The return to work – 10 smart steps to bloom after maternity

1. Embrace flexibility – check if your company offers any keep-in-touch days, phased return-to-work options, flexible working hours or breastfeeding breaks. Balancing work and a baby is an art, and having a supportive manager and work environment can make a big difference.
2. Re-connect – rejoining work after an extended break can be a scary prospect and may leave you feeling like you’re the office newbie all over again. Take time to catch-up with your colleagues and connections, refresh your knowledge and ease into the handover of responsibilities slowly to allow yourself time to adapt to any changes.
3. Revisit your benefits package – look at your employer’s benefits package through your new lens as a parent and make sure you’re taking full advantage of everything on offer. Seek to optimise health insurance, explore wellbeing facilities, and kick-start any dependent care benefits.
4. Start planning for the future – it’s never too early to start thinking about securing your child’s future. Consider opening a savings account for them or saving extra into an existing workplace savings plan – your employer might even match your contributions!
5. Budget, budget, budget – it’s also time to revisit your budget to account for new expenses such as childcare, education, and baby gear. Pro tip: include a ‘coffee fund’ – those late-night feeds can leave you craving caffeine!
6. Look for professional advice – at such a pivotal moment in your life, consulting a professional on considerations such as increased life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, wills and beneficiary nominations can give you peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your new family’s future.
7. Share the load – working moms can absolutely have it all, but it does take a village and that village needs to be organised! Embrace sharing responsibilities both at home and at work. Use technology and apps to your advantage to stay ahead and create accountability in all settings.
8. Be kind to yourself – a happy parent is the best parent. Practice mindfulness techniques to reduce stress, stay hydrated, schedule regular breaks, and set boundaries to balance work and family life.
9. Celebrate success – postpartum success isn’t about grand achievements, it’s about small victories that make daily life manageable. Some days, getting out of the house on time or remembering to pack everything you need for the day can feel like a monumental accomplishment. Embrace and acknowledge these moments because they are triumphs in this new chapter of life.
10. Thrive – working gives you the opportunity to pursue your passions, contribute to your family’s financial stability, and serve as a role model to your children, showing them the value of hard work and dedication. Enjoying being a working mom means recognising the strength, resilience, and dedication you bring to your career and your family, and celebrating the person you are becoming along the way.

Remember, achieving personal and professional harmony is a journey, not a destination. Take it one step at a time and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. You’ve got this, super-mom!