iVillage

Reentering the Workforce

• Consider returning to work at the end of the week rather than the beginning. A Wednesday or Thursday start day gives you enough time to see how you will have to adjust your schedule without causing too much stress. You may also wish to consider working partial weeks for the first month or so back to help you and baby ease back into your work schedule.



• As you will discover, the first few weeks after you return to work are an adjustment for you and your new baby. Your new role as a working mom will take some getting used to and that is completely understandable. Make sure you do what's best for your baby and communicate any issues that may arise to avoid any misunderstandings with bosses and colleagues.



• Talk to other working moms you know who have also recently had babies. Guaranteed, they are a wealth of information and can offer advice on the challenges you are going to face as you return to work. You can learn from their experiences so that you will be able to handle things you might not have anticipated.



• Work with your child care or day care provider to make your transition back to work as smooth as possible. Consider doing a “test run” where you arrange child care for a half-day only or try to visit during a full-day. Make sure you leave clear instructions so that child care providers can accommodate your needs so you can worry less about your baby while you are at work.



• Finally, make sure that you give yourself a break. It's going to take some time getting used to juggling the demands in your life. With patience – and humor – you'll master it in no time!