Return to Work After Baby
Let ME make the choice because I still have a voice
The postpartum person might rightfully be tired. They are overwhelmed, not wearing the same clothes they wore prior to pregnancy, and are not having the same day-to-day conversations they once did with ease. They are searching for normalcy and routine. If the postpartum person is returning to work, this transition can be extremely daunting and bring up feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. It is important to recognize that not everyone who returns to work will do so with a perfectly healthy and happy baby, home or sense of self. Each person’s situation is bioindividual, and will be treated with the utmost respect, care and tenderness. This program is applicable for all professionals at any level across all industries.
The Return to Work program works to set everyone (spouses/family members/support folks, included) up for the best of success possible. It is one step in the right direction (of many) that the postpartum person can take so there are no surprises once they take the leap and return to work.
We cover the steps to take before the return to work transition happens, what to do during your transition (what to expect and ask/look for/know) and after (how to assess, reassess and change). There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this. Each person’s return to work will look, feel and result in a different experience. It is important to note that if the postpartum person feels they are not ready to return to work (for whatever reason they can or maybe cannot identify) that they voice this concern and seek appropriate help from a professional care provider, while also communicating clearly with their employer. WSD is able to provide resources for care providers, along with assisting in the communication with employers.
A preview of the 5th Trimester program, “Let ME make the choice because I still have a voice” course:
Preparing for those difficult and uncomfortable conversations once back at work (prepared scripts can be tailored for each client on a consulting basis)
Schedule changes/rearrangements and how to approach this with your employer, and support team (partner, child care, family members, community, etc.)
The feelings/thoughts/emotions that come along with looking in the mirror and not totally recognizing this professional who was once totally different, prior to this pregnancy:
Why don’t my clothes fit/feel the same way?
Why do I feel like I don’t fit into my own skin?
Will my colleagues/boss treat me differently now?
Who am I as a professional now?
Do I have the same skills as I did before?
Does my employer value me the same as they did pre-baby?
What are my rights as a new parent?
If I’ve had a gap in my resume and I’ve been out of the workforce for X amount of years, should I expect to earn less?
This program also helps professionals (at any level, in any industry) and covers topics on childcare, sick days and alternative workweeks/workdays, focus shifts, communicating lactation support/needs (if applicable) and how to ask for a raise, change of role and promotion (YES even when you’ve just returned from parental leave).
Other support for returning to work after parental leave includes:
Interviewing while pregnant
Finding out that you are pregnant after accepting a new job
Not returning to work after parental leave
Taking leave for a pregnancy loss and returning to work after a loss
Pumping and milk storage at work, along with accessibility, milk sharing programs, and donations
Connecting within your community - finding like-minded folks who are going through the some of the same things you are
My goal is to elevate my clients who might associate feelings of anxiety, overwhelm and guilt based on their decision to return to work (or not return!). You know what’s best for you, but you may not be able to articulate or have it all figured out just yet. And that’s totally NORMAL. I am here to give you the tools, remind you of your rights, and help you advocate for yourself, your family, and your career.