Parent-2-Be Tip of the Week -- Return to work mid-week

Like many parents-to-be, you may be thinking about your maternity/paternity leave and planning how long you would like to be off. First of all, be sure to contact your employer or employer's human resources department to confirm your employer's medical leave policy and if you qualify for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). Once you have your employer's information in hand, plan how long you would like to be off from work, adjust your finances to accommodate this leave, then notify your employer of your plans. Make sure you and your employer are in agreement so you will have a job to return to post baby. Of course, unless you having a scheduled birth, your delivery day may change but at least your employer will be prepared for your leave.

Okay, I'm sure you've already heard most, if not all, of the above information. One thing most parents do not take into consideration is the day of the week they return to work. This was not something anyone told us about or offered any great tips on so we just did what we thought would work. However, when that Monday came for my husband to return to work, the trying times set in and I thought 'I have the whole week to do this solo.' Then came time for me to go back and the thought changed to 'I have to do this all week'. We quickly realized that a Monday return is not the best choice for neither Mom or Dad's return unless you are lucky enough to have someone come over and help out. We weren't that lucky! :(

So when baby arrives and you call to tell your boss when you will be returning, make sure it is a mid-week return. This eases you back into the work routine and makes time away from baby a little more bearable because you know the weekend is coming soon. It is also easier for breastfeeding moms because it is less stressful to return for a couple of days than an entire week. Less stress means less of an impact on mom's milk supply, too.

Enjoy those early days with baby, take notes, take even more pictures and remember, you can do this!