No matter how much you enjoy your job, returning to work after maternity leave is often daunting.
 
You'll probably be feeling a real mix of emotions - nervous, excited, sad, reluctent. 
 
Here are some tips on how to prepare for the big return.
 
Trust your childcare
Feeling confident in your childcare is vital to easing the anxiety for every mum going back to work. If you find a great nanny or crèche, it will ease your mind massively. If you choose to go with a crèche, look for one close to your workplace, as you’ll be comforted knowing your baby is nearby if he or she needs you. When looking into childcare, give yourself plenty of time to do some good research, ask all the questions you need to, and get to know the person or people who’ll be looking after your little one.
 
Focus on the positives
While going back to work after maternity leave is a difficult transition, it can have its upsides. Focus on the positives of your job –you may have missed your colleagues, it might be nice to have some time to yourself and your job may be rewarding in a very different way from being a mum.  
 
Ease yourself back in
While you may be tempted to spend every possible minute with your child in the final weeks of your maternity leave,  it might be best to ease back into your work schedule gradually to help with the separation anxiety. You might want to start your baby at their new crèche one to two weeks before you return to work, so you have some time to yourself, and time to deal with the back to work transition.
 
Stay connected
It's normal to miss your baby when you go back to work, but lots of photos and videos, as well as occasional visits can go a long way towards easing this feeling during the day.  Talk to your crèche or childminder and let them know you’re finding the process difficult. They should completely understand, and can keep you up-to-date on everything that’s happening in your little one’s day.
 
Make the most of bonding time at home
While you may not be spending as many daytime hours with your baby after going back to work,  there are many special ways to bond with your little one during mornings and evenings.  Make the time you do have with your baby really count. Spend all the time you can just sitting and snuggling, reading a book or playing with your baby right before you leave the house . Having snuggle time at home first will give you both that bonding fix you need to last your whole day through. In the evening, try not to worry about letting the housework slide a bit if you want to spend as much time as possible with your little one.  The dirty dishes and clean washing will be there once they go to sleep or the next day.

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