Today, I’m delighted to have Natasha guest posting about a topic that is so important and that a lot of moms can relate to- going back to work after having a baby. As you know, I get 12 weeks of maternity leave and will be returning to work after that. I am blessed to have a job that I really love and get a lot of fulfillment from, but that doesn’t make it much easier to think about leaving sweet little Harper. I’ve been a longtime reader of Natasha’s blog and love her approach to parenting. Also, her son Ethan is one of the most adorable little boys I’ve ever seen. Look at that face! Read below to get Natasha’s best tips for moms returning to work…
Hi there! I’m Natasha and I blog over at Schue Love, which centers around all things that I love, in particular, my son Ethan! I’ve followed Veronika’s blog from the start and am so overjoyed that she recently got to meet her beautiful daughter…isn’t she precious? Even though Ethan is almost a year old, it feels like just yesterday that I got to meet him for the very first time. It certainly goes by quickly!
Since Veronika is planning to be a working mom, I thought I would touch on some things that I’ve learned along the way and offer some advice on going back to work.
Being a working mom is by no means an easy choice to make. In fact, it seems like a lot of mommy bloggers are SAHM’s {stay at home moms} and it can often be difficult to decide what’s best for you and your family, especially when comparing to the blogging world. There are definitely pros and cons to staying at home versus working but I’d like to talk a bit about what I love about being a working mom.
For me, going back to work was an emotional choice, but ultimately the right one…and almost a year later, I can say that I really do love it. First and foremost, I like that I’m a role model for Ethan. I know that he may not understand it now, but I want him to know and respect the fact that I am pursuing a career that’s fulfilling and challenging. I want to inspire him to become educated and go after his dreams. Second, on a more selfish note, I really do like the fact that I can get dressed up in the morning and feel accomplished by the end of the day. I appreciate my time with Ethan so much more at night and on the weekends and I also know he’s gaining great social skills while I’m away. Last, I love that I am contributing financially to my family. We aren’t stretched for money like we would be if I was staying at home right now and I love being able to spoil Ethan with fun toys and new clothes. My husband says we’re lucky we don’t have a girl right now because we would probably be broke…no joke! V…you’re in trouble ! 😉
Some advice on going back to work:
Negotiate a Flexible Work Schedule
When I first went back to work, I worked from home two days a week. I know this option is not available to everyone but it really helped with my transition back to work. Most companies will work with you to find a schedule that works for both parties and it really is the best of both worlds. And even if working from home is not an option, talk with your manager about leaving early or taking a day off a couple times a month.
Find a Great Nanny or Daycare
We are fortunate to live close to family, so Ethan’s grandma watches him a couple times a week and then we have a nanny that watches him the rest of the time. I would definitely start looking for childcare options while you’re still pregnant so you have plenty of time to interview and make a choice that you’re most comfortable with. Ethan loves both his grandma and nanny and it makes us feel really good to know he’s so well taken care of when we’re away from him. I know some daycares even have video monitors so you can check in during the work day…how awesome is that?
Get Friendly with Your Pump
If you plan to breastfeed when you go back to work, then you need to get friendly with your pump stat. There are a lot of opinions on when to pump and how often, but for me, I pumped three times a day at work for about 10-20 minutes each. Your workplace should have a suitable space for you to pump and store your milk, so talk to them now about those options so you’re all set for when you go back.
Figure out Which Bottle Works Best
Speaking of pumping, you’ll also have to figure out which bottle works best and my suggestion is to start sooner than later. Have your husband give the baby a bottle a couple times a week so he or she can become familiar with it. We love Dr. Brown’s bottles the best but have about five different options available!
Take Some Time Away Now
It should go without saying that you need your “me” time in those first few months…so take it and don’t feel guilty about it. As you get closer to the time that you’re going back to work, consider having your nanny or daycare watch your baby for a couple hours so they get familiar {and you do too!} with each other. It’s nice to have a test run, especially to make sure you don’t forget anything and all parties feel comfortable. Plus a pedicure or lunch date with your hubby goes a long way those first few months!
I hope the above helps…and Veronika…soak it all in! Enjoy those cuddles and sweet moments. Congrats again!
xo natasha
I hope the above helps…and Veronika…soak it all in! Enjoy those cuddles and sweet moments. Congrats again!
xo natasha
jeannie says
Really great post! Do you have any suggestions in how to find a nanny?
Shadowy Lady says
this was a great post Natasha and thanks for sharing Veronika. I'm going back to work next month and already have negotiated working hours with my boss (who has been the BEST) and have a great daycare near home. I'm weaning my LO now though, she'll be one when I return to work.
