Lolli’s Lesson:#1 Tip for Returning to Work

The calls I receive from families are most frequent in the early newborn stage as we are working to establish breastfeeding, adjusting to a newborn at home, and an overall transition of bringing a new baby into their lives. And then? It seems to be smooth sailing for a little while…

Most of the time if I’m going to hear from parents again it will likely be when mom has to go back to work. In fact, this may be the #1 stressor of new parents. The anxiety is real. I remember as a new mom with my firstborn. I was going back to work part-time and I began counting the weeks I had left at home on maternity leave almost as soon as I brought her through the door in that Evenflo carseat. I began pumping and saving milk early on (and earlier than I should have) to make sure she was going to have enough. I cried in the shower at the thought of leaving her.

In all of the breastfeeding classes I’ve taught, and when counseling new moms in preparation for returning to work, I’ve found the #1 tip for alleviating at least a small bit of anxiety is to do a practice day.

A practice day is just that. You are going to pretend you are going to work. Maybe it’s just for a half day one week then progressing to a full day of pretend work the next week. There is no right or wrong way to do this, you just have to make a plan. Prepping bottles, the diaper bag, and a note of instructions for the caregiver is a great place to start. Remember, you are NOT going to work, but you are going to pretend like you are. You will pump during the times you will at work. It’s all a practice. And like the saying goes, “practice makes perfect”, right? Ha!!

Those feelings are real. I’ve been there and know how hard it is to go back to work. Have a practice day with your baby! You will find what worked great and where maybe you need to tweak some things for a smoother transition for your return to work. And if you have more questions than answers after your pretend day away from your baby? I’m here to help!