The confinement is soon over, and mums can move around. The following weeks are the most joyous as the baby will start to break into a smile! There is nothing as beautiful as seeing your baby giving you a toothless smile after looking at you!
But before you know it, your maternity leave is over and it is time to return back to work. Many of you may want to continue feeding your baby breast milk and some preparing would be in order for that. A few of you may even have some help right at home. It is wise to ensure that everything is in order before you go back to work.
Here are 5 things that every mum should do before going to work.
1# Establish a routine
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You may have noticed that the first few weeks were the most chaotic. Nothing happens on time, or as you plan it. Your day (and night) would revolve around the baby without any schedule.
This changes after three months when the baby actually starts recognising the difference between the day and the night. It becomes easier to establish a schedule. So two weeks before you are due to resume the work, chalk down a schedule. Then, follow it. This should include the baby’s wake up time, breast pumping schedule, bath time and the day time naps.
2# Introduce, train and monitor the help
Many mums do not enlist the help of infant care centres or child nannies till the very last moment. This may cause trouble later if the baby is not comfortable with the childminder.
A good way to go about is to enlist this help a week or two before going back to work. You need to introduce the child to the care giver and buffer some time for training. If the care giver is not formally trained, like say, your mum, you will need to train her to take care of the baby when you can still help during your maternity break. Let her follow the daily routine of feeding the baby using the provisions you have already made.
If you are going to use frozen breast milk, make sure that it is not microwaved. Instead, ask your mum to run the bag under tap water till it thaws. Tell her the do’s and don’ts about feeding the baby.
Step in whenever needed, and observe as much as possible!
3# Prepare for the baby’s nutrition when you are at work
Lots of Singaporean mums continue to breastfeed till the baby is at least 6 months old. This becomes a task when you have to work. Luckily, there are facilities available where mums can pump the breast milk conveniently.
However, you need to make a provision for the baby in case of emergencies. Start building your freezer stash a month in advance. This is what most of the lactation consultants recommend.
Buy extra pump parts, bottles and sterilisers. You can shop online and get some good deals on the purchases!
4# Anticipate and shop for your needs
Signing up for the POSB Smiley Child Development Account (CDA) makes it simple for you to enjoy and save! You will receive the POSB Baby Bonus NETS Card that gives you great discounts on both online and offline purchases. So buy all the clothes for the baby as well as new clothes for yourself online and save time.
You can also make a list of essentials and see if you could buy them online, or at baby fairs. Save now as the expenses are going to keep increasing!
5# Find out about the maternity policies at work
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Many workplaces are now mother-friendly. Find out if yours is! The things you could benefit from, especially during the early days of joining are flexible work timings, a provision to work from home among other things.
Talk to your colleagues who are new mums or your friendly HR representatives for more information.
Beyond preparation
Going back to work is a tough phase, not just physically, but also mentally. The separation from the baby is a very powerful emotion and you may have to harden your mind every day before going to work. But keep reminding yourself that this is for the baby and your family. Never hesitate to seek help from your support group because it is there for situations like this!
This article is sponsored by POSB. Visit www.posb.com.sg/cda to learn more about POSB Smiley CDA.
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