Making the Most of Your Maternity Leave

Once you have a baby, the idea of going back to work can be a tough pill to swallow. Each day you spend staring at your newborn’s perfect, tiny fingers and toes, the more impossible it feels to ever leave their side. Whether the duration of your maternity leave is a few weeks or a few months, this time with your baby is precious and will still feel far too short in the end. That’s because the days fly by as you and your little one get to know each other and you find your groove in motherhood. Here’s how to make the most of the time you do have, so you can fully enjoy these weeks before you return to work.

Ask for help

Asking for help isn’t always easy, but if there was ever a time to do it, this is it. Recovering from childbirth is no small matter, and it’s okay to let someone else handle smaller tasks like cooking and cleaning. If friends and family offer to help in any way they can, resist the urge to say, “Thank you, but I’m okay.” Instead, say, “Actually, I’d love for you to help me wash the dishes” or “Would you mind tossing that load of laundry into the washing machine?” Your loved ones are happy to help, and you’ll be grateful that you accepted.

When you don’t have others willing to feed you and help keep your house in order, it can take a huge load off your shoulders and allow you to soak in the sweet moments with your baby. You might even be able to take everyone’s advice and actually sleep when the baby sleeps! Taking care of a newborn is hard no matter what—but it does get easier, especially when you have your village.

Spend time in nature

Snuggling with your newborn is nothing short of pure bliss, but the early weeks of parenthood can also wreak havoc on your mental health. Round-the-clock care for a brand new human, breastfeeding struggles, sleep deprivation, and postpartum recovery are just a few things that throw you for a loop after your baby is born. Many moms go through the “baby blues,” which commonly include crying spells, anxiety, and mood swings, while some moms experience postpartum depression (PPD), a more severe and long lasting disorder that should be treated with professional help.

Research has shown that being outside in nature can help decrease anxiety levels, lessen stress, and improve mood. Although you may want to wait until they are at least 2 months old to take them into crowded areas, simply going outside for fresh air can be beneficial for both you and your newborn. Just follow safety precautions, like keeping them out of direct sunlight and dressing them appropriately, and refer to their pediatrician for any questions you may have. 

Head outside in your own backyard or your local park with a picnic blanket or waterproof mat for a safe space to lay your baby down. Being outside is a sensory-rich experience for your little one, and a grounding, relaxing experience for you. When the weather is nice, bonding with your baby outside can do wonders for your mental health and remind you of how much joy exists in the little moments.

Make time for yourself

Maternity leave may be a break from work, but it’s definitely not a vacation. Your days are devoted to 24/7 care of another human, which can leave little room for yourself. If you have help from family, close friends, or your partner, try and carve out a block of time for yourself every day. It can be as simple as a 15-minute shower that’s uninterrupted by your little one’s crying or just a walk around your neighborhood with your favorite podcast playing in your headphones. Get outside for some fresh air away from diapers, bottles, and tears, so you remember what it feels like to be yourself. Once you go back to work, the daily grind and sleep schedules may make it harder to prioritize self-care. So, make your you-time a habit early on to remember that you are a priority, too.