A few little things that helped me feel better about going back to work postpartum

1. I got a spray tan.
   I know it sounds superficial, but any postpartum mom knows how vulnerable and unfamiliar your body can feel after having a baby. I wanted a little confidence boost, and it honestly helped. It made me feel a little more like myself again.
2. I got a pedicure.
   Again, not life-changing, but postpartum can leave you feeling desperate for even the smallest act of self care. Taking an hour to do something for myself helped me walk into that first day feeling a little more put together.
3. I stayed in touch with my work friends.
   Reaching out to my closest coworkers before returning made such a difference. Knowing I'd have familiar faces, people who understood how I was feeling, and friends I could lean on if the day got emotional made going back feel a lot less scary.
4. I kept my expectations low.
   I didn't expect myself to jump back in at 500 mph. I gave myself permission to ease back into work mode, and that was one of the best things I could have done. Taking the pressure off helped me feel far less overwhelmed on the first day.

Returning to work after maternity leave is hard for sooo many reasons. These little things made it easier.

Hopefully this gives a postpartum mom a few ideas to help her get through that first day back. xo