It is likely you will experience a mixture of emotions when returning to work after maternity leave. While you might be looking forward to a little independence and an opportunity to advance in your career, you might also have reservations about placing your son or daughter in childcare each working day.

To ensure the transition is as easy as possible, read the following six tips for returning to work after maternity leave.

1. Ease Back into Working Life

Rather than fully immersing yourself into your old role, you should slowly ease yourself back into working life. For example, arrange to only attend work for a day or two on your first week back. It will provide you with the time and space to adjust to your new normal.

2. Change Your Career

It is essential to care for your mental health following the birth of your son or daughter. If are dreading the prospect of returning to work, it might be beneficial to change your career to prevent stress from taking its toll on your home life.

For example, you could find a new career, launch your own company at home, or invest in an existing business, such as an accounting practice for sale.

3. Learn to Say No

Before your child entered the world, you might have been more than happy to arrive at work early or stay late to tackle different projects. However, your priorities have more than likely changed since the arrival of your baby.

If your boss is requesting too much of you, or your colleagues are constantly adding tasks onto your to-do list, you must learn to say no to non-essential tasks, so you can take some of the pressure off your shoulders.

4. Arrange a Meeting with Your Boss

It might also be helpful to arrange a meeting with your boss before you return to your career. It will provide an opportunity to discuss more flexible working arrangements if required. Plus, he or she can update you on any changes within the company you may need to be aware of, such as a shift in leadership or new processes.

5. Focus on Self-Care

Juggling a flourishing career with busy home life can lead to extreme tiredness each day. Rather than succumbing to exhaustion, aim to take care of yourself as much as possible. For example, you should:

• Go to bed early every night
• Adopt a healthy diet
• Routinely give yourself a break (read a book, enjoy a hot bath, or go for a coffee with your friends)

6. Don’t Feel Guilty

It is common for some mothers to feel guilty when returning to work after maternity leave. Not only might you want to be there for your child each day, but you also might be afraid of missing out on many of their first moments.

However, it is important to remember you are working hard to give your son or daughter a better life. While you might feel guilty at first, the emotions will eventually subside, and you’ll realize that returning to your career is the best option for both you and your family.

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