Best Tips for Returning to Work after Having Baby

Your baby is growing up into a healthy and happy little one, and your return to work is just around the corner. But you might be feeling a bit unsure about what to do next. Should you stay at home with your baby for a little while longer? Or should you go back to work because you enjoy the challenges and friendships at your job?

Well, in some countries like Dubai, they’re trying to make this decision easier for moms. Dubai’s Crown Prince, Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recently announced a new rule for moms. It lets them take more time off work when they have a baby – up to 120 extra days! They can also spend more time breastfeeding, going from one hour to two hours a day, for up to a year after the baby is born.

According to Sheikh Hamdan, this new rule is meant to help moms spend more time with their families and feel more stable. In another country called Saudi Arabia, women have been allowed to take 10 weeks of paid maternity leave since April 2016, no matter how long they’ve worked at their jobs.

But even with these new rules, some moms still struggle with the decision of whether to go back to work or not. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. To make the best choice for you and your family, you need to think about what works best for you.

Here are some things to consider when deciding if you’re ready to go back to work after having a baby.

Back to Work After Having a Baby

1. Finances: Can you afford it?

Staying home – especially with a baby – isn’t cheap. You need to consider big-budget items such as childcare, emergency savings, education, retirement plans and other ongoing expenses such as vacations, parties and home improvement.

There are likely to be other expenses that baby brings along – new gear, mom-and-baby classes and household utilities. Draw up stay-at-home and back-to-work budgets and gauge what works better for you.

Remember that cutting down drastically on expenses may work for a couple of months, but will lead to frustration over the long term.

2. Child Care: Will you be happy with the quality?

One of the main reasons mums don’t want to go back to work is that they aren’t happy with the quality of childcare available. If you don’t have this one thing in place, you’ll never be able to focus and work effectively.

Whatever you’re working with – grandparents, other family, nanny or a day care facility – make sure you choose one that’s best for you and the baby. Shadowing your help for a few days before you get back to work gives you a good idea of how things will be when you’re not around.

Walter S. Gilliam, associate professor of child psychiatry and psychology at Yale School of Medicine, in an NYT article, said: “Regardless of what choice you make, you need to form a strong relationship with the child care provider and feel OK about it, because your child will be reading those cues.”

3. Emotional wellbeing: Will you be able to take it?

How will you feel about being away from your baby? How comfortable will you be with the idea of someone else caring for him or her?

How will you be if you miss major milestones, be it first word or steps – in your baby’s life? Dr Marjorie Greenfield, author of The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book, believes: “Many times, what you think you want while you are pregnant is different from when you have the baby.”

Review your hopes and realities with your partner, but don’t feel pressured by the demands of your spouse, friends, in-laws or boss to make a certain decision. Talk to people, but remember that this is a personal choice – there can never be any right or wrong.

4. Career & Goals: Can you let them take a backseat?

There is never a right time in your career to have a baby, but your success at aiming for a balance depends on how willing you are to work things around it. Ask yourself a few important questions and be honest.

Do you still have professional goals to achieve? Will you be able to rejoin the workforce after a three-year break?

Could you think about lateral moves now? Would your employer be receptive to a flexible work arrangement? Consider the big picture to see how staying home could affect your career.

Are you willing to take that risk? Dr Greenfield writes: “It’s really hard to be home with a baby — harder than going to work. Some women miss their job and their adult lives and want to go back to work.” Think things through, weigh your options and decide.

Having a baby is a life-altering experience. One month down the line, you may wonder if you made the right choice. Bear in mind that no decision needs to be permanent. Whatever you choose, you can revisit a couple of months later for adjustments that may be needed.

Every woman needs to find the fit that’s right for her, the baby and her family. To find that balance, you may even want to consider moving to a contract job.

Paige Hobey, mother of two and author of The Working Gal’s Guide to Babyville: Your Must-Have Manual for Life with Baby, suggests: “Think in terms of the next 12 months rather than your entire career path, which can be overwhelming.”

FAQ on Back to work after Maternity Leave

Q1: What are the pros of returning to work after having a baby?

Answer 1: Returning to work can provide financial stability, maintain your career trajectory, and offer social interaction. It can also be personally fulfilling.

Q2: What are the cons of returning to work after having a baby?

Answer 2: Returning to work may mean less time with your baby, increased stress, and potential childcare expenses. It can also be emotionally challenging.

Q3: How do I decide if I should go back to work after having a baby?

Answer 3: Consider your personal and family circumstances, financial needs, and career goals. Assess the available childcare options and your emotional readiness.

Q4: What maternity leave policies should I be aware of?

Answer 4: Maternity leave policies vary by country and employer. Research your country’s laws and your company’s policies regarding maternity leave and benefits.

Q5: Are there alternatives to returning to a traditional job after having a baby?

Answer 5: Yes, you can explore alternatives like freelance work, part-time employment, or starting a home-based business to have more flexibility while caring for your baby.

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