As you settle in at home with your new baby, it may be hard to imagine returning to work. But eventually, most parents do. Returning to work usually comes with a myriad of emotions, but a little preparation can help ease some of the stress you may be feeling.

• Join a new parent support group while you are still on leave. For example, Sentara Martha Jefferson offers “Welcome to Motherhood” to help connect new parents who can lend an ear and give perspective if they have already been through it.
• Before returning to work, practice your routine. This will give you an opportunity to see what works and ease those early mornings as you head out the door. If you can, arrange to have your childcare to begin a week before you return to work to help both you and your little one get used to a new place.
• Rest, rest, rest. Lack of sleep makes us feel more emotional. The transition will be easier if you can get as much rest as possible in the week before you head back to work. Ask your partner or a friend to help out so you can catch some zzzz’s. Head to bed earlier, too.
• Be prepared to pump. You may have already been pumping and giving baby a bottle from time to time. Start pumping and allowing someone else to feed your baby a few weeks to a month before you return to work. You can also freeze some of the milk you pump to build up an emergency supply.
• Remember, baby will be fine, and so will you. It will take time to get used to the transition, but before too long, you become accustomed to your new life.