Returning to work

1. Plan your childcare

Workplace flexibility, finances and availability of a place in a crèche may drive your decision, but so too will the emotional choice of where you’d like your baby to be.

2. Update your CV

Reading it over will remind you just how much you have achieved.

3. Talk to friends

You’ll probably find that once they got over the initial pangs, they enjoyed going back to work and rediscovering time on their own.

4. Visit your workplace

Things may not be that different, and you can catch up with colleagues.

5. Know your rights

All pregnant employees in Ireland are entitled to take maternity leave. When you return to work, you may be able to take an additional period of parental leave (both parents have an equal separate entitlement to parental leave). Parents returning from parental leave may also request a change to their work pattern or working hours for a set period. Your employer must consider your request but is not obliged to grant it. See Citizensinformation.ie to find out more.

6. Plan ahead

Do a dummy run of your journey to work as this will give you an idea of how much time you need to allow if dropping your baby off on the way. If your baby is on solids, cook and freeze meals, and get into the habit of preparing everything you need to take the night before.

7. Take it slowly

In the weeks leading up to your return to work, try to spend time with your baby’s new carer to help him become attached to someone other than you, and familiarise him with a new environment.

8. Be prepared for tears

Most children cry for a few minutes when you leave them, and sometimes when you pick them up too – in a combination of protest and relief. Ask your child’s carer what happens during the day; if, after a few weeks, your child seems really unhappy, discuss how you may be able to improve things.

9. Don’t expect to be back on full throttle

Most women feel unconfident returning to work after maternity leave. You may still have broken nights and feel your brain (and body) have turned to mush. Try to build catch-up time into your day, and be honest: ask colleagues openly for their understanding and patience.

10. Breastfeeding and work

It is possible to continue breastfeeding when you go back to work. Even if it’s just mornings and evenings, this can be a lovely way to bond after being separated during the day. If you are happy to express milk, get your baby used to taking it from a bottle or cup – this may take a few weeks or more, so start well before you plan to start back at work. Depending on the age of your baby when you return to work you may be entitled to time off in order to breastfeed. Contact La Leche League of Ireland, or see breastfeeding.ie for information and tips.