so being prepared, calm and collected
will all help.

  • Build up his hours with whoever is looking after him gradually, before you go back to
    work
  • If possible, leave spare equipment and clothes with the childminder so you have less to
    take to and fro
  • Try to prepare your baby’s changing bag the night before, so that all you need to
    do is pick it up and go. This allows extra time for that last-minute feed/dirty
    nappy/discovery of sick on the shoulder of your work clothes
  • Take some items that he is familiar with and that he can hold for reassurance. He may
    have a favourite toy, or a blanket that smells of you and home

Routines

It won’t be long before your baby adjusts to
the change in his routine. Babies and children are resourceful and flexible. Don’t
expect too much of him at once, and if he is clingy and whingey for a while, try to
tolerate it. Once he is certain that he will get you and your partner back every day, he
will start to enjoy his new surroundings. There should be plenty of things going on when
you arrive, so that he is pulled into a world of happiness and warmth. Try not to be
surprised or hurt if he ignores you when you return from work. It can be a child’s
way of registering some protest about being left. Don’t worry, within a few minutes
he’ll settle again.

Saying goodbye

There will be days when your baby doesn’t
settle before you leave. Sometimes, the first week or two goes like clockwork, then your
baby decides he would prefer to be with you. It is heart-wrenching to leave your baby
crying in someone else’s care. But sometimes it has to be done.

  • If it’s clear that he won’t settle, it is kinder to give your baby a big kiss
    and then leave
  • Make sure your carer diverts him quickly with a toy, cuddle or walk
  • As your baby gets older, you can develop a routine that allows him to know you are
    leaving but coming back later. Do and say the same things so he gets used to the routine

If he doesn’t settle after a week or two, you should perhaps see if there are ways
that you can change the arrangement so that he is happier. Although a change can be
disruptive, original arrangements do sometimes go wrong, and it is worth the upheaval to
find the right care for your baby.

Looking after yourself

Working and being a parent can mean time is very
short and stress levels build up. You need to be well organised to fit everything in.

  • If you have a partner, sort out how you will share the work load before
    you return to work
  • Build up your own support network, particularly if you are a lone
    parent. Use our working parents’ discussion
    group     to talk with others who are juggling work and home
  • Try to minimise the time you spend on anything you don’t have
    to do or don’t enjoy doing
  • Consider getting help in the house, for instance, a cleaner. Just
    taking your ironing to someone will help cut your workload
  • Make a point of eating well. Go for high energy healthy foods like
    fruit, wholemeal bread, cheese, pasta or jacket potatoes to help you
    stay on your feet all day
  • Drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice
  • Make early nights a priority, rather than socialising. Catch up on
    sleep at weekends with an afternoon nap, or a long lie-in if your baby
    has an early morning feed followed by an hour or two back in his cot

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