Local parenting experts share their strategies and support for helping new moms return to paid work.
Transitioning back to paid work after welcoming your baby is a journey filled with complex emotions and challenges.
For many new moms in Orange County, this pivotal moment brings to light the intense dedication after birth spent learning their new baby’s cues, bonding through sleepless nights and recalibrating personal and professional goals.
Recognizing the struggles many moms face when contemplating a return to the workforce, here are some essential tips to help smooth the process. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to balancing work and family life. Every family is different, with their own values and needs, so deciding to go back to work — whether it’s soon after having a baby or even years later — can be a time filled with worry and stress.
Understanding the “Working Parent Why”
A fundamental part of preparing for the return to work is understanding your core motivations. Reflect on your “Working Parent Why” — the deep-seated reasons behind the decision to re-enter the workforce. This could be financial necessity, a desire to progress in one’s career, the need for adult interaction or maintaining health benefits. Identifying and articulating this “why” helps anchor your decision, making it easier to navigate the emotional landscape of this transition. Sit down and actually write on a piece of paper your “Working Parent Why” statement. When worries or doubts arise (and they naturally and understandably do) take out the paper and return to your “why.”
Addressing Common Worries with Facts
Many parents, especially moms, struggle with guilt and anxiety about the impact their return to work might have on their children. Common fears include concerns about breaking the bond with their child, or that their child might start to prefer their caregiver. It’s important to counter these worries with research-backed evidence. Studies consistently show that children thrive in loving, varied caregiving environments and that the quality of time spent together far outweighs the quantity. Parents can rest assured that their bond with their child is resilient and multifaceted, not easily diminished by periods of separation.
Some key affirmations for this time are:
“Dropping off my baby is hard and it is OK for me to feel sad.”
“My child is making important relationships with others at childcare.”
“This adjustment period feels hard, but it won’t be like this forever.”
Preparing the Mind and Body
The emotional preparation for returning to work involves dispelling myths and guilt associated with working motherhood. Self-compassion is important and recognizing the new skills parenthood brings to your professional life, such as multitasking and enhanced empathy.
Physically, the postpartum body may present its own set of challenges, from changes in clothing size to the logistics of pumping at work. Moms should take a gentle approach to body image and learn about practical solutions for breastfeeding mothers. For new moms, getting ready for pumping involves sorting out clothes that won’t inhibit a pump, gathering all the necessary supplies and getting up to speed on how to store milk and your rights to pumping breaks at work.
It’s also key to be aware that all 50 states and US territories have laws specifically allowing women to breastfeed in public and private locations. Moreover, the Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA, provides workplace protections for working mothers. Understanding your state’s specific laws to protect breastfeeding employees and getting familiar with your pumping rights at your workplace are crucial. This knowledge not only helps you communicate your needs effectively but also assists in creating a supportive plan for maintaining your feeding journey.
Given the complexities of navigating breastfeeding and work, consider consulting with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to prepare. An IBCLC can offer tailored advice and strategies to ensure a smooth transition back to work while continuing your breastfeeding journey.
Navigating Childcare Options
Choosing the right childcare is a crucial component of returning to work. The steep price of childcare in Orange County, often ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 a month for full-time care, presents a major hurdle for many looking to return to work. Parents should consider various factors, such as proximity, cost and the educational philosophy of potential caregivers. It’s also beneficial to visit centers or meet nannies in person to ensure a good fit. Leveraging your community for recommendations and being clear about your expectations with caregivers can significantly ease this process.
Embracing the Transition with Confidence
Returning to work is a significant life event that doesn’t have to compromise your parenting journey or career aspirations. The Mommy Center in Laguna Hills’ support groups as well as the Happily Raised Online parenting course, are designed to empower parents with the information, tools and community support needed to make this transition as smooth as possible. By staying aligned with your “Working Parent Why,” addressing emotional and physical needs, and carefully selecting childcare, you can approach this new chapter with more confidence and resilience.
The journey of parenthood is filled with growth, change and adaptation. As you navigate the return to work, remember that you’re not alone.
Cristina Gamarnik, with a master’s degree in communicative disorders and an experienced speech and language pathologist and parent coach, founded The Mommy Center in Laguna Hills after becoming a mother. Eager to extend her reach, she joined forces with Carmen Stramara, PCD(DONA), a postpartum doula, group facilitator at The Mommy Center and mother of two who shares a vision for a world where parenting feels less overwhelming. Together, they launched Happily Raised, a platform offering online, on-demand courses that encapsulate the wisdom and support that made The Mommy Center a success.
Cristina Gamarnik and Carmen Stramara
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