You’ve been counting down the days to your baby’s arrival, but now it’s time to go on your maternity leave. You want to be able to begin your maternity leave feeling great about your work life and home environment so you can enjoy every moment at home with your new baby – knowing everything will be okay at work for your return.
Prepare your work for your departure
The HR department should be one of the first to hear of your good news. You should find out about your company’s leave policies and benefits and put in place a date for the start of your maternity leave.
Next, talk to your boss about your role, who will take over your responsibilities, how much time you’ll take off, and how you’ll transition back.
Get ready for your baby
Despite their size, babies come with a whole host of paraphernalia. If it’s your first born it can be tempting to splash out on all the latest gizmos and gadgets, and invest in the most high-tech cot cameras and prams, but take the time to work out a budget, and decide what you want to spend the money on, and where you can save.
Plan childcare
Your baby isn’t even born yet, but it’s never too early to start researching your childcare options. Talk to friends and family who have had children, and find out what worked for them, and if they can recommend any nurseries or nannies.
Maternity leave is the perfect time to visit day-care centres to get a feel for what they each offer, and to put your name down.
Prepare for delivery
It’s very rare that a baby actually arrives on their due date, so having your hospital bag with all your essentials ready to go well in advance is a must. Not only should you pack comfortable clothing, but you’ll want to pack books to keep you occupied. This is the perfect time to check out unique baby names for girls or boys if you're still undecided. Make sure to also pack sweets and drinks to boost your energy levels.
If you’re planning on a day out near your due date, don’t forget to take your hospital bag along too – you never know when your bundle of joy will make an appearance!
Take a babymoon
If your doctor says you’re fit to travel, then there’s no better time to enjoy a babymoon than when you’re six months pregnant. Whether you choose a rural idyll in a Cotswold Manor, or prefer to get some vitamin D in Bali, taking a babymoon is the perfect way to enjoy those last nights of getting an uninterrupted eight hours.
Connect with other expectant mothers
One of the most important things you can do on maternity leave is make new friends with other expectant mothers. They will become your closest allies as you navigate the highs and lows of new motherhood. Whether you join an NCT group or head to baby yoga classes, there are plenty of groups out there – you just need to find your mama tribe.
