Going back to work after having a baby can bring a whole mixture of feelings.
You might be looking forward to getting back into your routine, seeing colleagues and having a part of life that's just yours again. You might also feel sad, nervous, guilty or completely unsure about leaving your baby.
And you know what? You can feel all those things at once.
Returning to work isn't just a practical change. It's another big transition for your whole family. So how can you ease the transition?
Start preparing before your first day
If you can, give yourself some time to think about what your new routine will actually look like.
Who will look after your baby? Who will do drop-off and pick-up? What happens if your baby is unwell? How will you manage mornings, meals and getting everyone out of the door?
You don't need every detail worked out months in advance, but having a rough plan can make the first few weeks feel less overwhelming.
A practice run can help too. Try getting everyone ready and out of the house at the time you'll need to leave. You might quickly discover that something which sounded simple on paper takes considerably longer with a baby involved!
Give yourself time to adjust
Your first day back might feel completely fine. Or it might feel really strange.
You may find yourself thinking about your baby throughout the day, checking your phone constantly or wondering what they're doing.
That's normal.
You might also find yourself enjoying being back at work, and that's okay too. Missing your baby and enjoying your job can both be true. There's no correct emotional response to returning to work.
Think about the practical details
A little preparation can remove some unnecessary stress.
Depending on your circumstances, you might need to organise:
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Childcare arrangements and contact details
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Drop-off and collection plans
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Feeding arrangements
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Spare clothes and essentials for your baby
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Your own work clothes and equipment
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Emergency backup plans
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Who can help if plans suddenly change
Write down anything you're likely to forget when you're tired. Future-you will probably be grateful.
Make the transition gradual where you can
If your childcare provider offers settling-in sessions, use them. They give your baby an opportunity to get used to a new person and environment, while giving you the chance to become familiar with the routine too.
You might find the first few drop-offs emotional. That's okay.
A difficult goodbye doesn't necessarily mean your baby is unhappy or that you've made the wrong decision. Transitions take time.
