All Posts tagged working after baby

For working moms, maternity leave hardly seems like enough time, given that with the birth of your first child, your entire world has been turned upside down.

As a new mom, you may be struggling with the decision to go back to work or to stay at home.

While not all moms have the luxury of making this choice (as some financial situations require moms to go back soon after) many moms are faced with the choice of when they should return to work after having a baby. Be assured, this is not an easy question for any new mom. Assuming you can make the decision, here a rundown of each side.

To Work?

The pros to going back to work include:

• Increased income
• Solidifying your position in career
• Performing engaging work that interests you
• Helping a segment of the population
• Interacting and socializing with adults
• Feeling accomplished when you meet your goals

Cons include:

• The cost of daycare
• Mommy guilt – having to emotionally cope with time away from your baby
• If breastfeeding, the inconvenience of having to pump at work
• Feeling spread thin, due to having to get everything done at work and at home

Not to Work?

The pros to staying home include:

• More time with your baby
• Not having to rely upon daycare or nannies
• More time to take care of the house
• Freedom to make your own schedule
• No pressure to meet deadlines or get to work on time

Cons include:

• Boredom
• Isolation
• A pause in your career path

Finding a Balance

Adjusting to the new addition of the family will take careful configuration. One in five moms will return to part-time work, while upward of 30% of moms choose to return full time. The ideal situation isn’t the same for everyone and finding what balance is comfortable for you, could take some trial and error.

If you stay home, consider other ways to keep active. Be proactive about making new mom friends through local classes and events in your hometown such as mommy and me yoga or music. Take some time to work on interests for yourself, perhaps you’ve always wanted a veggie garden or to learn how to swim. Use the time at home to engage in activities that also make you happy. Lastly, get involved in your community through volunteer work. Many local organizations need help and many will accept little ones at volunteer events. Focus on your own expertise (editing/writing, graphic design, photography, etc.) and offer it up to local groups.

If you go back to work, see if you can afford to start part time, considering how it will affect your career. You don’t want to lose your career trajectory because you eased back into work. Once back, find a groove that works for you, meaning a schedule and arrangement for child care that you are comfortable with. However, even with your limited free time, it’s great to find other mom friends to help ease the pressure and stress. You may even want to discuss a flexible schedule with your employer. Many companies are offering flexible work arrangements in order to keep their best and brightest employees on board.