9 Ways to Make Returning to Work After Maternity Leave as Painless as Possible

Most moms have a lot of emotions about returning to work after having a baby—some of them conflicting. You may feel sad to leave your baby. You may feel relief to let professionals be in charge of baby care while you return to a job you have some idea how to do. (And then you may feel guilt over that relief!) You might be anxious about leaving your child in the care of someone else. Maybe you’re angry that your workplace doesn’t offer more (or any) maternity leave.

Whatever you are feeling makes total sense. This is a big transition and the research shows that—for many women—the return to work happens sooner than they are ready and is harder than they expect. But there are concrete things you can do to help you adjust to your new normal.