The end of maternity leave can incite a jumble of emotions for new mothers. On one hand, it can be exciting to get back to work. On the other, you may feel anxious about sending your new baby to day care for the first time. Being well-prepared is the best way to feel comfortable and in control during the transition.

4 Tips for the End of Maternity Leave

1. Pick a Day Care

Those who don’t have a family member or personal nanny who can look after their baby during the workday will need to find a day care they trust. Call up ones near you to talk to the staff and ask what the daily routine is like. Even infants have a significant capacity to learn—and should be encouraged to explore their senses, develop muscle memory and fine motor coordination skills, and grow familiar with spoken language.

2. Do a Trial Run

After finding a day care, schedule a trial run. Set your alarm, get dressed, pack a diaper bag, and drive there like you would on a normal day. If possible, schedule a meet and greet with the caretakers so they can get to know your little one in advance. This also provides an opportunity to tour the facility and ask any lingering questions you still have.

3. Create a Pumping Plan

In addition to making sure your son’s or daughter’s needs are taken care of, spend some time considering your own situation. If you are breastfeeding, you’ll need to find a place at work to pump. Mothers with their own offices can hang a discrete sign and lock the door. Those who don’t should discuss other alternatives with the HR representative. They’re required by law to offer an alternative where you can pump with privacy and dignity.

4. Don’t Go Cold Turkey

Furthermore, consider staggering your return to work. Many new moms prefer to start back midweek, rather than attempting to make it through a whole 40 hours right away. If possible, discuss saving some of your leave time and having a four-day work week for the first few months. In the end, do what feels right since balancing family and work roles is a learning process that is unique to every new mother.

Still on the hunt for a day care center? Turn to the team at Little Hands at Work & Play. Based in Omaha, NE, they not only have dedicated and experienced staff but cameras, which allow you to check in on your son or daughter throughout the day. And, as your baby grows, they can continue to benefit from this learning center thanks to their pre-school and pre-kindergarten classes, as well as after-school care and academic programs for grade school-aged children. To learn more, call (402) 408-0915 with questions or fill out their convenient online contact form.