Returning to work after giving birth can be a challenging and emotionally overwhelming experience. It’s natural to feel anxious about how to balance the demands of work with the needs of your new baby. To achieve a successful balance and smoothly return to your professional life, this article in Dalili Medical offers a set of effective tips for preparing for work after giving birth.

When can a woman return to work after giving birth?

 

If you’re thinking about returning to work before six months after giving birth, it’s important to focus on establishing breastfeeding during the first few months. If you need support, this is the time to reach out to your maternity nurse or lactation consultant to help you with this.

How long can you take after giving birth before returning to work?

 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women take at least six weeks off from work after giving birth. However, in the absence of federally mandated paid family leave, maternity leave is an expensive luxury for many women.

Is it hard to return to work after giving birth?

 

Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and feelings of loss of control can make returning to work a difficult experience. A big part of this return requires you to notice your feelings and get the support you need to deal with them. Here are some common feelings that new mothers may experience, as well as ways to ease them.

Does your baby feel the absence of his mother?

A baby feels the absence of his mother, and many experts believe that it is best not to be away from your child throughout his first year, but the extent of this depends on the nature of the child.

When is it unhealthy to leave the child and go to work?

 

In some cases, the baby cannot accept his mother’s absence from him, and he suffers from severe and continuous crying fits. In this case, it is best for the mother not to leave the child, to help him gradually accept the situation.

When do you choose to return to work after giving birth?

 

The decision that is best is up to the mother herself, who knows her child well and how able he is to adapt to these major changes in his life, but the most important thing you can do if you decide to return to work is to make sure that your child is compensated for the absence.

How to choose the right person to care for your child?

 

There are many things to consider when choosing the right person to care for your child, the most important of which is that it is someone who is trustworthy and has experience in caring for the child, and here we find the grandmother as the best example.

How can a working mother continue breastfeeding?

 

You can easily express breast milk and store it safely for use when needed during your absence. Start offering your baby milk by pumping before you return to work, and prepare him to receive feedings from someone other than you.

What is maternity leave?

 

Maternity leave is a period of authorized absence from work granted to mothers who are approaching their due date or to new mothers before and after giving birth. This leave aims to provide mothers with the time and opportunity to recover from the birth process, build bonds with their infants, and adjust to the demands of motherhood away from the pressures of work. The length of maternity leave varies from country to country and from institution to institution, with some countries offering paid leave, others unpaid leave, or a combination of both. During maternity leave, mothers may receive financial support in the form of paid leave, allowing them to take a break from work without incurring significant financial losses. This financial support helps ease financial pressures, enabling mothers to focus on their health and the well-being of their infants during this sensitive period. In addition to financial support, maternity leave also provides job protection, ensuring that mothers can return to their previous jobs without fear of discrimination or dismissal. This job protection provides peace of mind for mothers, allowing them to focus on their families without worrying about their professional status.

Does a baby feel the absence of its mother?

 

A baby begins to associate with its mother’s voice from the time it is a fetus in the womb, and at birth, it begins to distinguish its smell from anyone else’s. This bond is strengthened with breastfeeding, as the child gradually begins to recognize her facial features and distinguish them from other faces around him. Based on the above, the infant will certainly feel the absence of his mother. Many experts believe that it is best not to be away from your child during his first year, but the effect of the mother's work on the child depends on the nature of the child himself.

When is it unhealthy to leave the child and go to work?

 

In some cases, the infant may find it difficult to accept his mother's absence from him, which leads to severe and continuous crying spells. In this case, the effect of the mother's work on the child is very negative, and it is best for the mother to stay with her child until he gradually adapts to the situation.

When can the child be left and go to work?

 

It is not possible to specify a specific time to leave the child and go to work, as it depends on several main factors, including:

1. **Duration of leave granted from work**: The leave periods provided by companies to breastfeeding mothers vary from one country to another. Mothers are often forced to adhere to this specific period for fear of losing their jobs or being replaced.

2. **Having a trusted person to take care of the child**: The mother must find a suitable person to take care of her child at this sensitive stage, whether from family or friends, or by registering him in a nursery. This is a big challenge, as the mother needs to trust that the person she will leave her child with will take good care of him.

