Going Back to Work Doesn’t Have To Be Hard On Baby, Mom

Choosing How To Work
Many new mothers resume their jobs or careers uncertain of their expectations or even their exact reasons for returning to work. As a result, feelings of frustration or disillusionment can follow, with the new mother feeling out of sorts in both roles.

Experts caution that setting goals is vitally important before returning to the workplace. Is it important to advance on the career path, or do the family’s needs have top priority? How much time should be devoted to work each week: part time or full time? More than full time? Establishing boundaries and priorities between the two will help avoid disappointment down the line.

These decisions actually become easier over time. If you’re returning to work only a few weeks after delivery, you’ll probably pick up more or less where you left off. But if you’ve waited months or years, or are changing to a new company, the necessary adjustment will be that much greater.

Using the paternity leave as a "jumping point" from one career or position to another is also very common.

Making That Balance Work
You often hear the division of time between being a mother and being a worker referred to as a juggling act. That metaphor is unfortunately all too apt. Both make demands on your time despite your best intentions and preparations.

Keeping track of the time you spend at work is crucial to dividing your time equally. Setting project or time-management limits to your job will allow you to more carefully manage your workday or week. As you schedule quality time with your children, you may wish to use personal time off from work or vacation time on a monthly basis, to keep close to your child’s development.

Time for Family, Time for Work
If you’re the type of career woman that brings work home with you, don’t spend family time getting caught up. Wait until the baby or toddler is asleep before beginning any projects you want to get knocked out before the next work day.

You can also coordinate your family time, so that your children understand that there’s a time for work and a time to be together. Mothers of older children might wish to combine the two into a homework/job work time, or set time for themselves on weekends when the children understand Mommy that isn’t available, despite being home. The clear boundaries will help your children understand structure and routine – two qualities they’ll need to develop into healthy young people.

Explore Employment Options
Some new mothers may not wish to rejoin the workforce yet feel obligated out of a need for money. There are alternatives to leaving the child during the day, such as home-based businesses and phone-based customer service freelancing. These jobs allow greater freedom, but also lack stability and sometimes guaranteed income, as well.

Telecommuting is rapidly gaining favor with many companies, particularly in the technology and e-commerce markets. With a high speed Internet connection and home fax machine, new mothers may literally combine their two worlds without leaving home.

Michael Kabel is senior staff writer for www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com. Stop by for parenting and baby resources, unique baby gifts, baby gift baskets and baby shower favors.