Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: 10 Tips from Moms Who've Done it
You’ve got this, mama 💜
Heading back to the office after baby is a feels-fest. While no amount of pre-planning will help you miss your baby less, putting key logistics on autopilot gives you one less thing to juggle while you’re crying in the parking lot. I polled some seasoned moms who have been there, and here’s what they say:
1. Talk to other moms from your company
Chat with moms at your company who returned recently. They know the lactation room quirks, HR policies, and which Slack channel is basically Working-Mom Therapy.
2. Get two pumps
Insurance usually covers one pump. Snag a second (gently used or borrowed) so one lives at work and one stays at home. No more lugging a pump back and forth (especially on public transportation!).
3. Use the refrigerator hack
After each session, stash pump parts in a zip-top bag in the office fridge. Wash once at day’s end instead of every single time. FDA-approved and sanity-saving.
4. Get a milk thermos
A breast-milk thermos like the Ceres Chill OG Breastmilk Chiller keeps your liquid gold cold for hours in transit.
5. Wear a smartwatch
If you wander to a meeting without your phone, or get stuck in an impromptu hallway meeting, daycare can still ping you.
6. Book the mother’s room early
Some workplaces let you reserve rooms months out. Grab your ideal slots before leave so you’re not pumping in a supply closet.
7. Cue the baby videos
Looking at photos or short clips while pumping speeds up let-down for many moms and reminds you why you’re doing this in the first place.
8. Defend your calendar
Block drop-off, pick-up, and even a quick walk outside. The auto-decline keeps surprise meetings from stomping on your non-negotiables.
9. Plan mid-day baby time
If distance allows, pop by daycare at lunch. Too far? Ask if they’ll FaceTime during tummy time that first week back.
10. Own your re-onboarding
Don’t assume HR has a step-by-step plan. Schedule 1:1s, reacquaint yourself with projects, and set realistic goals for your first month.
Final thoughts
For what it's worth: most moms say it gets easier as the weeks go on and you fall into a routine. You’ve got this. 🫶
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