What to Expect on Your First Day Back at Work

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I dreaded my first day back at work ever since I brought my little one home. Sure, I knew it was coming, but I chose to ignore it. My partner and I visited daycares when I was six months pregnant, weighing the pros and cons, and eventually made our choice. I treated it like a task checked off my list and avoided thinking about it. During my maternity leave, any mention of returning to work or who would care for my baby made me switch topics faster than you can say “denial.”

As my first day approached, my mom friends rallied around me. I received a flurry of messages saying, “You’ve got this, mama!” and “It will get easier!” I appreciated the support, but I was too angry about losing precious moments with my baby to believe them. If only I could have listened to those who had been there before me, here are eight things I wish I had known about that first day back.

1. You’ll Be Leaving Your Baby with a Stranger. We met the daycare owners during our tour, but the infant teachers? That was a whole new experience. I handed my 13-week-old baby to someone I barely knew and walked away. It felt surreal, like I was supposed to have a more detailed handoff, right?
2. Tears Will Flow. I’m not usually a crier. Weddings, stressful days, or sad moments? No tears. But once I stepped out the door, the floodgates opened. It hit me like a scene from “My Girl”—unexpected and messy. Just a heads up, you’ll want some tissues handy!
3. Treat Yourself. You’ve just endured an emotional rollercoaster. You need a little pick-me-up before facing the day. Swing by your favorite coffee shop for a latte or a pastry. You deserve it! Plus, when was the last time you savored a hot drink in peace?
4. You’re a Celebrity at the Office. Planning to sneak back in quietly? Think again! You’ll be met with a barrage of “Welcome back!” and “How was it dropping off the baby?” Get ready to share your story on repeat.
5. Someone Will Ask If You’re Back. Expect the question, “Oh hey! Are you back at work?” as if you just popped in for a casual visit. Just roll with it; everyone’s excited to see you.
6. Don’t Forget Your Phone Charger. You’ll be checking your phone every few minutes for updates from the daycare. And if you’re like me, you probably have thousands of pictures of your little one. Your phone will be your lifeline, so keep it charged!
7. Emotions May Spill Over. My partner is incredibly supportive, but on that day, things got a bit heated over a pair of shoes left on the floor. All the pent-up emotions from the day had to go somewhere, and unfortunately for him, that was it. It’s good to warn your partner about your emotional state!
8. Seeing Your Baby Will Make It All Worth It. After a long day, I rushed to pick up my little one. His smile melted away all the stress, and I thought, “You got this, mama.”

If you want to dive deeper into topics like this, check out our post on home insemination techniques here. And for more insights on fertility, visit Make a Mom, a great authority on this subject. For those exploring pregnancy options, American Pregnancy is an excellent resource.

In summary, your first day back at work after maternity leave is bound to be emotional and overwhelming, but there are ways to prepare yourself for it. From allowing yourself to feel all the emotions to treating yourself kindly, it’s a journey worth taking.