Returning to work after welcoming your little one can be quite the emotional rollercoaster. I vividly remember the dread that haunted me from the moment I brought my baby, whom I affectionately named Max, home from the hospital. Sure, I knew daycare was on the horizon. We had meticulously toured facilities while I was six months pregnant, weighing the pros and cons, and finally made our choice. But, I opted to ignore the looming reality. During my maternity leave, if anyone dared to mention my return to work, I would swiftly change the subject. I was stuck in the first stage of grief—the denial of having to part with my child.
The night before my first day back, a flurry of messages from my fellow mom friends flooded my phone. “You’ll be fine!” and “It gets easier, I promise!” While I appreciated their encouragement, I was too immersed in my anger about losing precious time with Max to truly believe them. Looking back, here are the eight things I wish I had known about that first day.
1. You’ll Leave Your Baby with a Stranger.
Meeting the daycare staff for the first time was surreal. Sure, we had chatted with the owners during our tour, but handing my 13-week-old baby to someone I had just met felt bizarre. It was a quick “Hi, here’s my baby. See ya!” moment. When my family babysits, I prepare them for every little detail to ensure Max is comfortable. But here, it was a rushed introduction, and I was out the door. Who does that? Isn’t there a law against this?
2. Tears Will Flow—A Lot.
I’ve never been one to cry easily, yet the moment I stepped out the door without my baby, the tears came pouring down like a waterfall. I mean, we’re talking “My Girl” levels of sobbing. Be ready for a messy drive to work, possibly resembling a scene from a movie.
3. Indulge Yourself.
You’ve just endured an emotional upheaval, so treat yourself! Grab a coffee, a pastry, or whatever makes you feel a bit pampered. When else will you get to sip a hot drink in peace? It’s a small but mighty way to gear up for the day ahead.
4. You’ll Be the Office Celebrity.
Planning a quiet return to your desk? Think again! You’ll be inundated with colleagues welcoming you back and wanting to know all about your new life as a mom. Be prepared to share your daycare story on repeat.
5. Expect the Inevitable Question.
Someone is bound to ask if you’re back at work. “Oh, hey! Are you back?” Yes, I’m back at work, not just visiting for fun!
6. Don’t Forget Your Phone Charger.
You will check your phone constantly, anxiously awaiting any updates from daycare. With thousands of pictures of Max on your phone, it won’t take long for your battery to drain. If your daycare has a social media page, you’ll be glued to your screen even more!
7. Prepare for an Outburst.
Even the most supportive partners can get caught in the crossfire of your emotions. My husband, Tom, was wonderful throughout the day, but when I saw a pair of shoes on the floor, I lost it. All that pent-up energy has to go somewhere, and unfortunately, it may land on your partner!
8. The Moment You See Your Baby Will Change Everything.
After what felt like an eternity, I rushed to daycare to pick up Max early. The moment he saw me and smiled, all the stress from the day melted away. That joy is what makes it all worthwhile.
As you gear up for your own return to work, just remember: you’ve got this, mama! If you’re interested in learning more about ways to navigate motherhood, be sure to check out this guide on home insemination kits as you embark on this incredible journey.
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Summary:
Returning to work after maternity leave is a challenging experience filled with a mix of emotions. From leaving your baby with unfamiliar caregivers to the inevitable tears and questions at the office, being prepared can ease the transition. Remember to indulge yourself, keep your phone charged for updates, and brace yourself for the emotional ups and downs. Ultimately, the reunion with your little one makes it all worth it.
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