Going Back To Work: The Struggle Is Real

Going back to work? Not sure if you should be excited, or lock yourself in the bathroom and cry? Yeah, I can relate…

[ReviewDisclaimer]

Going back to work can be extremely challenging for a mom – especially a new mom. So many mothers experience an overwhelming sense of anxiety and mom guilt when returning back to work, after maternity leave.

If you’re lucky, you may have just had several weeks at home with your little one. Having to readjust your situation and routine, JUST after spending weeks trying to get adjusted to your new baby, is TOUGH!

I thought I would be pretty calm, cool, and collected on my first day back to work. Part of me was very excited to catch up with my coworkers and get back into my old routine.

The other part of me felt completely torn apart.

It’s hard being separated from the little human you formed in your body and have spent every waking moment with for the last few months.

I vividly remember leaving Mia before going back to work (it sadly still replays over and over in my mind.) You may have experienced this same thing; you drop your baby off (and of course kiss her 100 times), you drive away, your eyes swell with crocodile tears, the lump in your throat expands, and the pit in your stomach grows to what feels like the size of a watermelon.

Then all of a sudden…there it is….the ugly cry.

I’ve never been so thankful to have tinted windows in my car, so I could cry in a safe, peaceful, and judgement-free place. A good cry is therapeutic, and once I was able to get that out, I knew it would all be okay.

But had I not had the right frame of mind going into it, I don’t think I would have recovered as easily. So, here are 7 tips that made the going back to work adjustment a little easier for me.

going-back-to-work

 

1.) Mentally prepare – 

And while you mentally prepare, soak in as many baby snuggles as you can! You can do it. You will get readjusted. If you go back and feel like it’s just not working for you, that’s okay too. Then, you know it’s time to have a conversation to see if staying at home/working from home would be a better option for you and your family.

2.) Get prepared the night before –

I’m talking outfits picked out, baby bottles prepared, diaper bags packed. Nothing is worse than being in a rush, on top of being overly stressed and anxious. The more you can do to prepare the night before, the less you will have to worry about in the morning.

3.) Ask for help – 

The day (and maybe week/month) you go back to work can be emotionally draining. It’s important to get as much support as you need, whether it’s having help getting breakfast made, cleaning the never-ending mound of bottles, playing with the baby while you get ready, making more COFFEE…anything!

The first day that Mia was going to the nanny, I asked for Josh to come with me to drop her off. I told him I wanted help bringing everything in, but of course I really just needed him there for the emotional support.

Sure enough, the second we walked to our cars after dropping her off, my head sank into his chest, the tears came rolling down, and I got mascara on his shirt (sorry, babe.) It really helps to have that extra support, and the verbal reassurance that everything will be okay.

4.) Get dressed LAST – 

Seriously, like right before you walk out of the door. Chances are your baby is going to drool, spit up, or maybe even poop on your outfit that you worked so hard to put together. After having to get yourself and your child ready and out the door by 8:00am, the last thing you have time for is another outfit change.

5.) Meet with your supervisor and be honest – 

I knew returning to work would be bittersweet – excited to get back, but sad about leaving the baby. I met with our CEO and my supervisor to catch up, and I allowed myself to be open and honest about how I was feeling.

It made me feel so much more at ease telling them that returning to work was an exciting, but very difficult and emotional transition. They were very understanding and were willing to work with me. They offered flexible hours and encouraged me to slowly get back into my work routine.

6.) Acknowledge the mommy guilt, but let it subside –

If it’s in the best interest for you and your family to return to work, then you are doing a good thing. You’re helping provide for your family and pave the way for your child to have a wonderful life. Isn’t that what we all want, as moms? For our children to know that we would do everything in our power to give them the best life imaginable??

7.) Pray! –

Pray and trust that your baby will be well taken care of.

It can be difficult to trust that someone else will care for your baby the way that you would. No matter if your child is going to daycare, staying with a grandparent, or with a nanny, we have to trust that they are fully capable and equipped to handle the job.