3. **The extent to which the child accepts the mother's absence**: Sometimes, the child may find it difficult to accept the mother's absence from him due to his strong attachment to her, especially if he is not used to interacting with other people. This may appear through continuous crying when the mother leaves him, and in this case, the mother should help him adapt to the situation gradually. Based on the above, the decision to leave the child and go to theWork depends on the mother and her personal circumstances.

Does the baby feel the absence of his mother?

 

The baby begins to form an association with his mother's voice since he was a fetus in her womb, and upon birth, he can distinguish her smell from anyone else. This association is strengthened during the breastfeeding period, as the child gradually begins to recognize her facial features and differentiate between her and other faces around him. Accordingly, the baby will certainly feel the absence of his mother. Many experts believe that it is better not to be away from your child during his first year, but the effect of the mother's work on the child depends on the nature of the child himself.

When is leaving the child and going to work unhealthy?

 

In some cases, the baby may have difficulty accepting his mother's absence, which leads to severe and continuous crying spells. In this case, the effect of the mother's work on the child is very negative, and it is better for the mother to stay with her child until he gradually adapts to the situation.

When can you leave the child and go to work? 

 

There is no specific time to leave the child and go to work, as it depends on several factors, most notably:

The length of leave determined by the work: The length of leave granted by companies to breastfeeding mothers varies from one country to another, and mothers are often forced to adhere to the specified period.

**Managing the balance between work and personal life**

**Setting realistic expectations:** Adjusting to the balance between work and family responsibilities may take some time. It is important to set realistic expectations for yourself and arrange tasks accordingly. Be patient with yourself while facing the challenges of returning to work.

**Setting boundaries:** It is essential to set clear boundaries between professional and personal life to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance. Allocate a specific time to perform work tasks and another time to spend with family. Make sure your colleagues at work know your boundaries to ensure they are respected.

**Delegating tasks:** Do not hesitate to delegate tasks whether at work or at home to relieve pressure and reduce stress. Ask for help from colleagues, family members, or caregivers when needed. Remember that making your comfort a priority is acceptable, and that delegating tasks may be necessary.

**Use flexible work arrangements:** Take advantage of flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, to better meet your family’s needs. Talk to your employer about your options and explore how to create a more flexible work schedule that fits your professional and personal commitments.

Be kind to yourself: Be kind to yourself and don’t hesitate to ask for support. Remember that you are working hard as a working mother, so celebrate your successes and achievements, no matter how small.

**Tips to help a mother leave her child and go to work**

 

Here are a few tips to make this task easier for you.

**Start early** A working mother should keep in mind that she will be returning to work later, so it is important not to let her child get used to behaviors that may make the separation more difficult. For example, it is best not to hold her child for long periods of time, as this may make her dependent on this, which may lead to her crying excessively if her desires are not met.

It is also recommended that the mother encourages her child to spend time with relatives and friends, so that he gets used to seeing new faces and does not feel afraid of strangers. It is also useful to take the child on morning walks to parks, where he can see other people and children of his age, which helps him adapt to the surrounding atmosphere and the social life that awaits him later. If the mother feels that her child is shy or afraid of others, she should help him overcome these feelings, because this may pose a challenge in the future when it is time for her to go to work.

You can also talk to specialists to get advice on how to reassure the child and deal with the anxiety he may feel as a result of separation from his mother.

**Teaching the child to depend on himself** Of course! A child can learn to depend on himself from an early age, by following some simple steps. For example, the mother can give her child a spoon to try to eat on his own. There is no need to worry if his clothes, face or the place around him gets dirty, as this is the first step in the learning process for him, and with time he will get used to it.

The mother should also enhance her child's attention and focus through age-appropriate intelligence games, as this helps develop his mental abilities early and teaches him how to behave in different situations. Thus, it will be easier for him to deal with situations such as dropping his favorite toy or expressing his desires better.

Moreover, the mother should start training her child to use the potty at the appropriate time, so that this task does not become difficult in the future. This will help reduce her anxiety about changing diapers and taking care of the cleanliness of the child's sensitive area, which contributes to avoiding diaper rash, especially when she leaves him with someone else, as he may find it difficult to behave as the mother does.

**Teaching the child to depend on himself** Of course! A child can learn to depend on himself from an early age by following some simple steps. For example, the mother can give her child a spoon to try to eat on his own. There is no need to worry if his clothes, face, or the place around him gets stained, as this is the first step in the learning process for him, and over time he will get used to it.

