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Baby Hints & Tips

Returning to work after baby

Hello Baby Hints and Tips Community!

I’m returning to work part time tomorrow and my baby is 6 months old. I’m really struggling with this, and would love some tips on how you physically dealt with it (bottles, dinner, housework, etc) as well as mentally (ha!). I feel so sad but we just can’t afford for me to be a stay at home mum. I know that day care will be good for him to socialise, etc, but it’s just really hard. Any advice?

returning to work after baby What does our Baby Hints and Tips Community say?

Be prepared

Preparing for your child’s day at day care, as well as your own workday, can be a challenge. But organisation is key!

  • I went back to work full time when my ds was 6 months. I have found cooking a big batch of food on the weekend and freezing it ensures healthy home cooked dinner for my son each night. Also, preparing everything for his following day the night before helps. I must admit I have very long days where I rarely get to bed before midnight, but we do what we have to do as mammas! I would prefer to be part time, but my husband is a full time student, studying a double degree and can only work part time. Some days I wonder how I can keep going and then others I feel like a superwoman. Good luck to you! Kylie
  • I now have an 8 yr old, a 20 month old and am 28 weeks pregnant with our son, plus work 3 days a week and my hubby is FIFO! I find being organised helps. Make extra food on the weekends and freeze what you can. E.g. Make extra spag sauce and freeze it do when you get home from work you just have to cook some pasta and heat the sauce…. I now find work is a nice break from being “mum” all the time and quite enjoy it. Good luck! Olivia
  • I started back a month ago and my daughter was 6mth. I was lucky my husband had her the first three days. The first day dropping her at care was really hard. The next day was much easier. Once I was at work I was too busy to think about her much and it was pick up time before I knew it. The biggest thing is being super prepared the night before. Bags packed, bottles ready, your lunch made. Also help from your partner in the evening. I am lucky to be only working part time so the extra days are to get housework done. The smile from your little bub when you pick them up is amazing. Good luck. Cara
  • I try to get little jobs done during the week. My husband and I tag team housework with bathing/ feeding our son at night. But we’re human and some nights it just doesn’t happen so it gets done on the weekend. Otherwise we’re pretty much in a routine, which we stick to as much as possible and I remind myself why I’m back at work- to provide my son with the kind of future he deserves all the best with going back to work. Erin

Try and remember that they will have a great day – and they will be excited to see you!

Helping your child settle into day care can be daunting, however most children really enjoy their day once they get used to the routine. Knowing they are having a great day can ease some of the burden us mums feel.

  • I returned to work last week leaving my 6 mo boy at daycare. I was so upset when I handed him over that I sat in my car and cried. I was lucky enough to be able to go back during the day and see how he was going. His first day was rough, but on his second and third days he was keen to go. When I picked him up I was greeted by huge smiles and laughter, it was like ‘oh mummy you’re back!’ Renee
  • I returned to work when my ds was 7 months. It was the same reason for us as well so I can sympathise with you. I’ve actually found the transition ok. I thought it’d be worse. I think the fact that my son seems to love childcare helps me a lot. Erin
  • My son was very quiet and in the 3 weeks he has been at day care, he has blossomed soooo much – it is incredible! No words can make you feel better, but just keep busy and time will fly. The next minute you’ll be there picking up your baby. Nic

Get to know the carers at the daycare

Make sure you and your little one are comfortable and happy with the child care centre. Choosing the right child care centre can make a huge difference in your transition back to work.

  • My DD was 9 weeks when I returned to work and it was hard! I took comfort in the fact that I was able to provide anything for my DD that was needed because of the little extra income. If possible, become friendly with the carers in your son’s room, I found that helped. Olivia
  • I found that asking LOADS of questions to the carers helped as well. Merima
  • You can call the centre whenever you want, as often as you want, to chat to the caregivers. Kelly

It is okay to cry!

  • I just returned to work 3 weeks ago. If there is any advice I can offer it is that its ok to cry! Don’t feel like you have to keep yourself together because no one expects you to. Nic
  • Emotionally I struggle but I just keep telling myself that he has so many opportunities at day care that he doesn’t get at home. Good luck! Taniele
  • I bawled the first couple of times then talked myself into relaxing because I knew it would be great for them to interact with other bubs their age. Merima

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