How do I create a plan for going back to work after having a baby?

Going back to work after having a baby can be challenging! Your life has changed drastically in the past few weeks and months and now there’s a little one to get ready in the morning and out the door. Here are some tips:

• Go back to work midweek so you only have a few days before you get a break again. This will give you an opportunity to practice those early mornings and then revise as needed before starting a full week.

• Talk to your daycare provider for details about drop off/pick up and feeding.

• Get the diaper bag and your work items ready the night before.

• Have a plan for the morning.

• Talk to other mothers about their return to work.

You may feel emotional about leaving your baby with someone else while you work, so allow yourself plenty of time to get ready in the morning and still have those amazing baby snuggles! It is inevitable that there will be a diaper blowout or spit up that will happen someday, so extra time is helpful for that as well.

~Becky Franzen, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)