On your way to work, try listening to a playlist of your favorite worship music and believe that the One who created the Universe will comfort you, give you peace, and will ultimately protect that beautiful baby you made, while you’re gone.

I’m SO grateful that I was able to have 13 weeks of maternity leave with Mia. Going back to work has been very challenging, but has made me cherish every precious second that I have with her even more.

going-back-to-work

I can’t wait to pick her up after work or come home and see her smiling, happy face. It gives me light. I may or may not still ugly cry on the way to work…but my hope is that it will get easier each week. 😉

Are you struggling with having to go back to work? I would love to pray for you or hear how you are handling it…we can go through this transition together!

Poms2Moms-Cayla

About The Author

Cayla

Founder & author of the parenting & lifestyle blog, Poms2Moms. Christian, wife to Josh, mom to Mia and Boone. Find me writing about life as a new mom, fitness, and “fitness whole pizza in my mouth.” Cheers! – Cayla

14 COMMENTS

  1. Nikki | 4th Apr 18

    I wanted to be a mother for as long as I can remember. When my husband and I got married, he understood how important that was to me, and made sure I could stay home with our kids once we had them. Now that we have do have a little girl, he’s working his butt off to make sure I still get to stay home with her. I am so blessed! But we are really tight financially, and I sometimes wonder if it would have been better for me to stay at my job. Regardless, all you moms who do go back to work, you are a stronger person than I am! <3 I don't know if I could do it..

    • Cayla | 4th Apr 18

      Thank you! It’s been tough, but I’m trying to stay as positive as I can 🙂 I’m so happy that you and your husband were able to work things out so you could stay at home with your little girl…what a blessing!

  2. Alex | 4th Apr 18

    Transitioning back is so hard! I work from home, and feel the tug between work and momming on a daily basis. Keep up the great work mama, great tips and a wonderful article!

    • Cayla | 5th Apr 18

      Thank you, Alex. Yes, the transition is tough! I’m so glad you’re able to work from home. It sounds like an ideal situation, but I’m sure finding a balance between work and being a mommy throughout the day can be challenging! Thanks for stopping by…I hope you have a great rest of the week!

  3. Lena | 4th Apr 18

    Such a good post for working mamas. Up until I delivered I thought I was going back to work and I had no idea how I was going to do it. Then my husband got a job by the grace of God that allowed me to stay home. Working mamas have all my respect and these tips seems great for preparing for that huge change.

    • Cayla | 5th Apr 18

      Thank you, Lena! I always planned to go back to work, and I remember my CEO telling me I might not want to come back after seeing the baby. I’m back for now…but things can always change 😉 I’m so glad to hear that everything worked out for you!

  4. Sarah | 5th Apr 18

    Very good tips for moms returning to work after baby. I know it was very hard and I feel for each mom who does.

    • Cayla | 5th Apr 18

      Thank you, Sarah…I’m glad you can relate. I knew it would be hard, but not THIS hard. Extra prayers seem to help 🙂

  5. jackie | 5th Apr 18

    I just started on maternity leave and in Canada we are fortunate to be able to stay home either 12 months or 18 months. it will be super hard going back

    • Cayla | 5th Apr 18

      WOW! That is a nice long time. I could imagine being home that long would make it super challenging to go back!

  6. Ashley | 5th Apr 18

    Going back to work is so hard. I stayed home for 2 years. It was so hard to leave. These are great tips.

    • Cayla | 5th Apr 18

      Going back is hard…really hard. So awesome that you took 2 years to be at home and enjoy your baby…I’m sure you loved it! I can’t imagine how difficult it was to go back after having that time off!

  7. Shelley | 6th Apr 18

    Loved this, Cay! Everyone has to make the best decision they can for their family in regards to working, so just know Josh and Mia couldn’t be more proud of you. :-*

    • Cayla | 9th Apr 18

      Thank you Shell! 🙂

Leave A Comment