How to Return to Work, Post-Baby

By Michelle LaRowe

Return to work expert and author of Working Mom's 411, Michelle LaRowe, shares some tips and tricks to make the return more manageable and less stressful for the busy mom!

According to a recent survey conducted online by Harris Interactive, nearly 75% of American moms plan to return to work post baby, and there are several stress factors associated with doing so.

1. If you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of anyone else. Set your alarm 15 minutes before everyone else to have your coffee in peace. If you can't hit the gym, take a brisk walk during your lunch break. If you aren't meeting your needs you won't be able to meet the needs of others.
2. Guilt is mommyversal. Whether you are a working mom, stay-at-home mom or work-from-home mom, guilt is mommyversal. Just because you feel guilty doesn't mean you are. If you've made the right choice for your family, do yourself and your baby a favor – let go of the guilt.
3. A momtourage is a necessity. Now is the time to find out who and what can make your life easier (especially childcare you can trust). Whether outsourcing the pet walking or ordering groceries online, find dependable ways to give you more time in your day to spend with your family

Going Back to Work after Baby

If you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of anyone else. Set your alarm 15 minutes before everyone else to have your coffee in peace. If you can't hit the gym, take a brisk walk during your lunch break. If you aren't meeting your needs you won't be able to meet the needs of others.

Guilt is mommyversal. Whether you are a working mom, stay-at-home mom or work-from-home mom, guilt is mommyversal. Just because you feel guilty doesn't mean you are. If you've made the right choice for your family, do yourself and your baby a favor – let go of the guilt.

A momtourage is a necessity. Now is the time to find out who and what can make your life easier (especially childcare you can trust). Whether outsourcing the pet walking or ordering groceries online, find dependable ways to give you more time in your day to spend with your family.

According to the survey, 42% of moms returning to work are stressed about feeding their baby. One way you can help prepare for your return to the office is by putting together a feeding plan for your little one. While experts agree on the benefits of breastfeeding, some moms have found it is easier to supplement breast feeding with baby formula when returning to the workforce.

Speaking of guilt, don't let higher costs fool you – it's ok to save when comparable store brands are available. Although formula can be pricey, there are Store Brand Formulas that can cost up to 50 percent less than the national brands; saving mom up to $600 annually (possibly enough to cover that dog walker)! Top-selling store brands, such as Walmart's Parent's Choice™ and Target's up & up® formulas, are nutritionally comparable to national brands and meet FDA standards.

About the Author

Michelle LaRowe is the author of the Nanny to the Rescue! parenting series, Working Mom's 411 and A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists. A return-to-work mom and expert on formula fed babies, Michelle is called on by the media as a parenting expert and has appeared on local, national and international television and radio and has been featured in print.