Just as you’re becoming comfortable with your baby and settling into a routine, a sudden realization hits you – you’re maternity leave is coming to an end. After all, 45 days of maternity leave in the UAE can seem like a really short time – only 6 weeks! Just the notion of waking up early in the morning and racing off to work after pulling an all-nighter with the baby may seem impossible. Perhaps you’re even feeling guilty and uncertain about being away from your infant for long periods of time. Don’t fret as you’re not alone. New moms all over the world go through this phase and survive. The important thing to remember is that both you and your child will have to put up with varying degrees of separation anxiety before a sense of stability can be attained.

Even though you’ll inescapably run into a few obstacles along the way, these 9 tips will make returning to work slightly less hectic.

1. Hire trustworthy childcare

This is perhaps the most essential part of the process. It would be prudent to begin this procedure during your pregnancy as it provides you additional time to determine the caregiver’s temperament and aptitude. Form an understanding with her and offer guidance on how you prefer things to be done.

2. Set up a schedule for your baby

It is said that babies flourish best on routines. So, it would be a good idea to set up regular hours for your infant’s activities as early as possible. The earlier you can set up some sort of schedule, the better. It will ease your planning on a daily basis, and particularly make things less complicated for the caregiver.

3. Go through dry runs

To get an idea of what works and what requires a little bit of fine tuning, begin to make a few test runs before you actually return to work. Spend a little time away from your baby to make the genuine separation a little less traumatic. It will also give you a chance to become comfortable with the new caregiver.

4. Have A Plan B:

From time to time, even the best-laid plans can fail. How will you cope in the event that your baby falls ill and is unable to make it to the daycare center? Or what if your childcare becomes unwell and cannot take care of your baby for the day. It’s always best to have a backup arrangement for such situations. Try to keep a friend, or a member of your family available for such days or go for a substitute babysitter that you can trust.

5. Take some time for yourself

Treat yourself to a day at the spa, meditation or a yoga class. Fit these acts of self-care into your schedule. If you fail to take care of yourself, you will be in no form to look after others. Remember how important it is to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.

6. Create a list of tasks

Try to compose a list of everyday jobs and note down everything even routine tasks or apparent things. It’s best not to leave anything to chance. Making weekly timetables and agendas for errands, shopping and meals can turn out to be very useful in organizing your schedule and be more productive.

7. Look good and feel good

Don’t try to stuff yourself into your maternity outfits. Treat yourself to a few new pieces suitable for returning back to work. After all the hectic times you’ve had, you deserve to get new attire along with a fresh haircut.

8. Meet with your boss

It’s best to meet up with your boss outside of the office if possible. It will lighten things up and you can ask your boss what you’ve missed and any changes you need to know about.

9. Ease in to your work routine

Being separated from your baby for a sudden prolonged period of 40+ working hours might be distressing for you and your baby. If possible, it would be best to set your return date for the middle of the week to shorten your time away from your baby.

Did you find these tips useful? Share what worked for you upon undertaking work after a maternity leave.