Going back to work after maternity leave, how do you cope?

[tigerbreadandtea]

I am absolutely dreading going back to work. I'm still on maternity leave and feel tired all the time. How on earth do you manage to work too?

You soon get into a routine. A couple of things that helped me (don't know if they're any good - just thought I'd share):

• mad hour on Sunday trying to sort stuff for the week.
• some plastic drawers with baby's clothes for the week.
• shared calendar with DH
• meal plan
• online Asda shop with delivery
• cleaner (best money I spend)
• split drop off and pick up with dh.

Mainly massively lowering standards and just accepting that I sometimes shit has to wait / not be done.

By the time I went back to work, work felt easier than a day with a fast crawling just about to walk 12 month old baby.

I think it's mainly the logistics of it all that's worrying me the most! Husband has a job that's predominantly home based and I have good flexibility, I am thinking a wall planner or similar for the kitchen where we can map out the week and know who is doing what!

I found work easier and I was in a busy NHS job!

You get a lunch hour and tea breaks! I used to take my book and have breakfast in canteen before work. I went early to get a parking space. So in the morning I just got me and baby dressed and went. He had breakfast at nursery which removed one stress too.

Deffo think about cover for when lo is poorly if using nursery or CM.
For the fist couple of months if your DH can be primarily the person on call for this it helps you settle back to work without that stress.
Particularly at the moment when every cough or temp means 48hrs off waiting for a PCR result.

Be kind to yourself, being organised, having a cleaner, giving baby time to settle into childcare before you are back at work and using that time to finally have some you time.

You both adjust and find what works eventually. :)

Outsource the crappy stuff - cleaner, grocery deliveries etc. I consolidated my hours and went back 4 days a week so I have Wednesdays off. Best decision I ever made! Good luck, it's not as bad as you think it's going to be x