Transcript of
How can I prepare myself and my baby for my return to work or education?
How can I prepare myself and my
baby for my return to work or education?
Sarah: Most parents return to work or education
at some point. It can help to speak to other working parents, but the
most important thing is to consider what’s best for you and your family.
There are a few things you’ll want to conside. Try to build up the time your baby spends with
their carer. Most childcare settings offer
settling in sessions which offer you and your baby an
opportunity to become familiar with the setting and your child’s key
person. Pack some familiar items that baby can hold on to, such as a toy
or blanket that smells of you and home.
If you’re still breastfeeding, try to get your
baby used to drinking from a cup or bottle before your return to work or
education.
It is possible to express milk for feeds during
the day, or you can give your baby formula milk in the middle of the day, and
breastfeed the rest of the time. Discuss with your workplace any
arrangements for expressing – is there somewhere private you can do this?
And somewhere to store the milk?
You may want to prepare yourself for your return
to work, by leaving your baby with the carer for
short periods, doing a dummy run to work, and catching up with colleagues to
find out what’s been happening while you’ve been away. It’s normal to
feel anxious, but speaking to other parents, your health visitor, or online
forums can help.
Childcare can be very expensive, you’ll need to
decide if you can afford to pay for childcare out of what you earn, or perhaps
work when your partner isn’t working, or ask friends and family to help.
To find out more about flexible working, tax
credits, and benefits you may be entitled to, go to gov.uk or Jobcentre Plus.
It goes without saying that you will have chosen
the best childcare for your child and family. However, of course you
remain the most important person in your baby’s life, so plan to spend some
quality time with your baby, so they know that they’re important.