Going back to work is a daunting prospect for many mothers. The culture of new mums in the workplace is moving forward, but there is still a lot that’s yet to be resolved. For example, unaffordable childcare and workplace attitudes that penalise mothers can make it difficult for two working parents to share the load as their benefits and opportunities at work aren’t equal.

It isn’t an option for most women, especially single mums, to quit their jobs outside the home. But some women, after doing the maths, may consider being a stay-at-home mum, especially if their job isn’t valuable or stimulating enough to continue and they find childcare more rewarding. There are, of course, many other options, such as working from home, working part-time, or having the partner be the stay-at-home parent while the mother works.

If you’re considering what route to take regarding your working life post-baby, here are a few things you may want to consider:

Things to consider when going back to work

How much does your job excite and stimulate you? Do you feel most like yourself when you’re at home with the baby, or do you thrive out and about in a work environment?

If you’re thinking about leaving your job, consider how this will affect your sense of independence, community, productivity, and meaning.
Let your decisions about work and motherhood come from what you really want, not what you fear or what other people want from you. Remember, you can always change your mind later on.
Be aware of your own judgments about choosing to stay at home or work. Some women worry they will be seen as “giving up” or “not strong or resilient enough” to juggle childcare and work if they stay at home. Others worry they will be judged as “selfish” or “someone that values their job over family” if they choose to return to work. Remember, this is about you and what feels right for you.
If you are dealing with judgement from family members about your decision, share your situation with your partner and trusted friends. Your children will not suffer if you decide to return to work and send them to daycare, despite what concerned family members may say.

If you decide you’d like to return to work, here are some tips to help with the transition:

How do I ease back into working again?

For many mothers, the weeks leading up to returning to work can be the most anxiety-inducing. Even if you know you’re leaving your baby in safe hands, separating yourself for a whole day from your baby can feel pretty alarming. So, how can you make this transition easier?

If you can, go back to work gradually. It can be a shock to the system to look after your baby full-time and then jump back into a five-day week. Consider making at least your first week back a lot shorter. Consider working half days or a 2-3-day week for as long as it feels good for you.
Depending on the nature of your job, you may already have clear boundaries between work and home life. If you’ve been available to your job 24/7, you may need to re-negotiate your new “off” hours and how they can reach you if it’s a real emergency.
When you return to work, your colleagues may welcome you with open arms. But you also may be able to sense an undercurrent of tension from being unavailable for many months while the rest of them had to manage without you; our society still has far to go when accommodating parents in the workplace. If this is the case, know that it will pass. And if you are feeling uncomfortable, pull your colleague or boss to the side and express how their behaviour makes you feel.

As a new mother, should I return to work or stay at home?

Lean in or be a stay-at-home mum? Unii might just have your answer.