69 | Going Back to Work 101: Your Return to Work Plan After Maternity Leave

Hey there, welcome back to New Mom Naturopath, it's me, Dr. Kailyn Galloway. Today, we're getting real about heading back to work after having a baby. It's a rollercoaster, folks – full of ups, downs, and everything in between. So, let's break it down, shall we?

 

Feeling All the Feels: Heading back to work? It's expected to be excited, yet feel guilty for leaving your little one. Or maybe you're dreading work and feeling guilty for not wanting to be there. And let's not even start on the stress of daycare costs and juggling life. Sometimes, it feels like you can't catch a break. Your feelings? Normal.

 

Sick Days – Oh, The Joy: Kids get sick, and it throws a wrench in everything. Here's the deal: know your work's policy on sick days like the back of your hand, chat with your partner about a game plan, and maybe line up a backup for childcare just in case. And remember, it's perfectly okay not to have it all figured out. Cut yourself some slack.

 

Nursing and Going Back to Work: If you're breastfeeding, introduce a bottle a few weeks before daycare begins. Not all nipples are created equal, so play around with different shapes and flows. And remember, pumping just enough for the next day is fine – you don't need a freezer full of milk, despite what Instagram influencers might say. Your milk supply is like a morning person – more perky at dawn than night. And pumping at work? Make sure you find a spot and some time to do it. Pro tip: bring something that smells like your baby; it helps, even though, yeah, you might need some tissues because it can hit you right in the feels.

 

Give Yourself and Your Fam Some Grace: This whole back-to-work gig? It's tough. But you're tougher. The key is to be kind to yourself and your family. There's no perfect way to do this, so find what works for you, and remember, it's okay to ask for help or take a moment for yourself.

 

Thanks for hanging out with me today. I hope this chat helps you feel a bit more prepared and a little less alone in the back-to-work journey. You're doing great, and remember, we're in this together. Catch you next time on New Mom Naturopath.