Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Jessica returns to work

Jessica returned to work on Monday. It's a whole new world when both Jess and I have to get out of the house in the morning for work. We're figuring it out, and I'm really grateful that my schedule is fairly flexible.

Jess receives a weekly new mom newsletter (which she forwards to me), and this portion caught my attention:

Returning to work outside the home (courtesy of Isis Maternity) 
If your maternity leave has ended and you have begun full- or part-time work this month, take especially good care of yourself. The first two or three weeks back at work are similar to the first two or three weeks after your baby was born in that you may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and fragile.

Consider the first few weeks back at work much the same way you did when your baby was a newborn. Get to sleep early and cut back on all activities for a while except going to work and caring for your baby. Cook and freeze meals in advance and let the housework go. Let your family and friends know that you need extra help and support now, just as you did when your baby was born.


When we first brought Maya home, we were overwhelmed with the amount of food, gifts, and offers to help that came our way. We were very appreciative. At the time, I remember wishing that we could somehow magically spread the love over several months rather than getting it all within the first few weeks. Anyway, I think the newsletter does a good job of putting it all in perspective -- returning to work is kind of like the first few weeks of having the baby at home.

Anyway, if we're a bit unavailable, unresponsive, or irritable over the next few weeks, you'll know why. It's going to take some time to figure it all out. We've already gotten a lot of nice emails and text messages this week. Thanks for your good wishes and support!

No comments: