Returning To Work

 
Returning to work after birth can be a frightening experience for many women for numerous reasons. Many women wonder how they will be able to balance the demands of a career and those of motherhood. Others fear the prospect of having to leave their baby in childcare. Employers are becoming evermore informed and receptive to these concerns as women are becoming much larger fixtures in the business world. The steps that employers have begun to take are making the decisions regarding careers much easier for new mothers.

Still there are numerous factors that must be considered in the decision of whether to return to work or not, and when. Some doctors may recommend a certain length of time that a mother should take off work in order to allow her to recover physically and mentally from the stresses of pregnancy and labor. Financial considerations are also a factor. The cost and availability of childcare also should be well thought-out. Breastfed infants will have to be weaned before a mother is able to attend work on a full-time basis.

The effect of the baby on the mother's work, and the mother's work on the baby should also be considered.

The Effect of the baby on the mother's Work

Leaving the baby in someone else's care can be quite concerning for the mother, particularly if her maternity leave has been short and not provided adequate time for she and the baby to become well acquainted. Some women find the task of balancing a demanding career and a demanding home life rewarding and a nice contrast. Others find it very difficult to separate themselves from their child, particularly when the child cries and clings when being left. As the mother and the baby both become more familiar with this type of schedule, the process will become much easier as both settle into a routine.

The Effect of the mother's Work on the baby

The mother will likely worry that the pursuit of her career and the decreased time spent with the baby will be detrimental to him. However, as long as the mother is confident in her decision to return to work and happy with the childcare arrangements she has made, the baby should not be in any harm. The mother and the baby will still be able to develop a strong lasting bond. What is important for the mother to remember is that it is not the amount of time that is spent with the baby, but rather it is the quality of time that is spent. When spending time with the baby it is important for the mother to ensure that the time is of high quality. Outside childcare can even be beneficial to an infant. It can teach them to develop social skills and tolerance of unfamiliar social settings. It can also help them learn to share with other children.

Fatigue

Working mothers cannot realistically expect to not become fatigued. Even with the best time management skills and other great people, including a partner, to help, fatigue will be an issue. Fatigue is normal and should be expected. Motherhood is in and of itself demanding; coupled with a career, it can be very tiresome and overwhelming, both mentally and physically. This is when the sharing of domestic chores between partners becomes invaluable. The mother should be sure to set aside specific times on weekends or days off to catch up on sleep and rest. If the mother is feeling that fatigue is becoming a problem and is constant, she should speak with her doctor.

The Art of Time Management

Balancing a career and motherhood demands acute time management skills, and the will power to adhere to schedules. There are a number of tips that the mother can use to make and save time. Unfortunately, no matter how well organized and managed the mother is, she will still likely be short of time. Many mothers say the most difficult thing to do is find time for themselves between work and homecare. There are a number of steps that working mothers can take to help reduce the stress that is on them:

- holding the baby so his head is under your chin, then swaying and rocking back and forth.
- Exercise regularly and get to bed as early as possible. Adequate rest and good health help both physical and mental health.
- Rely on easily prepared meals, prepared meals, or frozen entrees
- Allow the answering machine to pick up calls so that unwanted calls do not have to be dealt with
- After the baby has fallen asleep each night, the mother should spend time treating herself. She should take a bath, watch a movie, or exercise. Whatever is relaxing
- Take a day off work every so often and use the day doing something that could not be done with the baby along

Feelings of Guilt

Most working mothers struggle occasionally with strong feelings of guilt. It is not uncommon for working mothers to feel torn between their two roles. Guilt arises easily when they feel that one of these roles is being paid more attention at the expense of the other. Worrying about missing first steps or first words can lead to guilt. If the baby is sick and the mother must go to work, she may feel guilty for having to leave him.

The stage of separation anxiety that many infants experience between the ages of six months and 13 months can make feelings of guilt much stronger. The mother should realize that this is only a stage and it will not last. The mother can reduce the crying and clinginess that accompany separation anxiety by saying good bye to the baby and spending a few minutes with him before leaving. Eventually this will become a routine that the baby is used to and separation anxiety will wean.

