Try to do some cook ups on the weekend so that you don’t come back to chaos at dinner time during the week. I also found getting up earlier helped to do stuff around the house that needed doing while the kids were still asleep. I also switched to online shopping with click and collect or drop offs – saved me a tonne of time. Good luck transitioning back to work!

Oh gosh! I head back at 6 months to, after seeing your post it makes it all the more real! with my 1st child, preparation was the key! Now with 2 i have lists ready, even with 2 months to go i still have started some mornings getting ready like its a work day so that i know we can be all up, dressed, bags packed and out the door by 720. Good luck! <3

I’m also heading back to work after 16 months off from illness. Not sure if you had time off post bub or illness. My tip is not to be hard on yourself as you are not going to remember everything on your first day back at work

Make sure you get prepared the night before each shift at work and remember your doing a great job

Copious amounts of coffee LOL (Im kidding)
Good luck with it all!

Be kind to yourself… It gets easier!

I started back at work just after Bub was 6 months old. He had a few days at his Grandparents place where I was just a phone call away before I returned to work which I think helped both of us. I found keeping busy at work also seemed to help me cope with not having him around after 6 months together all the time. Gave me something else to think/worry about. Of course, everyone at work was still asking about him so it’s not like I could forget about him!

At this stage i havent returned to work after having kids( but will in the next year or so)… But all i can say is do so if you choose to knowing that it is to provide for your kids well being and future(earning money is a good thing).. Try working it so you pack your childs bag for daycare or what ever the night before and checking it as soon as you get home for replacement clothes etc… To ease the stress.. If you have to make lunches ( for in home daycare, or yourself) do so while making Dinner.. and put in the fridge or pull to from storage if very young.. Remember if you are working unless you are single parent its not all on you, its up to your other half to do their bit as well.. Who ever gets home first to pick up the kid or to start tea.. If the second one can pick up before cut off time.. When you do cook if its a meal that can be kept for another night cook more and keep in storage.. It wll make it easier for the nights you just can not cook….. wishing you all the best…

Have a big cook up so you have some meals in the freezer for when you get home. Cut corner where you can to start with while you and bubs adjust…like have takeaway for tea or fried eggs and beans or toasted sandwiches. If you don’t have one already invest in a slow cooker. use the tumble dryer instead of hanging out washing. Speak to your partner about what you expect the changes will be to each of your roles at home. Good luck!

I found it was best to check and re-pack your baby’s fresh clothing etc.
I would supply a plastic or similar bag for soiled clothes to be put in so the smell etc. doesn’t penetrate the clean ones. You may be given a list of what should be packed in the baby’s bag. Childcare Centres supply nappies and food. If your baby is on formula you will probably have to supply that. There is so many brands that are used. When your baby goes onto cow’s milk they should provide that. If your baby is being minded in a private house situation they may have different requirements.
Perhaps put your clothes ready at night ready for the next day.
You may prefer to shower at night if you previosly showered in the morning.
You may find your baby is very clingy when you are dropping off. Sometimes a baby settles better if you don’t stay in sight too long. If you leave quickly some settle a lot quicker. The same may happen if leaving with people you know such as grandparents, other relatives or friends you see regularly. My Mum found that once the Mum left little ones settled a lot quicker than if she hesitated.

Easier said than done, however, I have found the best tip is to not feel guilty. As Mum’s we should be able to have career and children. Your children will still turn out great even if they are in childcare 5 days per week.

Earlier last year I returned to my corporate job after 10 months of leave with my first bub. It was incredibly difficult. For me the hardest part was a lack of confidence and fear that others had moved on at work without me and that I would no longer be seen as valuable now that I was juggling a child and work. My tip would be to make sure you communicate with your boss and make sure you bot understand each other’s expectations.

I toallt agree with Mum160421 regarding establishing a routine . Everyone will adjust

Nope, sorry, no hints or tips on how to cope. I really feel for you as I know what a difficult time is coming

The best strategy is to establish a routine and within no time everyone will be used to the new schedule. Try not to stress or the children will pick up on your anxiety, and that will make it harder to leave them and harder to focus on your new job. All the best.