How to Return to Work After a Maternity Leave

Contact your supervisor to verify the date that you plan to return to work. Ask about any changes or major events at the workplace that you need to know about before you return. Verify that your duties and position will remain the same when you return. If you are breastfeeding and plan to pump at work, discuss the possible locations for pumping in private and storing the milk.

Catch yourself up on the working world. If possible, log into your work email and into any company programs from home to review files and documents you will work on. A brief visit to the office the week before you return is another way to catch up. If someone took your place while you were gone, plan to meet with that person when you get back to ease the transition.

Contact your selected child care provider to confirm the start date for your baby. Visit the provider again if it will make you feel more comfortable with the transition.

Prepare your baby's things for your return to work. If you're breastfeeding, pump breast milk to create a surplus. Stock up on formula, diapers and wipes so you have the essentials on hand. This saves you on emergency trips to the store after a long day at work. Pack a day care bag for your baby with diapers, a change of clothes, feeding supplies and other essentials.

Plan for household responsibilities once you get back to work. Stock the pantry with quick meal solutions. Prep freezer meals now so you can heat and serve after working all day. Organize the home so you can easily find everything you need. Work with your partner to divide duties such as cleaning and cooking once you're back to work.

Organize your work wardrobe so you don't waste time in the morning. Try on your work clothes to ensure they fit properly. You may find your pre-pregnancy clothes don't fit the same after giving birth. Put together complete outfits on hangers in the closet. Set out shoes and accessories for quick dressing.

Plan a schedule for your morning routine now that you have an extra person to get ready. Leave yourself plenty of extra time, especially the first week back. Account for getting yourself ready and feeding, dressing and loading your newborn into her car seat. Figure in time to drop her off at the day care provider. Those first few days may be difficult for both of you, so the drop-off process will likely take longer.

Do a test run of your morning routine the week before you go back to work. Go through every step just like you'll do when you are working. Drive the route you'll take at the time you'll actually leave so you get an idea of traffic patterns to the day care provider.

Practice short separations from your newborn so both of you get used to the feeling. Leave your baby with your partner for a few hours in the evening. Ask a friend to watch your baby for a short time during the day. The first day care drop-off will still likely feel difficult, but at least you'll have some practice at saying goodbye.

Take care of yourself as you prepare to go back to work. Get as much rest as possible so you don't feel exhausted while at work. Exercise to give yourself an energy boost. Manage your stress so you don't feel completely overwhelmed once you add work responsibilities back onto your plate.

Prepare yourself for feelings of guilt and sadness. You may feel ready to get back into a routine, but you may also miss spending all day with your newborn. Discuss your feelings with your partner or friends. It is normal to worry about the transition, but after a few weeks you will likely get back into the swing of the routine.