Returning to work

Making your return to work easier

Lots of families have both parents working. Each parent will need to make changes based on their job, workload, and child care plans.

It is helpful to talk about the following:

• Childcare – who is looking after your baby when you return to work and who is doing the drop off and pick up.
• Household chores such as shopping, cleaning, cooking, paying bills.
• Caring for sick children.
• Organising appointments for children.
• Parental leave, annual leave, sick leave, flexible work hours.
• Free time, socialising, looking after yourself.
• Breastfeeding and working – what support do you need?

 Tips to help you

• Start by leaving your baby with the new childcare for short times so they can get used to it.
• Make sure the childcare has your emergency contact number and let them know when to call you.
• Cook extra food on your days off work and freeze it so you have easy meals on workdays.
• Pack your baby’s bag for childcare the night before.
• Spend a few minutes cuddling and bonding with your baby when you drop them off and pick them up. It helps them feel better.
• Relax and clear your mind of work before picking up your baby, and spend a few minutes reconnecting when you get home.
• Be kind to yourself on working days.
• Allow extra time for a calm bedtime routine with gentle talking, hugs, and care before bed.

For breastfeeding mums planning a return to work, the Australian Breastfeeding Association website may help.