Back to work: the new mom’s survival guide
Being a mom is one of the most fulfilling experiences in a woman’s life. It is like having a tiny extension of yourself, looking up to you like you mean the world to them. However, what makes motherhood so rewarding and challenging at the same time is the act of striking the right balance between the loving mama bear and the passion-driven career woman. Here are a few tips you can use as a working mom survival guide to get the best of both worlds.
Give it some time
Sometimes the best way to cope with drastic changes in life is by giving yourself the gift of time. With the miracle of childbirth and by nurturing a new born, your body has already gone through an emotional rollercoaster. It is ok if you are not able to be the productive and self-sufficient woman you were before you had your baby, right during your first day back at work. While some moms adjust quickly, other moms take more time. Each of us is different. Don’t feel the pressure to adapt before you are ready and be rest assured that you will get better even if the situation is initially tricky.
It is also important to consider the fact that going back to work will not only be a change for you but your little one as well. You need to give your baby sometime to cope with your working hours, just as much as you. If you have the option to start with part-time hours, or flexible hours, do consider doing so for at least a few months. This would give both baby and you some time to adjust.
Do not let your guilt get the best of you
“Mom guilt” is real. When you’re at work, you will be worried sick about your little one. Understand that this feeling is normal and learn to control your urge to make constant calls to your baby’s caretaker. Remember, you returned to your office for a reason, and it requires you to focus on work. As a new mom, you need to be kind to yourself. Try to find a colleague to confide in when the feeling of guilt gets too overwhelming. Negotiate a short period of adjustment with yourself while you transition back to work. Limiting your texts and calls to the caretaker also helps. Not only will it help you gain some confidence, but will also strengthen the trust between both of you.
Make a schedule and stick to it
As a new mom, time management is everything. The only thing that will come in handy and save you is having a schedule. Mornings can be the most challenging part of the day so make sure you plan for the day the previous night. Lay out your clothes and pack your work bag before so that it helps you save time. Additionally, make sure everything is set for your baby, so you do not have to fret over it at work. Mentally prepare yourself for the day ahead at work. If you must work for a long period of time on a specific day, make sure you inform your spouse ahead.
Fight the need to prove yourself
Many ambitious new moms have the fear of not being able to reach their targets at work. Remember, the trick lies in focusing on smart work instead of hard work. Prioritise your work during the beginning of the day and allot a pre-determined timeline for each task. Work in such a way that you will be able to meet your deadlines well within your working hours.
It is also important to never shy away from asking for perks. If you feel working from home twice a week will improve your productivity and give you peace of mind, ask for it! After all, you have your work to speak for itself. Furthermore, if you are having a bad day at work, don’t be too hard on yourself. As the saying goes – it is a bad day, not a bad life.
Strive to achieve work-life balance
It is easier said than done but while at work, try to focus only on the tasks at hand. Once you’re back home to your little one, leave all thoughts of work at the office. Learn to compartmentalise both roles so that neither overlaps. While it might seem confusing at first, you will find yourself getting better at it. More importantly, trust your instincts; you will surprise yourself with your new delegation and prioritisation skills.
While it can be overwhelming, to begin with, being a mom can be extremely rewarding if you trust yourself. Make this new part of your life more comfortable with some of our products just for moms designed to make motherhood a breeze. Head over to Little West Street for many more adorable baby products and first-time mom tips and tricks!
