Leaving your little one…
- Will you continue to breastfeed? Do you need a space to pump while at work? Have these conversations early and know your rights in the workforce.
- Planning on continuing to breastfeed? Start the new nursing schedule a few weeks before so you both can adjust.
- Planning on weaning? Do not start the night before. Have a chat with a medical professional and/or lactation consultant with tips and suggestions for this process.
- Grandparents babysitting? Hired a nanny? Child attending home care or a child care facility? PRACTICE! Have the child meet with caregiver(s) several times before the big day ahead. Start by leaving for 30-60min and gradually schedule longer periods of time. The transition will be tough no matter which method you choose but practicing the new arrangement can really do wonders.
- Leaving your child at home with someone? Set up a ‘toolkit’ for the caregiver to access to assist with the transition of you leaving. Sensory bins, play dough, water table, instrumental music, a comfort ‘stuffie’, yoga, a touch-and-feel-book, are all items that can assist with comforting the child. Practice with these items so the child becomes familiar and feels comfortable accessing these ‘tools’.
- A simple visual schedule can help navigate little ones through the day (and keep caregivers on track too!).
- Now is NOT the time to try new recipes or paint their room. Safety, security, and routine are what little ones thrive on. Allow them to become part of this process so they feel some ‘control’.
- Add essential oils! Everything lavender! Add it to a sensory bin, work it into play dough, dilute with water and place in a spray bottle for a gentle mist on everyday items (ie. pillow, stuffies, etc) Not a lavender fan? Lemon balm can also do the trick.
- When in doubt, fake it till you make it. Your child needs to know that you are comfortable with whatever arrangement you choose. They are relying on you to feel safe and secure.
- If it gets too much, speak up. Speak to a medical professional and seek out support, you do not need to go through this alone.
As you entire in this new chapter of motherhood, please remember you are not alone. We are with you, we hear you, we empathize with you and we support you. No two situations and families are the same but we are all essentially on this journey together. The ‘working mom’ scenario brings a wealth of ups and downs. Don’t forget to make time with yourself and remember this is a transitional period. It somehow, someway and someday does get better, I promise.
Lisa Cheaney- Hogan, MEd., OCT, BEd., BASc, ECE, lives in Ontario, Canada.
