Labor and delivery (15)
- Stages of labor: Baby, it's time!
- Signs of labor: Know what to expect
- Signs of labor: Know what to expect
- see all in Labor and delivery
Postpartum care (7)
- Exercise after pregnancy: How to get started
- Weight loss after pregnancy: Reclaiming your body
- Sex after pregnancy: Let your body set the pace
- see all in Postpartum care
Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Started
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Returning from maternity leave: Tips for working mothers
Returning to work after maternity leave? Here's what to do before you go back to work — and how to stay connected once you're on the job again.
By Mayo Clinic staffAre you dreading the day your maternity leave ends? Don't despair. Working mothers face many challenges, but you can prepare for the demands with careful planning.
Before you return to work
While you're still on maternity leave, set yourself up for a successful return to work.
- Let go of the guilt. Returning to work often poses emotional conflicts for new mothers. But working outside the home doesn't make you a bad mother. And it's OK to look forward to the challenges and interactions of your job. Remind yourself that you're doing what's best for you and your family, and then move on.
- Find dependable child care. Consider local child care providers and facilities or make other arrangements for child care, perhaps even before the baby is born. Look for a safe, stimulating environment and qualified caregivers. Trust your instincts when interviewing potential caregivers.
-
Talk to your boss. Clarify your job duties and schedule so you'll know what's expected of you after your maternity leave. You might ask about flexible hours, telecommuting or working part time.
If you're planning to continue breast-feeding after returning to work, ask your employer to help you find a private room for pumping. Consider buying or renting an electric breast pump that allows you to pump both breasts at once. If timing is a concern, offer alternatives — pumping during your breaks or working from home to make up for the lost time, for example.
- Set a return-to-work date. If you can, go back to work late in the week. That'll make your first week back to work a short one.
(1 of 2)
