Returning to Work After Maternity Leave — Emotional & Practical Tips

Returning from maternity leave to work? But it feels overwhelming.

 

Do not worry; with these practical tips, you can gain the strength you need.

 

Things to Do Before Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

 

1. Emotional and Self-Care

 

• Talk to your doctor if you are feeling any kind of stress or mental challenges.
• Acknowledge your feelings (guilt, anxiety, or sadness) for clear communication.
• Connect with other moms who have faced similar situations.
• Prioritize adequate sleep.
• Learn techniques to manage stress.
• Take care of your overall health condition.
• Inform your doctor about your decision.
• Know that mom's guilt is common.

 

2. Logistical Preparation

 

• If possible, finalize your daycare or nanny for childcare.
• Know if there are lactation facilities in your workplace.
• Arrange your wardrobe for comfortable nursing.
• Set your new morning routine.

 

3. Workplace Communication

 

• Talk to your seniors or HR for workload and potential flexibility.
• Connect with your teammate for up-to-date information on projects.
• Know if a rejoining letter after maternity leave is required.

 

4. Baby and Family Preparation

 

• Plan short breaks away from your baby to practice separation.
• Maintain a wake-up and sleep schedule.
• As for help from partners or family.

 

Practical Tips to Smoothly Return to Work After Pregnancy Leave

Here are some simple tips that you can follow:

 

1. Set a Simple Routine and Then Practise it

 

• What You Can Do
  • A week before returning to work, try to wake up early in the morning at your work time and carry out a full dry run with your baby.
• How This Helps
  • This helps spot timing issues such as longer feeds, makes the first day less stressful, and reduces morning stress.​

 

2. If Possible, Arrange Reliable Childcare

 

• What You Can Do
  • You can consider trial daycare or nannies in advance, with a Plan B like a family member.
• How This Helps
  • This will help offer peace of mind at work and prevent disruptions from last-minute issues.​

 

3. Get Ready for Breastfeeding or Pumping

 

• What You Can Do
  • Pack pumps, nursing pads, and other healthy snacks. Schedule pumping times and notify HR of a private space.
• How This Helps
  • This helps maintain milk supply for the baby's nutrition without discomfort or any delay.​

 

4. Do Not Complicate Your Mornings | Simplify it

 

• What You Can Do
  • Arrange clothes, pack bags, and prepare your lunches the night before.
• How This Helps
  • This will help you free up time for baby bonding, cut rush-hour frustration, and help you reach your destination on time.​

 

5. Request a Gradual Return After Maternity Leave

 

• What You Can Do
  • If possible, you can request a phased return from your HR, such as shorter initial weeks or flexible hours.
• How This Helps
  • This helps rebuild stamina slowly and manage fatigue​.

 

6. You Can Start Midweek

 

• What You Can Do
  • You can choose a Tuesday or Wednesday for your first day after pregnancy leave to shorten week one.
• How This Helps
  • Fewer days apart from the baby help lower separation anxiety and build confidence more quickly.​

 

7. Do Not Ignore Rest and Self-Care

 

• What You Can Do
  • "sleep when the baby sleeps" and engage in safe postdelivery exercise (after your doctor’s consultation).
• How This Helps
  • Better sleep helps fight exhaustion from night wakings and provides sustained energy for work and home.​ Exercise helps in healthy weight loss and promotes overall health.

 

8. Discuss Your Need with Your Employer

 

• What You Can Do
  • Discuss needs (if possible), such as reviews or objectives, early with your manager.
• How This Helps
  • Regular check-ins align expectations and help you ramp up without being overwhelmed.​

 

9 .Update Your Wardrobe

 

• What You Can Do
  • Update your wardrobe with post-baby clothes for fit and comfort ahead of time.
• How This Helps
  • Comfortable outfits help build confidence and prevent stressful changes on busy mornings.​

10. Learn to Acknowledge Mom Guilt

 

• What You Can Do
  • “Mom guilt” is common because in our culture, it's often assumed that mothers bear the burden of juggling work life and parenting. Join support groups or take professional help to navigate this feeling.
• How This Helps
  • Sharing your experiences normalizes them and helps build resilience for long-term work-life harmony.

Does Mom Guilt Ever Go Away?

“Mom guilt” is a name given to the feelings of guilt and shame some mothers feel when they don’t live up to their own or others’ expectations in their duties. Unfortunately, due to societal conditioning, guilt often does not go away; however, with time, you can manage it.

 

How to Manage Mom Guilt?

 

1. Stop comparing yourself.
2. Let go of the concept of perfection.
3. Be kind to yourself.
4. Communicate realistic duties that you can perform with your family.
5. Identify your trigger points.
6. Start journaling the moment when and how you felt mom’s guilt.
7. Revisit your values; choose what matters the most.
8. Be open to professional help.

 

Conclusion

Returning to work after pregnancy leave can feel chaotic, but with time, you will learn to manage it. All you need to understand is that no one is perfect, and in the transition process, you will make mistakes, and it's totally fine.

 

Are you looking for the best antenatal care? Then, contact Cocoon Hospital, where our professionals will help you navigate and process your feelings.

 

What do we offer in our Antenatal Care Package?

 

You will get the following help:

• Lactation Counselling
• Diet Plan
• Weight Loss Plan
• Nutrition & Diet
• Antenatal Yoga
• Garbhsanskar Yoga
• Lamaze Classes

 

Contact us today at:

• contactjpr@cocoon.co.in 
• 08929816349