Sometimes the feelings of guilt that working mothers experience are brought on by the mother's expectations. If the mother has the expectation that good mothers stay home with their children, she may feel guilty for working.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Childcare Solutions

In-Home Childcare

ADVANTAGES:

- the baby is always in his house
- the mother will have greater flexibility in her hours of work and evening commitments
- the mother will not have to stay home if the baby becomes sick
- the mother will not have to commute to drop off and pick up the baby from a care facility
- The caregiver may be willing to also do housecleaning and cooking
- the baby is exposed to fewer illnesses

DISADVANTAGES:

- Another person is in the mother's home all day
- the mother is responsible for all the paper work of an employer (i. e tax forms, etc.
- Privacy at home is reduced
- the baby is not put in a social setting, in contact with other children
- Live-in help is more expensive
- Backup care is necessary if the regular caregiver is sick or on vacation

Family Childcare

ADVANTAGES:

- the baby will be in a homelike setting
- Costs will typically be lower
- the baby will be exposed to other children
- Businesses have to meet safety and health standards

DISADVANTAGES:

- The quality of family child care varies greatly
- the baby may be exposed to ill children
- If a caregiver is sick or takes time off, a backup caregiver will need to be found

Childcare Centers

ADVANTAGES:

- the baby will be in a social atmosphere, exposed to other children
- Staff members may be professionally trained
- Center probably has to meet local safety and cleanliness standards
- There is more than one caregiver/staff at the centers meaning there should be no worries about having to ever find backup care

DISADVANTAGES:

- Costs may be higher than family care
- the baby will be exposed to infections from other children
- Center may be subject to high staff turnover, meaning the baby is exposed to a wide variety of caregivers who he must learn to get used to
- Hours may be inflexible and the mother may have trouble getting there before the center closes or it is not open when needed
- the baby may not receive as much personal attention because there may be a higher number of children in the center
- the baby may not be allowed to attend the care center if he is ill

Finding the Best Childcare Solution

If the mother is going back to work she will need to find a suitable childcare provider for the baby. There are several main types of childcare: in-home care (either a live-in provider or one that comes everyday); a family care center; and child care centers. As was shown, each has its own respective advantages and disadvantages. Finding the type of care that best suits the mother's needs and the baby's personality can be a challenge. It may be helpful to ask friend, family and coworkers for recommendations.

It is a good idea to begin searching for a childcare solution two months prior to the anticipated date of return to work. This will allow sufficient time to find a suitable solution and hopefully find a vacancy in a facility as they can be in great demand. Childcare referral consultants can be found in nearly all cities and communities. Their services should be utilized. Recommendations and accreditation aside, the mother should also visit and interview the childcare facilities and caregivers that she is considering.

The following is a list of factors to consider and questions to ask when selecting a childcare facility, or a caregiver:

In-Home Caregiver

- How much education, training, and experience does the person have in caring for children and infants?
- Where else has the person worked? Be sure to get between three and four references and call each one to get a more accurate reflection of the person's work ethic and childcare abilities.
- How flexible is the person with hours in case the mother or her partner get home from work late or must leave early?
- If the candidate is not going to live-in, are they able to get to and from the home each day?
- Are the candidates requested fees and benefits within the range that the mother is able to pay?
- Does the candidate's personality and demeanor reveal that they are an honest and reliable person?
- How does the candidate react and act with the baby and other children? How does the baby respond to them?
- In the interview, does the candidate tend to agree with and/or respect the mother's beliefs and ideas regarding parenting and child-rearing?
- Does the candidate have first aid and CPR training?
- Is the candidate in good health? Are they a smoker?

Family Childcare Provider

- Is the home childproofed and clean? Does it have a calming and reassuring atmosphere?
- Is there an adequate place for playing and sleeping provided?
- Is the caregiver warm and pleasant towards the children and the baby?
- How many children does the person are for? Does anyone else work for her?
- Does the candidate respect and understand the mother's ideals of parenting?
- What supplies will the mother need to provide?
- Is there a no smoking policy?
- How are illnesses handled?
- Is the person trained in first aid and CPR? How would a health emergency be handled?
- Does the caregiver allow drop in visits?
- Does the caregiver interact with the children on their level?
- Are children promptly comforted and responded to when needed?

Childcare Centers

- Does that center follow the mother's preferences for sleeping and eating?
- Are meals and snacks provided? If so, is the cook qualified, and is it prepared under sanitary conditions?
- What is the center's policy on ill children?
- Is there a non-smoking policy?
- Are the center's caregivers trained in CPR and first aid?
- Is there a clean diaper changing facility?
- Are the hours flexible and suitable to the mother's schedule?
- Is there a fee for picking up a child late?
- Is the location close to the mother's home or place of employment?
- Are the toys kept clean? Are there enough toys for all children?
- Is there a sense of order and calm in the center?
- Is the center clean?
- How is discipline handled?
- Do staff members make an effort to play with the children on their level?
- Are children promptly comforted and attended to when needed?
- Is the center bright, airy, clean and childproofed?
- How much education, training, and experience do all of the staff members have? What is the staff turnover rate like?
- What is the ratio of caregivers to children in the center?

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