As I near the end of my full-time maternity leave, I’m filled with mixed emotions. It feels like just yesterday I was preparing to welcome my baby, and now, in what feels like the blink of an eye, it’s already time to think about returning to work. Eight weeks—where did the time go? While I’m excited to step back into the dance studio, there’s a sense of uncertainty and overwhelm. How will my baby adjust to being apart from me? How will I manage pumping while working? Is my body ready to teach again after a C-section?
Returning to work after having a baby is an emotional and physical challenge that many of us face. I’ll be returning to the dance studio with part-time hours and and scheduled to return to teaching dance in the the school system in January after holiday break. But even with part-time hours, there’s a lot to juggle—a 4-year-old, a newborn, a husband, and the daily responsibilities of maintaining a household. It’s a lot. But I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. There will be tears I’m sure, there will be trial and error, but I will have grace with myself and take it one day at a time. In this article, I’ll share the tools I’m using to help ease myself back into work and find balance during this transition.
In This Article:
- Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone
- Tools to Support My Return to Work
- Exercise and Recovery
- Scheduling for Sanity
- Prioritizing Nutrition and Hydration
- Setting a Pumping Routine
- Practicing Grace with Myself
Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone
The picture above is from my last week of teaching before delivering my second baby. I’m a full-time dance teacher in both a private studio and a public elementary school. I love my job and I’m excited to get back to it. Dance has always been a passion of mine, and after spending the last eight weeks fully immersed in all things baby and family, I’m ready to focus on something that’s just for me again.
But even with the excitement of returning to work, there’s an underlying feeling of being overwhelmed. Thoughts like “How will my baby cope with being apart from me?” and “Will I be able to keep up with pumping at work?” swirl in my mind. Plus, after having a second C-section, I’m still recovering physically. With all these questions and concerns, it’s clear this transition won’t be without its challenges. Thankfully, I have an incredibly supportive employer and coworkers, which gives me peace of mind as I navigate this next chapter.
Tools to Support My Return to Work
I’ve gathered some tools and practices that are helping me ease into this new routine. I hope that by sharing these, other new moms navigating the return to work might feel encouraged and supported.
1. Exercise and Recovery
At six weeks postpartum, I started incorporating gentle workouts to help heal my core, focusing on slow, controlled movements to address diastasis recti and restore my core. My daily goal is to exercise for just 15-20 minutes, gradually working my way up to more intense Pilates and yoga routines. It’s important to be mindful of my core, especially when teaching dance. Physical activity has not only helped my body recover but also has been an essential outlet for managing stress.
If you’re recovering from birth or a C-section like I am, I highly recommend starting slow. It’s not a race, and our bodies need time to heal. I’ve been following Pregnancy and Postpartum TV on YouTube, which has been incredibly helpful in regaining strength while being mindful of postpartum recovery.
2. Scheduling for Sanity
I’ve quickly learned that when I don’t wake up before the rest of the house, I feel like I’m chasing the day. It stresses me out more than being tired. I truly value those early morning moments of quiet before anyone needs me. My goal is to wake up early, have some time for myself, work out, pray, and sip my coffee while it’s still hot. Being organized is key to my mental health, and having a routine in place helps me stay focused.
With a 4-year-old who has her own busy schedule of gymnastics, dance, and swimming, meal prepping and planning are lifesavers. I plan meals every Saturday, order groceries, and have a weekly menu posted on the fridge so I know what I’m making each day. Crockpot meals have become my best friend, especially when time is tight.
3. Prioritizing Nutrition and Hydration
Staying hydrated and ensuring I’m eating enough calories is critical, especially since I’m exclusively nursing and pumping. Keeping up my milk supply means fueling my body properly, which is easy to forget when life gets hectic. My focus is on consuming whole, nutrient-dense meals throughout the day and drinking plenty of water to stay energized and nourished.
4. Setting a Pumping Routine
Since I’m exclusively pumping and nursing, maintaining my supply while I’m away from my baby is a top priority. I’ve started setting a pump schedule that I can stick to when I return to work, and I’m planning to carve out time during the day to pump. Thankfully, my newborn has been super laid-back, which makes transitioning back to work a little easier. Having a plan for when and where I’ll pump at work helps ease some of the anxiety I’ve been feeling about being away from my baby.
5. Practicing Grace with Myself
I’ve come to realize that giving myself grace during this time is non-negotiable. Returning to work after having a baby is hard, and I don’t have to have it all figured out. There will be good days and not-so-good days, and that’s okay. It’s important to remind myself that I’m still healing, both physically and mentally, and it’s okay to not be perfect.
Allowing myself to be flexible, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and celebrating the small wins has been so important. Whether it’s getting out the door on time or finding a quiet moment to drink my coffee, those small victories matter.
For more tips on navigating maternity leave and the transition back to work, check out these helpful reads:
- Maternity/FMLA Leave: Essential Tips for Effective Sub Plans
- What Does Maternity Leave Look Like as a Dance Teacher
- A Day in the Life: Dance Teacher Edition
Finding Balance
The road back to work after having a baby is full of ups and downs. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and emotional about leaving your baby and returning to your routine. But by using the tools I’ve mentioned—whether it’s starting with gentle exercise, prioritizing self-care through scheduling, or maintaining a pump schedule—you can navigate this transition more smoothly. I’ve found comfort in knowing that while I may not have everything figured out, each day brings me closer to finding balance between my career, my family, and my own needs.
hope these tools and practices can help other new moms as they prepare for their return to work. It’s a journey, but with some preparation, flexibility, and support, we can find our rhythm again.
For all the moms getting ready to return to work, remember: we’ve got this.
Happy Dancing!