The mother should also enhance her child's attention and focus through age-appropriate intelligence games, as this helps develop his mental abilities early and teaches him how to behave in different situations. Thus, it will be easier for him to deal with situations such as dropping his favorite toy or expressing his desires better.

Moreover, the mother should start training her child to use the potty at the right time, so that this task does not become difficult in the future. This will help reduce her anxiety about changing diapers and taking care of the cleanliness of the areaSensitive to the baby, which helps avoid diaper rash, especially when you leave him with someone else, as he may find it difficult to act as the mother does.

**The importance of breastfeeding when returning to work**

 

Continuing breastfeeding when returning to work is an important step that makes it easier for the mother and her child to adapt to emotional and physical changes. Research indicates that children who are breastfed have a strong immune system, which reduces the likelihood of them getting sick. When you return to work and the child enters a new environment, breastfeeding helps protect him from viruses and infections that he may be exposed to in nurseries and kindergartens, which means that you will miss fewer work days due to less illness. Breastfeeding also benefits the mother, as it contributes to improving her overall health.

**How ​​to plan your return to work**

 

**Assess the current situation**When determining when you will return to work, start by assessing your current situation. Make sure that your skills are still up to date and developed, and think about whether there is a need to update them. Review your schedule and identify any adjustments you need to make before returning.

**Set measurable goals** Clearly define the goals you want to achieve when you return to work. Make your goals specific and measurable, such as completing a specific project within a specific time frame or achieving a certain percentage of sales. Be realistic in setting goals that you can successfully and consistently achieve.

**Achieving work-life balance** When planning your return to work, you should focus on achieving a balance between your professional and personal life. Be aware of your need for rest and relaxation away from the work environment. Make time for your recreational activities and get-togethers with friends and family, as this will help strengthen your social relationships and boost your morale.

**Creating a healthy and organized daily routine** When you return to work, it is essential to establish a healthy and organized daily routine. Getting good sleep and exercising regularly will help you increase your energy and efficiency during work hours. It is also preferable to make time for healthy meals and organize your schedule to get tasks done effectively.

**Hold meetings to discuss challenges and priorities**When preparing to return to work, you should focus on communicating effectively with your colleagues and managers. It is important to hold regular meetings to discuss the challenges you face and set priorities to achieve your professional goals. Be honest in your communication, and be willing to listen to others’ opinions and offer assistance when needed. You should also share feedback and express your needs clearly to ensure success in the workplace.

**Take regular breaks**When preparing to return to work, it is essential to pay special attention to mental well-being and manage stress effectively. Make sure to take regular breaks during your work day to avoid mental and physical exhaustion. Make time for yourself to engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, ensuring you perform efficiently at work.

**Evaluate your return to work journey**When you return to work, it is essential to focus on monitoring and self-evaluation to ensure you are successfully achieving your goals. You should monitor your progress and evaluate your performance regularly. Be honest with yourself and listen to your feedback based on your current situation and professional goals. Make sure you adjust your plans and make adjustments as needed to ensure you continue to make progress towards your career success.

**First Steps to Returning to Work** Regardless of when you decide to return to work, you should take thoughtful steps to ensure the experience is easy and enjoyable for you and your baby.

**Finding a baby-friendly environment** If you have support from your mother or carer, and they are close to your workplace, you could consider having them come to work with your baby, giving you the opportunity to breastfeed.

It is important to find a suitable environment for breastfeeding and expressing milk. You could also look for a nursery that is close to your workplace, not necessarily your home, to reduce separation and facilitate quick visits. Or you could look for a job or educational institution that provides childcare for employees or students.

It is helpful to familiarize your baby with the new environment a few days before you return to work. This will help both of you adjust to the new routine, and you can be available if your baby has any problems. These are big changes, so it is important to do them gradually.

**Tip:** You can put a piece of your clothing in the baby bag, so that he can smell you while breastfeeding in the new environment.

**Align expectations with the work environment** Tell your employers in advance that you want to continue breastfeeding and expressing milk as much as possible while working. You have the option to breastfeed or express milk in a private and quiet place. It is best to return to work in the middle or end of the week (Wednesday or Thursday) so that you can evaluate the results of the first days of work and better plan for the following week.

The weekend is essential for rest and to reconnect with your baby after two days of change and long separation.

You have rights as an employee and a breastfeeding mother**By law, you are entitled to one hour of absence from work per day for 4 months after the end of maternity leave, whether you are breastfeeding or expressing milk, if you work full-time. This absence is in addition to the regular breaks that you are entitled to by law, and these breaks must not be deducted from your working hours.

If you work with hazardous substances (such as lead, cadmium, organic mercury and its derivatives), you should be aware of the restrictions on working during breastfeeding. You can inquire about this at the Institute of Teratology via, where the response hours are Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 14:00.

**Extracting milk**It is best to start the process of extracting milk beforeAt least two to three weeks before you return to work. This will help you adjust to pumping and allow you to build up an initial supply of milk, which will help you feel more comfortable while you are at work.

If your baby is not yet used to drinking from a bottle, it is advisable to offer them a bottle or cup containing expressed milk in the weeks before you return to work (about 10 ml of the supply that was pumped that day or the type of milk you chose to offer them during your work period). You can also let them play with the bottle even when they are not hungry, to get used to its look and feel.

If you are pumping, you can let someone else feed your baby, so that they get used to eating with someone else, especially before entering the setting.

Does your baby refuse to drink from a bottle? This is normal. It is important to be patient, respect their refusal and avoid invading their mouth with the bottle nipple against their will. You can try again later.

**Expressing and storing breast milk at work**

 

Find a quiet, private space with a chair, table, and electrical outlet if you use an electric pump.

Be hygienic while pumping: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and store milk in clean containers.

Make sure your workplace has a refrigerator. If not, use a cooler with ice cubes.

The number of times you pump during a work day depends on the age of your baby, how often you breastfeed, and how much time you have available for pumping.

To make pumping easier when you’re not with your baby, you can gently massage your breasts before pumping, and imagine images of your baby or the smell of your baby’s clothes.

Pumping at work usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. A two-way pump can help reduce this time.

**Breastfeeding at home and on weekends**

 

It’s best to breastfeed your baby’s first meal in the morning before leaving the house. If you can feed on one side and pump on the other, this can save you time.

Ask the nursery staff not to feed your baby close to the time you leave.

Behavioural changes after you return to work ** Your baby may have difficulty at first, every baby reacts differently. Some babies react with behaviour that can be interpreted as a ‘regression’ or a pause in their development – ​​this is normal, and in the early stages there is no cause for concern. Other babies may cry or refuse to feed towards the end of the day, compared to those who want to feed more frequently, even at night, and stay close to you for longer. It is important to remember that each reaction is legitimate and will pass over time, as you both adjust to the change. Understanding and containing these behavioural changes will help you get through them, and help you reduce your anxiety.

If these reactions persist for longer than a reasonable amount of time, or if you feel that something is out of place or is bothering you, you can consult the nurses at the Mother and Baby Centre.

The impact of the mother's work on the child and the importance of the mother's return to work** The importance of the mother's return to work is due to many factors that differ from one woman to another, and these are the most important:

The mother's physical and psychological health after childbirth** One of the first things to pay attention to is how your psychological and physical energy is, and if it is low, will your presence at work renew it or increase its depletion; because your child will need a lot of psychological and physical energy at the time you will be present to compensate for the hours of your absence.

The financial situation of the family, and the mother in particular** The financial situation of the family may force the mother to return to work earlier than the time she may see fit, and here you must make sure that the financial return is necessary to cover the necessary needs for you, and not an extra matter that may be postponed.

The nature of women's work and company laws**If the mother's work is naturally freelance, there will be a waiting period to return to work, and even if she starts work early, she will not need to leave the house and will remain with her child. However, if the woman's work is naturally full-time outside the home, it depends on the workplace's laws, whether she is allowed to wait for a long period or not, and whether she wants to continue her job in the same place.

**Extracting and storing breast milk at work**Find a quiet place that guarantees you privacy, and contains a chair, table, and an electrical outlet if you use an electric pump.

Make sure to be clean during the pumping process: wash your hands well with soap and store the milk in clean containers.

Make sure there is a refrigerator in the workplace. If it is not available, you can use a cooler with ice cubes.

The number of times you pump during the work day depends on the age of the child and the number of times you breastfeed, in addition to the time you can allocate for the pumping process.

To make pumping easier, you can gently massage your breasts before you start, and imagine images of your baby or smell their clothes, especially when you are not with them.

Pumping while working usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Using a two-way pump can help reduce this time.