If there is a time I question my life choices, it is when the time comes for me to head back to work at the end of maternity leave.

It was hard with baby no. 1 even though I was able to go back to work after Malope had turned 6 months old. So, I hoped that it would be easier with Lyna even though I returned just as she turned four months old. Well, in some ways it was bearable, but overall I just wanted to stay home and raise our girls. And now I had to worry about being away from two of them rather than one.

With each day away at work, it sure does get better. I have taught myself to focus on why I decided to work full-time away from home in the first place.

Also, being intentional about preparing myself, my nanny and baby for my absence goes a long way in making the transition a lot smoother.

These six simple tips have worked for me:

1. TAKING NOTE OF ROUTINE 

Even without intervention, babies get into some form of routine that makes it possible for you to figure out when they sleep, wake up or feed. Take note of this routine and begin to work with it while still on leave. This will help ensure your nanny is prepared to handle baby in your absence.

2. DEALING WITH POSSIBLE EMERGENCIES

When you first return to work, you almost always panic anytime your nanny’s name shows up on your Caller ID. You worry endlessly about your baby’s well being and safety in your absence. One of the things I do to guard my peace of mind is to organize first aid classes for my nanny. This not only prepares them to handle some emergencies but also grants you some peace of mind while at work.

3. PUMPING! PUMPING! PUMPING!

Begin to pump and store breastmilk early enough. For both children, I began to religiously pump and freeze breastmilk once baby was about one month old. Beginning to stock up early enough takes pressure off of you as you prepare to head back to work. Worrying about whether or not your child will have enough milk in your absence can actually affect your milk supply. Also, make sure you have a good breast pump, whether manual or electric and cool storage that you can use should you need to pump at work.

4. REVAMP YOUR WARDROBE!

Heading back to work is often made harder by lack of confidence in your post-pregnancy body. Set out to embrace and dress the new you. Invest in underwear that properly support areas of your body that need it and a few office outfits and pieces that accentuate your body and give you the extra drive to get up and ready for the office everyday.

5. TAKE CARE OF YOU

Now that you are back on the move on a daily basis while still nursing and taking care of your baby, your body will feel the strain. Carefully planning your meals while away from home is vital. It is easy to begin to skip meals or eat unhealthy. Ensure that you continue to have a balanced diet and be vigilant about your calcium intake. Your body will thank you for it.

6. POST-MATERNITY LEAVE POLICY

Take note of the post-maternity leave policy that exists at your work place ahead of your return to work. Pay close attention to daily working hours, work-related travel, medical cover e.t.c. Some organizations have more favourable policies than others. Whichever the case, this information will help you to plan and work towards work-life balance.