Btw I'm def grateful for my full year mat leave now that I read u gotta go back at 12 weeks. I shall never leave Canada, I think we have the best maternity leave option in the world 🙂
natasha {schue love} says
Thanks so much for having me today V! xo
Beautygirl24 says
Wonderful! I love both of you girls, and have followed you from the start. It's been very inspirational for me to see how you've both evolved! Great advice, and something I'll keep in mind the next couple of years 🙂
Erika says
How about the guilt that I'm feeling of not being there most of their day, not sharing their joy, kissing them all better when they fall…I would like to go back to work, I tried working for 3 months, I just couldn't. I am now looking for something part time…being a working mom is not easy…I don't know how you do it! More power to you ladies!
Melanie says
These are great tips! I don't have any kids but if/when I do, I know I will for sure be back to work. Great post!
Arie, Dewa and Divya says
I'm a stay at home mom to a 3 yo and a 10 month old. Yes, it goes by very quickly. I feel very fortunate to be able to be home with my kids. My husband is a professor, so no we are not living a lavish lifestyle. I also want to be an inspiration to my kids. I was working on my phd when I got pregnant with my first and continued to work & take classes after she was born. It was awful. I was miserable. Since I've had my son, I've taken a year off and LOVED being at home. It will take me a lot longer to finish my phd now, but I definitely don't regret it.
Shadia Brown says
As a working mom myself I would also say to prepare mentally because in my case, I cried for an entire week every single day when I first went back. I couldn't even look at my baby because I would be in tears! BUT I can tell you that my friends at work were there for me the entire time and kept telling me it would get better soon. I couldn't see how that would be possible but it did get better pretty quickly. I have now been back for 2 months and although I miss my son everyday, like Natasha said, I enjoy him so much more at nights and weekends and the smile on his face when he sees me and hears my voice when I get home (my husband picks him up) is priceless. It DOES get easier and easier everyday. 🙂
Laura {happily ever} Parker says
Long time follower of both your blogs and I think this is great advice. I don't have children yet but I know mama's need their ME time! So don't be afraid to take it. Mama, baby and daddy will all be better for it! Enjoy sweet Harper!!
<3
Shaleya Brett says
That is such a great insight!
I've been struggling to make that decision as I don't want to feel bad for leaving my baby too early.
I'm only 11weeks along , I'm still working, so I can't help but think about that option of heading back to work once my maternity leave is up.
I think even going back to work a couple of days a week just to have the social aspect plus still being there for you're baby is good?
If you have that option that is, where I do as I work in retail.
But that's a good point, that you can be selfish and it does give baby a good foundation of hardworking parents and great values to go by 🙂
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Meg O. says
Great tips! I probably couldn't have said it better myself! Being a working mom is tough but it is also so rewarding as well. Being super prepared and organized is essential. It does get easier with time, even though I miss Kennedy a lot during work days.
Tess says
Loved this post! Really valuable advice and great to hear from a working-mommy as they are so rare in the blogosphere.
Please report back on your experience when you return to work, Veronika!
Sandy a la Mode says
great post! i am a working mom too and altho it is not easy, i think it is the best for our family!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Jennifer says
I am a working mom and I hate it. My husband is thankfully the one home with her all day, but I find myself jealous that he gets to spend so much time with her. When I get home, all I have are a couple of hours and then it's bedtime for her. I cherish weekends. I cry when she does something in front of someone else for the first time. I hate that I can't just bring her to the park on nice days when they are during the week.
pearlsandpixels.com says
Great post, Natasha. I'm a working mom myself and am actually venturing out and starting my own law practice so I can have more flexibility with my hours and workload. I'm am so grateful we found an amazing daycare. My 2.5 year old loves school and is thriving there.
Jeniffer says
I am sorry, but I think that you can still be a role model to your children if you are a "SAHM". Not trying to be negative, but the way it was worded in this post, could be taken as an insult. It is a personal choice and everyone has to do what works best for the family.
[email protected] says
@jeniffer- no one is saying that stay at home moms are not role models for their children. All parents should strive to be role models. My parents both worked most of the time I was growing up and it's something I admired about them and I have always had a really strong work ethic because of it. My mom also did spend some time at home with me so I got the best of both worlds. The post is not intended to be offensive, just to show the positive aspects of being a working mom. There are positives and negatives to both working and staying at home. Everyone just needs to do what's best for their family.
natasha {schue love} says
Just to follow up on Jeniffer's comment. My intent was really to provide perspective from a working mom. Being away from my baby is not easy, and I completely applaud and admire moms that stay at home. It's a full time job as well. I just want to empower those moms that may not have the option of staying home or ensure those that are working that we too should be proud of that decision and try not to feel guilty. It's not an easy choice, either way.