Browsing Category Newborn Assistance

Mommy Guilt

Super sensitive subject, I know believe me. 

We all sometimes battle  with the Mommy Guilt syndrome.  This past week, I had a conversation with a fellow mom, who is just starting back to work.  My job not just professionally, but personally was to comfort and uplift her by telling her what is so very true in that, she is doing the right thing for not only herself, but for her family as well.  That the baby does know who she is now, and will know her whether she’s a stay at home mom, or continues on with her career.  That she will someday look back on the emotional roller coaster that she is riding now, and laugh. 

However, I could not help but to feel the same compassion and sympathy for her that I feel about myself from time to time.  You have days where you are just not sure if you are doing the right thing by working full time.  So, I went online and found some very helpful tips that can help ease the transition from maternity leave to returning to work.  It’s also a refreshing read for mom’s who have been back to work for quite a while, but still have those “guilty” days.

Before you return back to work do the following:

Set a return-to-work date.  If you are able to arrange it, choose a day late in the week, this will give you a couple of days to get “back in the groove” of things, prior to starting a full week. 

Talk to your boss- Clarify your job duties and schedule so that you will know exactly what is expected of you.  You might want to ask for a flexible work schedule where you can have a day or two for telecommuting, or if you have the luxury, work part time.

If you are breast feeding- Continue to do so after you return to work, but ask your employer about a clean, private room for pumping.  Consider buying an electric pump that will allow you to pump both breasts at one.  About two weeks prior to returning to work start to introduce the bottle to baby if you haven’t done so.  See my previous blog on Breast to Bottle for helpful tips in making the transition.

Find dependable childcare-  This is a MUST for busy, working moms.  In order to be productive, and effective at work, you have to feel secure in knowing that baby is receiving the best care possible.  Take your time in interviewing, and getting to know the person if you don’t already, that is going to care for your baby while away at work.  Going through an agency has it’s pros as most agencies will have conducted background checks, reference checks, provided training, etc. to ensure that the person you have is qualified and trustworthy.

LET GO OF THE GUILT- Going back to work after maternity leave for a new mother can invoke a tremendous amount of emotional struggles.  Working outside of the home does not make you a bad mother- and it’s ok to look forward to the adult interactions and challenges, goals, accomplishments at your job.  The key is to constantly remind yourself that you are doing what’s best for you and your family.

Once you are back to work, keep in mind the following:

Get and stay organized.  Make daily to do list.  You may want to do what I do, by having a work and home notebook for tasks and appointments.  You can also assign tasks to your partner, and know when to say No to avoid stressing yourself out.

Stay Connected- Plan at least one daily phone call to your baby’s caregiver to find out how your baby is doing daily.  Place a photo of baby on your desk to glance at from time to time, as a gentle reminder that you are doing it not only for yourself, but for your family.  Also Set aside time after work to reconnect with your baby.

Make back up plans-  Nanny’s, neighbors, dad, grandparents, someone should be your back up, just in case there’s an important meeting that i just can’t miss, person.  This eleviates the stress of relying on one sole person as your childcare provider.  However, the benefit of using childcare centers include not having to have a back up person in line.

Nurture your own well being- One of the things that I said to my fellow mom last week was something that you sometimes feel guilty about saying, but is a very true statement.  Although you are a mom, you are also a human being.  You must nuture yourself even if it’s something small like taking a hot bath once baby is asleep, or cuddling up to a good book, or going to get a pedi/mani every couple of weeks.  You must rewared yourself for the hard work, and give yourself a chance to renew.

I hope the above tips can assist other moms who are either transitioning back to work, or are currently working outside of the home, and have to battle Mommy Guilt from time to time.  Remember the above tips, they can help get you through the rough period.

Category : Newborn Assistance

With the New Year coming, it may be time to introduce new/different child care options to your baby.  This can be a challenging experience, but with the right support and tips, it can also be an exciting experience.  Take a look below, and let us know if there are any ideas tips that worked for you!

Category : Newborn Assistance