Transitioning From Maternity Leave to Work Life

Returning from maternity leave can be a significant transition, and balancing the demands of work while adjusting to life as a new parent can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether you’re navigating changes in your workplace, managing childcare logistics, or simply adjusting to a new routine, this period requires patience and self-compassion amid a whirlwind of emotions. Some common feelings may include excitement, sadness, separation anxiety, worries about employer support, and most commonly, guilt. When it comes to combating feelings of guilt, TaCora Garrett, Program Coordinator at Centerstone, recommends talking to other moms who have gone through the same thing and ask questions. “Consider asking questions along the lines of ‘how did you work through this?’ and ‘what was helpful for you?’” Garrett adds.

Upon returning to work, it is also common for new moms to ask themselves a series of logistical questions in anticipation of the upcoming transition. Am I leaving the baby too soon? Who’s going to watch them? Are they going to be well taken care of? Will there be a private place for me to pump and store my breastmilk? If you are a new mom preparing to return from maternity leave and are experiencing these questions and emotions, you are not alone. During this transitional period, having support will make all the difference in a smooth transition.

“Although it’s easier said than done, prepare as much as you can ahead of time,” adds Garrett. Ensuring that all details are in order can help ease feelings of anxiety and can help make the transition smoother. Consider the following as you get ready to go back to work:

• Practice leaving the baby. Garrett suggests about a month before you go back to work, leave the baby once a week for 30 minutes so you can both get used to being apart from one another. As time progresses, push the time to 45 minutes, then to one hour, and so on to become more comfortable with it.
• Have conversations with your spouse or partner. Determine if you’re going back too soon, or if you’re financially able to postpone your return to work.
• Plan your childcare. Look into daycare options and/or consider which family members might be available to provide childcare.

Once you eventually do return to work, consider the following to help keep the transition from maternity leave as smooth as possible:

• Talk with your employer before you go back to see what they’re realistically expecting from you upon your return.
• Ask your child’s caregiver if they can send you pictures and updates throughout the day.
• Take something that reminds you of your baby to work to help you still feel connected to them. Similarly, you can also send something of yours with your baby to help them feel connected to you as well.
• Take short breaks as you need throughout the day.

Most importantly, the best thing you can do during this time is give yourself grace and ease back into things. While the transition may feel overwhelming, remember that adjusting to this new phase takes time, and it’s okay to seek support.

If you are feeling overwhelmed as a new mom, Centerstone can provide support for you and your family. Whether you seek out our counseling services to talk through your concerns, or get connected with one of our early childhood programs (available only to Tennessee residents), Centerstone is available to help ease your transition back into work life. Give us a call at 1-877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123) to get connected with care today.