 Returning to work after having a baby is a deeply personal and often emotional experience. It’s a significant milestone that can bring a mix of pride, anxiety, and guilt. For many new parents, this transition means not only adapting to a new daily routine but also coping with the emotional strain of being away from their baby for extended periods. If you're approaching this chapter, know that you're not alone and that preparation, both physically and emotionally, can make a world of difference. The Emotional Reality of Returning to Work One of the biggest challenges new moms and dads face when returning to work is the emotional tug-of-war that comes with leaving their baby in someone else’s care. Whether your little one is staying with a family member, a nanny, or going to daycare, it can be heart-wrenching to walk away each morning knowing someone else will witness their smiles, feedings, and firsts during the day. Common emotional challenges include:
Preparing Physically: Establishing a New Routine The key to easing back into work is creating a routine that supports both your well-being and your baby's needs. Here’s how to get started: 1. Practice the Morning Routine Early- A week or two before your official return, do a few trial runs of your morning schedule. Wake up at the time you would for work, get yourself and your baby ready, and leave the house as if you’re heading to work. This helps both of you adjust to the rhythm without the pressure of a real workday. 2. Build a Consistent Sleep and Feeding Schedule- Work with your baby to find a predictable sleep and feeding schedule that aligns with your working hours. This will help the person caring for your baby maintain consistency, which is comforting for babies and reassuring for you. If you are planning to pump while you are working, be sure to make the necessary arrangements to be able to do so (pumping space, scheduled time for pumping sessions and milk storage). 3. Prepare Meals and Outfits Ahead of Time- Evening preparation is a game-changer. Lay out clothes, prep bottles, pack your lunch, and organize your baby’s diaper bag the night before to minimize morning stress. 4. Prioritize Self-Care- Returning to work isn’t just about your baby—it’s also about you. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and incorporating some gentle movement (even a walk counts). A healthy mom is a happier, more present mom. Preparing Emotionally: Coping with Separation and Change 1. Visit and Trust the Caregiver- Spend time getting to know the caregiver or daycare staff. Observe how they interact with your baby and ask plenty of questions. Feeling confident in who’s caring for your baby can ease separation anxiety and help you focus at work. 2. Start with Short Separations- Ease into longer days apart by starting with shorter separations if possible. Begin with a few hours and gradually extend the time. This allows both you and your baby to adjust more gently. 3. Stay Connected During the Day- Ask your caregiver to send updates or photos throughout the day. A quick message can offer enormous comfort and help bridge the distance. 4. Create Special Rituals- Make the most of the time you do have. Create simple morning or bedtime rituals that are just for you and your baby. Whether it's singing a special song, reading a book, or snuggling before bed, these moments will be cherished and help strengthen your bond. 5. Give Yourself Grace- Some days will be harder than others. There may be tears (from both of you), forgotten items, or guilt that creeps in unexpectedly. Allow yourself to feel all of it without judgment. You’re doing your best—and that’s enough.  You may never feel like you’ve achieved perfect balance, and that’s okay. The key is finding a rhythm that works for your unique family. Remember: Going back to work doesn’t mean you’re choosing your career over your child. It means you’re providing for your family, showing your baby what resilience looks like, and continuing to grow as a person and a parent.
Lean on your village, trust your instincts, and don’t forget—you’ve already done something incredible by becoming a mother. Returning to work is just another way you’re showing up with strength and love. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to returning to work after baby. But by preparing your routine, nurturing your emotional health, and building a support system, you can ease the transition and create a life where both you and your baby can thrive.
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 Parenthood is a rollercoaster—equal parts joy, terror, and mystery odors. Some days you're crushing it and other days you're barely hanging on and giving it just enough to keep everybody alive. The truth? Raising kids is weird, messy, loud... and absolutely hilarious. If you know where to look (hint: everywhere), the humor in parenthood is not only real, it's what will keep you sane. 1. The Comedy is in the Chaos The toddler tantrum over the “wrong” color cup. The six-year-old logic that explains how underwear is optional at school. The teen who’s suddenly embarrassed by the way you breathe. These moments are comedy gold—eventually. Maybe not in the moment, but give it time. Or a group text with your best parent friends. Need reassurance? Check out “Sh*t My Dad Says” by Justin Halpern, which began as a Twitter account and evolved into a hilarious memoir of growing up with a brutally honest (and unintentionally funny) father. It’s a reminder that even the most off-the-wall parenting moments make for the best stories later. 2. Lower the Bar (And Your Expectations) Perfection is a trap. Let go of the Pinterest-worthy bento boxes and embrace the chicken nuggets. Your child will survive mismatched socks and cereal for dinner. The real parenting wins are surviving Target with toddlers or managing to drink your coffee before it gets cold. For a perfect dose of reality, “Toddlers Are Aholes: It’s Not Your Fault” by Bunmi Laditan delivers a painfully accurate (and funny) look at life with tiny, irrational dictators. She reminds us all that it’s okay to laugh at the absurdity of parenting life—because that’s what it is: absurd. 3. Kids Say the Darndest (And Most Terrifying) Things Children are unfiltered little truth bombs with a gift for mortifying their parents in public. Their questions, observations, and bedtime stall tactics are often unintentionally hilarious. Take comfort in “I Heart My Little A-Holes” by Karen Alpert, a laugh-out-loud collection of parenting mishaps, awkward moments, and brutally honest truths. Alpert’s self-deprecating style gives all parents permission to laugh at themselves—and their offspring. 