Balancing a career with the demands of a new baby can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, it's entirely possible to thrive in both areas.
When I was a new mom in Reading, PA juggling work and parenthood, I found that a well-thought-out plan was the key to staying organized and sane. Here are my strategies that help me navigate the busy days as a mom and working women, ensuring I give my best both at work and at home.
Start with a Plan
You can't just wing it—doing so will quickly lead to burnout and stress. Having a plan for the things that need to be done will save you a lot of headaches.
I start my week with a master list of tasks that need to be completed, both at home and at work. From this list, I create a daily sublist and time-block each task. This means assigning a specific time frame to each item.
Example:
Make and eat breakfast: 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Get the baby ready: 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
You get the idea. Creating daily lists ensures that nothing gets forgotten and everything gets completed, keeping you on task.
Plan Your Meals and Prepare Them
Plan your weekly meals in advance, along with the nights you'll be cooking. If you have a late workday planned, make sure you have a meal that can be prepared in 15 minutes, or use your crockpot.
For breakfast and lunch, prepare these items on your day off before returning to work for the week. Always ensure they’re ready the evening before your workday. There's nothing worse than scrambling to get things done in the morning.
Stay Prepared
Make sure your baby’s diaper bag is packed the night before taking them to childcare. I kept certain items that never left the diaper bag—wipes, diapers, rash cream, formula, water, and extra clothes—and would check and restock them as soon as I got home. Wash bottles right away and put them back in the bag while you’re still thinking about it. If you’re pumping, ensure your milk bags are in the refrigerator, ready to go in the cooler bag.
Use Services When You Can
If you’re struggling to keep up with house cleaning, hire a cleaning service during particularly busy weeks. If laundry is piling up, consider a laundry service. If daily meal prep is becoming a challenge, try a meal service. Whatever helps keep your household running smoothly, go for it.
Managing a career with a new baby is not easy, but with careful planning and a willingness to use the resources available to you, it's possible to maintain balance.
Remember, it's okay to seek help and make adjustments as you go. By implementing these strategies, you'll be better equipped to handle the demands of both work and parenthood, ensuring that neither area is neglected.
Want my guide to thriving your first month post-partum? Grab it for free here
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