Being a new mom is probably one of life’s most exhausting but also exhilarating experiences. If you’ve just had your first child, you’re likely enjoying the fact that you brought new life into the world as you try to balance that responsibility with the rest of your life.
It can be particularly challenging for a new mom when you return to work.It’s no wonder that 43% of women leave the workforce within three months of childbirth. Most moms want to excel in their career while also being an involved parent, but the reality can be challenging.
And there are often external challenges from society and a lack of overall support at work that make balancing these two duties that much more complex. So when you return to work after your child is born, you may crave more support in your various life roles.
This can be a frustrating situation, but there are some things you can do to mitigate the challenges. If you need assistance finding that support or seeking our resources, here’s what you need to know. These tips can help you advocate for yourself and prioritize your mental and physical health.
Get Support For Breastfeed or Bottle Feeding
Many new moms face pressure around the issue of feeding their baby. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are both excellent choices, and it’s often a matter of what works best for both you and your child. With expert care that (literally) meets them where they are, parents can meet their feeding goals and come back to work with confidence.
But regardless of your approach, you should get the support you need when you are back at work. Talk to your workplace about their policies for new moms because with the right care and the right tools, parents can return to the workplace knowing that they and their families are set up for breastfeeding success––and that their employers have their backs.
They should support you if you need to take time to pump while at work. And if your job doesn’t have one already, talk to your employer about onboarding new professional breastfeeding support initiatives that can help build a more robust benefits portfolio. TLN’s Newborn Families program seamlessly integrates into existing benefits, so employees can receive care as soon as they need it.
Get Enough to Eat (at Work and at Home)
As a new mom, you might find that your physical health goes on the back burner, especially when you juggle work and parenthood. But remember to prioritize yourself, too.
It can be easy to ignore your own hunger cues or to subsist on snacking. But it’s essential to eat balanced, healthy meals at work and home. You’ll feel better and be able to succeed in all aspects of life if you’re getting proper nutrition.
For help, check out this guide, which goes over some excellent guidelines to help new moms eat well during this transition period.
Take Advantage of Any Mental Health Programs or Benefits
Your physical health is essential, but your mental and emotional health are also critical. Becoming a mother can be a very emotional time, and you might feel isolated or overwhelmed.
These are natural feelings, but you don’t have to suffer alone. Talk to your workplace about any support networks or initiatives they have for mental health. Lactation programs can offer one-on-one consultations with IBCLCs (internationally board-certified lactation consultants) to assist you on your unique and specific needs as a working parent.
And if your employer pays for your health care, look into the options for services like therapy if you feel you need professional assistance. There’s no shame in using the resources available to you. Your health matters.
Expect to Adjust Over Time
When you’re a working parent, you may have to adjust your approach to your many responsibilities as time goes by. You might start out in survival mode with a newborn or young baby, but this stage doesn’t last forever.
As your family and career roles shift and your child grows up, you may need to change some things. For example, you may focus more on your career at certain times, while at others, you may require more time off.
Expect that some periods will be more complicated than others, if you wish to strike a healthy balance between your career and your family. Ask your company if there is a program that provides employees with access to expert lactation care, essential products, and vital resources. If there isn’t one, ask your employer how you can receive those benefits. With good support and perseverance, you’ll be able to roll with these changes as a new parent.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