4. Celebrate the Small Wins Did you remember picture day? Amazing. Got your child to eat something green? You’re a wizard. Laughed at a poop joke? Welcome to the club. Parenthood is built on these small victories and the ability to find joy (or at least sarcasm) in them. For inspiration, revisit “Go the Fk to Sleep” by Adam Mansbach, the picture book for grown-ups that perfectly captures the bedtime battle—and your inner monologue. Bonus: there’s a version read by Samuel L. Jackson that deserves a spot in the Parenting Hall of Fame. 5. Share the Struggle Some of the funniest parenting moments come from swapping stories with other sleep-deprived grown-ups. Community is key. Whether it's a mom group, a dad podcast, or a 2 a.m. Reddit thread titled "Is this rash normal?", laughter connects us. Don’t miss “How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids” by Jancee Dunn, which tackles the relationship side of parenting with humor, honesty, and actionable advice for keeping your sense of humor—and your marriage—alive through the trenches. Parenting isn’t a sitcom, but it sure has the material for one. So the next time your kid draws a mustache on the cat or announces loudly in public that “Mommy tooted,” take a breath and laugh. These are the moments you will retell at their graduation party... or wedding... or to their therapist. After all, if we can't laugh at parenting, we’ll probably just cry into that day-old coffee. And that’s just no fun.  More Humorous Books to Keep You Sane:
 When planning for a new baby, most parents spend a great deal of time preparing for birth—taking classes, reading books, packing hospital bags. But one crucial period often gets overlooked in all the excitement: the postpartum phase. This is where a postpartum plan becomes not just helpful, but essential.
What Is a Postpartum Plan? A postpartum plan is a written or mental guide that outlines how you and your support system will manage life after the baby arrives. It focuses on your recovery, newborn care, mental and emotional well-being, division of household responsibilities, and support resources. Unlike a birth plan, which centers around a single event, a postpartum plan anticipates weeks or months of adjustment and change. Why a Postpartum Plan Matters 1. Supports Physical Recovery- The physical toll of childbirth—whether vaginal or cesarean—requires time, rest, and care. A postpartum plan helps make sure meals are prepared, housework is managed, and mom has time to rest. It can include arrangements for meal trains, visitors, and chore delegation to ensure recovery is prioritized. 2. Helps Manage Emotional Health- Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and new responsibilities can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and postpartum depression. A plan can outline signs to watch for and include contact information for mental health professionals. Knowing there’s a proactive strategy in place gives parents peace of mind. 3. Prepares for Newborn Care- Caring for a newborn is both joyful and demanding. A postpartum plan can include who will handle nighttime feedings, how feeding will be managed (breastfeeding, pumping, formula), and what to do if complications arise. Having clarity helps reduce confusion and overwhelm. 4. Clarifies Roles and Responsibilities- Tension can build quickly if expectations aren’t discussed beforehand. A postpartum plan allows partners to openly discuss who will do what—whether it's diaper changes, sibling care, grocery shopping, or emotional support. Clear communication upfront prevents resentment later. 5. Builds a Stronger Support Network- Knowing who you can count on and when is key. A postpartum plan can include a list of people to call for help—family, friends, doulas, lactation consultants, or postpartum therapists. It ensures you're not scrambling to find support when you need it most. 6. Encourages Realistic Expectations- Parenting isn't always intuitive, and the early days can be unpredictable. A plan helps parents set realistic expectations about sleep, feeding, bonding, and recovery. It fosters flexibility and grace for the learning curve ahead. Key Components of a Postpartum Plan Here are some common areas to cover in your plan:
The postpartum period is a time of profound transformation—physically, emotionally, and relationally. Just as we wouldn’t approach birth without a plan, we shouldn’t approach postpartum without one either. Taking the time to craft a postpartum plan empowers families to face the challenges ahead with confidence, compassion, and a solid support system. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding another child to your family, creating a postpartum plan is a powerful step toward a healthier, more supported transition into parenthood.  Parenting is hard. And confusing. And exhausting. Trust me, I get it. Much of parenting is trial & error and gut instinct, am I right? The honest truth is that only you know what's best for your children and family. But where do you go when you need answers?
The modern world has resources and information literally at your fingertips. But a lot of what is floating around out there is opinion and not evidence-based information from experts. And no offense to Google, but that is the last place you need to go when you are looking for direct and factual data. Please save yourself some time and uncertainty. Instead, here are some highly-recommended and equally popular resources that can be beneficial to you on your parenting journey. Websites
Apps
Podcasts
When You Need Professional Input
Again, nothing beats your gut instinct. But if you need a starting point for specific topics related to pregnancy, birth and parenting, some of these online resources will surely be at the top of your go-to list. Have you tried any of the resources listed above? Have any to add to the list? Leave a comment below!  In my April blog post, I shared some tips and suggestions to help mothers thrive during pregnancy, birth and postpartum, Today, I wanted to share some postpartum wisdom to help you and your family adjust after baby arrives. What will life look and feel like after my baby is born? Just like your birth plan, a postpartum plan is essential to ensure you are prepared as much as possible for the postpartum period. Depending on your birth experience, you may need more support than you initially planned (i.e. premature birth, preeclampsia, c-section) and it's a good idea to have some things in place just in case.
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June 2026
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