The WFH or Work from Home option is very convenient for a lot of people, especially when you’re a parent of small kids. It’s a special blessing when you’ve just given birth. This way, you can spend maximum time resting and being with the baby.
However, it can be quite challenging to adjust to regular life just after giving birth. Hopefully, you have a decent amount of maternity leave, but the work routine has to start sometime. Wondering how to adjust to the WFH lifestyle after the baby arrives?
Here are some tips that can see you through:
- See a Lactation Consultant
If you’re working from home, chances are that you may choose to breastfeed your little one. After all, you’re at home and may find it easier to nurse throughout the day. Even if you’re pumping or choosing to introduce formula at a certain point, it still helps to consult an expert lactation consultant for your own comfort and peace of mind.
A lactation expert will help you in correcting latch breastfeeding. She can also provide tips for safe pumping while lending an ear to any specific issues. This consultation will help you get a breastfeeding or pumping routine in order. Besides, it will also help you obtain a healthier and mentally stable frame of mind.
- Never Compromise Self-Care
Even if you want to start working as soon as possible, it’s essential to remember that your body and mind both need care. Make sure to get enough sleep and proper nutrition above all. Stock up on foods that are healthy, fulfilling, and nourishing at the same time.
If you’re breastfeeding, try to focus on foods that will give you more Vitamin D, iodine, calcium, and other essential elements for the baby’s development. At all events, stay hydrated and try to do some gentle exercises whenever you get some free time.
- Request a Flexible Schedule
Look at your work schedule and see if it seems doable or even logical in the post-pregnancy phase. If not, don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor or boss about a more flexible plan. You might be surprised at how accommodating some employers might be.
Some options may include flexible hours, working a set number of hours per week without sticking to a strict daily schedule, and so on. If you think that the regular schedule will be viable after some time, ask about on-ramping programs. These help to make it easy for employees to come back full-time after a few weeks.
- Get Help
See if your budget will allow for hiring occasional cleaners around your home. With taking care of the baby and a WFH setup, you’d probably have less time for household duties.
Even if hiring an occasional maid isn’t possible for now, there are other ways to get help. Reach out to your support system (such as family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors) and see who can come over to help or offer babysitting services at times. Make sure to have a backup babysitting plan in place in case your regular daycare is closed or an emergency occurs.
Even if you don’t have the money to pay for such services from your social circle, you might be able to offer babysitting or other services in return. Talk to those you trust and see if you can work out a proper solution.
The Takeaway
If you’re a WFH mother, you’re probably juggling a whole lot. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Take all the time you can for a full recovery and take care of the baby properly. This is an exciting, fulfilling, and scary time. So, keep in mind that adjustments will have to happen.
Stress, fatigue, and even doubt are natural feelings. But the good news is you can work your way into a WFH routine gradually. The tips above will help a lot, so start implementing them when you feel that it’s time to get back to work!