Resuming Work After Maternity Break

It's been almost 5 months since I joined work back post my 6 months' maternity break. Like most moms out there, I had my doubts about this decision. Should I extend my break by a few more weeks/months? Should I try a different, maybe less demanding job? Should I go for a more challenging role? etc-etc. After many rounds of long chats with friends who have gone through this phase, I decided to join work back after 6 months as per the policy. However, I do want to point out that any decision that you make as a new mom is completely fine and no one should judge your decision.

I am sharing my experiences here with working moms, dads, and colleagues of new moms and dads, so they get to hear some perspectives which might be helpful for everyone in the ecosystem.

1. Better now than a little later -

Unless the new mom is planning to take an elongated break from work, I would highly recommend that moms should not delay by a few weeks/months believing that the 9 months or 1.5 years old baby would be fine to leave at home. My experience in parenting journey is that with each passing day, the baby needs more attention. If you are planning to join work back, it's better to do it now, than a little later, when you and baby would learn to co manage this situation together.

2. Sail in your comfort zone-

The first month back at work was difficult. Mainly, because I couldn't find a nanny to take care of my baby. Moreover, I didn't want to leave my baby with anyone for an hour or more. I think I hardly could focus on work during my first couple of weeks. But because I am already very comfortable in my role and share a great rapport with my manager and colleagues, I was able to manage. So my first learning is that don't change your job or role immediately post maternity break. Don't put yourself too far away from your comfort zone as you are already sailing in new waters with another tiny human.

3. Trust yourself -

I had heard stories of holding baby all night when the babies are not well, and then going to office next day. I used to be scared. How am I every gonna manage all of this craziness at home. Well, there are certainly days and nights when the baby needs you continuously, but, thankfully, those are rare occasions. I have also wondered if I will be able to perform at my best again at work given that now my attention is divided between my baby and work. I realized that I have been able to give more than 100% in last few weeks. Of course, I have help from nanny and family members. But, also because, I feel more confident than ever. I have become super efficient and productive. I know that I have to give some of my time to the baby during work hours, I try to waste minimum time on gossip or other non-productive things.

4. Ask for help-

I have been lucky to have colleagues who I can reach out to for support. I have asked my team to fill in for me if I had to take an impromptu leave ever. I have also created a supportive ecosystem at home where I can rely on a few neighbours to help me with hoursehold chores or feeding baby if I need. I have learnt that people are more than happy to extend help especially when there is a cute baby involved.

5. Don't try to know all the answers -

I still have not figured out the work-life balance, the perfect parenting techniques or the best leadership style. I make mistakes on a daily basis as a mom and as a professional. Every day I am learning to be a better team leader at work and mom at home. My baby had a cough situation just this week, and I didn't know how to handle. I took break from work and gave all my time to the baby. I am really happy that I am learning and getting better.

Dear Moms, trust yourself more than anyone else. If you want to join work back because it makes you happy or it gives you financial security, go ahead. If you want to take break from work because you want to give full attention to your baby, go ahead. Parenting is a deeply exhausting journey. You might feel very alone many many times. You might feel helpless. There might be enormous work pressure. There could be piles of deliverables pending on you. Your baby might get hurt because of your mistake. But, what fun is life if everything was super duper easy. You deserve to celebrate each day if you are a mom.

I also want to acknowledge that I am privileged to have an extremely supporting group of colleagues, and have a job that can be done from home. I do hope that professionals out there become more sensitive to new moms and dads, and lend a helping hand as often as they can.