Written by Anna Rodney, Doula and Childbirth Educator
Anna Rodney is the owner and founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth and Baby University. She is a leader in the perinatal field and a trusted resource for expecting families and perinatal professionals.
Being a mom is more than a full-time job, and the idea of balancing a career while also being a mom feels nearly impossible. How can it be done? It is not typically easy, but with proper planning, support, and time, it can be managed.
Plan ahead
Planning ahead is critical. Being on the same page as your partner about household tasks, baby care, expectations, and other responsibilities will make all the difference. Plan out as much as you possibly can.
If someone works from home, can they be in charge of dropping off your little one at daycare?
Can you hire a nanny? Would in-home childcare make your life harder or easier?
Who can cook dinner? Can you prep meals in advance to save time?
Who will handle grocery shopping, laundry, and other household chores?
I know this may seem like it will fall into place naturally, but in reality, many women take on the bulk of these responsibilities without communication or planning. We think of it and just do it, which often leads to stress, overwhelm, and even resentment toward our partners.
Ask for flexibility
If you are returning to an office job and have always worked full days in the office five days a week, there may be some flexibility. You might even have the option to work from home. If it seems at all possible, it does not hurt to ask.
Working from home just one day a week might make household tasks feel more manageable. A later start at the office could allow you to drop off your little one at daycare. Ask coworkers with young children what arrangements they have made. If you believe you can fulfill your job responsibilities remotely, do not be afraid to advocate for yourself. Be prepared to demonstrate how you can remain effective while working from home.
Start slow
Be gentle with yourself as you ease back into work, and understand that it will take time to adjust. At first, it may feel overwhelming, and you will likely experience a range of emotions. But it will get easier, and you will adapt.
If, over time, things do not improve and your previous career no longer feels sustainable, consider whether a career change is an option. It is actually quite common for women to switch careers after having a baby. Priorities shift, time constraints feel more intense, and emotions change. Be honest with yourself during this transition and allow yourself grace.
Recruit support
If you have not already built a support system during pregnancy and postpartum, now is the time. If friends and family offer to help with cooking, shopping, or childcare, let them. Having a community of support is invaluable.
Some families arrange childcare on Saturdays or Sundays to ease the transition back to work. Even a few hours can provide time to catch up on tasks, prepare for the week, or simply relax with your partner. It does not have to be a full day. Even five hours on a Saturday can make a huge difference in making the week ahead feel more manageable.
Find time for yourself
This is easier said than done, but if you do not plan for it, it will never happen. It may feel like you are too busy to do anything besides work and care for your baby, but neglecting yourself will lead to burnout and frustration.
Choose one activity that brings you joy and helps you feel grounded, whether it is a morning walk, yoga, a dance class, reading, or meditation. Ask yourself: What do I need to feel like a happier, more balanced person? Make time for that. Everyone around you will benefit when you prioritize self-care.
Going back to work after maternity leave is never easy. With proper planning, support, and grace it can be more manageable, enjoyable, and less stressful.
Bonus tip
Join a community! Connect with like-minded people during your pregnancy journey. Get ideas from other families and see what they are planning for postpartum as well as for when they go back to work! We highly recommend Birth & Baby University’s app- a free app for expecting families and perinatal professionals. Learn from a supportive community! Download from the app store here and Google Play store here.
Read more from Anna Rodney
Anna Rodney, Doula and Childbirth Educator
Anna Rodney is the owner and founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth and Baby University. She has been a leader in the perinatal field for over a decade, and continues to grow her offerings in order to support more families and to help her colleagues grow. She supports thousands of expecting and new families each year through both of her businesses. She is a passionate leader and a force of change and inspiration for families and birth and postpartum professionals.
