Had a baby lately? If so, it’s likely you took yourself a mini-vacay from your work at home job or a traditional maternity leave.

Either way, at some point the show known as your career must go on – and these tips to getting back to work after having your baby will help you on your way.

Pick a Start Date

The best way to get the ball rolling on anything you intend to do is to set aside a time or date by which or on which you plan to do it. If you had a job outside of your home you would likely be required to return on a particular date, and why? Because that’s how business is done and it also forces you to commit to coming back at a specific time.

Even if commitment isn’t your thing, it will benefit you (and baby and your bank account) if you set yourself a start day and, well, get started!

Start Out Slow

Maybe you worked a full 40 plus hours a week or wrote 10 articles a day as a freelancer. Whatever the case, you should not and likely will not be able to get as much done while working from home with your baby when you first start out.

Your baby might be the fussy type that never lets you get much done without her in your arms, or you may lack the desire to work as much as you did and find it hard to get motivated. That’s where starting slow comes in handy. You can get back to work and build up speed and productivity, adjusting to your and baby’s new schedule.

Bring Baby to Work With You – or Not

When you work from home, everyday is bring your kids to work with you day. Your baby is not going to be as cooperative as an older child would be, but you can get things done with her around if need be – and if she and your job allow.

Working non phone jobs or running a business that is very baby friendly (like a home daycare) will make the transition easier with baby on board.

If your business and your baby don’t mesh well, consider hiring a part time mother’s helper. Your tween neighbor would work just fine, and she’s sure to be affordable.

Consider Alternative Options

Maybe you don’t have to work as much as you did pre-baby, or maybe you don’t need to work at all. Motherhood changes us, but it doesn’t change the fact that we have to make a living. The decision to continue or discontinue working as a wahm after having a child can be a difficult one. These helpful articles can help you with whatever choice you make, from
discovering the best jobs for moms with newborns to finding  “Tips to Stay Productive as a WAHM With a Newborn” to determing whether or not you should permanently extend your maternity leave.