Returning to job after maternity leave could be quite frightening for nursing mothers as they have to deal with many things but with careful planning, the transitions could be made smoother. Going back to the office after delivering a baby is a challenging task for breastfeeding mothers. There are many things that will bother you while going back to the office soon after your delivery such as separation anxiety, guilt feeling to leave your baby when s/he needs you the most, etc. There are several factors that would make your transitions from maternity to the office an overwhelming one, but some tips listed below will help you to overcome the challenges for nursing mothers and their newborns.
Overcome the challenge of separation anxiety: Most new moms miss their newborn a lot while returning to job after spending a long time with their bundle of joy and may even develop a guilt but working outside does not make you a bad mother. Thus take a deep breath and believe in yourself and overcome the separation anxiety by taking your responsibilities and managing them well. When you`re at office focus on your work and don`t think about your baby and while at home look after your baby and don`t think about your work. This approach would help you to maintain a balance in your personal and professional life.
Challenges of Breastfeeding: The fear of juggling breastfeeding at home and pumping your breast milk at work may make the transition even more difficult, but once you start doing it you`ll learn to overcome this challenge as well. If you have decided that you`ll continue breastfeeding your baby even after returning to the job, ask your employer that you have to take small breaks to pump. Some offices arrange a clean, private room with an outlet for breast pumping while others would arrange a temporary room for you on your recommendation. Make sure that you feed your baby before and after the office hours and pump the breast at the office 2-3 times.
Challenge of adjusting to a new schedule: Your schedule will certainly take a new turn and you have to do things as per time given by your little one. Before going back to work, you have enough time to gradually transform the schedule of your little one as per your office demands. Childcare can be a good option to allow your newborn to adjust.
Finding a dependable childcare: Before your baby is born, arrange a local childcare or make other arrangements for your childcare. Ask the elderly people in your home to come to your place to look after him as they will love and treat him as their own kids. If you couldn`t find anyone to take care of your child at home, find a dependable childcare close to your home. Take suggestions from your colleagues, baby`s doctor, friends, etc and make sure that childcare is qualified and maintain a safe environment.
Talk to your employer: Inform your boss well in advance about your nursing schedule and ask him for flexible work hours. It would be better if you can land an opportunity to work from home till your baby grow up as you`ll be able to look after your child while doing your office work.