Going Back to Work as a New Mom
We are continuing our conversation with Senior Placement Manager Kimberly Tobin, who had her baby in late fall.
“I’m incredibly lucky to have such a supportive team at work to lean on. Because I knew my job would be there after maternity leave and everything was in good hands while I was away, I was able to focus entirely on bonding with my little one, Hartley. Honestly, working for a nanny agency while navigating my first-time motherhood was a blessing—who better to understand what I was going through than people in my field?!
After 12 amazing weeks of snuggling Hartley all day, every day, I started adjusting to my “new normal” as a working mom. I’m technically juggling two jobs now: one as a mom raising a tiny human, and the other as a Senior Placement Manager . Fortunately, I was able to ease back in with part-time hours instead of jumping back in full-time right away. If you can swing it, I highly recommend a gradual return to work—it makes all the difference!
Even with the part-time start, those first few days were rough! Here’s a snapshot of Day 1 back at work (from home, mind you):
- How do I turn on my computer again? Oh, right, after waiting 30 minutes for 20+ updates.
- What was my email password again?
- Google Docs… is that a thing?
- I need a nap because Hartley was up 100 times last night.
- Is it 8:30 a.m.? Can I go back to bed now?
- Video meetings?! I’m still in pajamas and haven’t brushed my hair or teeth.
Long story short: Returning to work (part-time or full-time) is HARD. Leaving your baby to be cared for by someone else is tough, both physically and emotionally. Even with help and working from home, I struggled. One thing I didn’t expect was the guilt of not being Hartley’s sole caregiver. I knew I couldn’t handle both 24/7 childcare and full-time work, but processing that shift was emotional. Letting someone else care for your baby isn’t easy—but knowing she’s in good hands definitely helps.
My new routine also included finding time to pump while juggling work (disclaimer: I’ve mastered multitasking). As a mom, you feel the pressure to be present for your baby and still get everything done at work, which can feel like a balancing act. Moms really are superheroes (no capes needed, right?)! But the highlight of my day is always that moment when I can finally hang out with Hartley at the end of my work day..
This journey has also brought my husband and I closer together. We’re coming up on 3 years of marriage this summer and parenting together has been a true test of our relationship—parenthood has presented some of the hardest moments we’ve ever faced. But what’s saved us is open communication. I honestly was trying to do it all, but it wasn’t working and I was becoming frustrated and overwhelmed. After multiple mishaps and miscommunications about our household responsibilities and baby care, we had to make some changes. We’ve worked really hard to create open lines of communication, lean on each other, and share our feelings.Sharing my feelings and being honest about what I need during this postpartum journey has been a lifesaver, both for my well-being and for our marriage. It allows us to understand each other better and work through the challenges together.
Going through this experience has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of having a trusted caregiver when returning to work. Knowing your child is being cared for with the same love and attention you would give them makes all the difference. It truly helps you balance being an excellent mom and having a fulfilling career. I can confidently say: it’s possible!
If you’re about to return to work soon, I completely understand what you’re going through—I’ve walked that path myself. I’m here to support you through this emotional process and help you find a wonderful nanny who will make the transition easier. It’s not an easy journey, and there will definitely be days when you don’t feel like going back to work. But knowing that you have a nanny you trust will make a world of difference.
Please reach out to me and let’s discuss your return-to-work timeline—I’m here to take the burden of hiring off your plate so you can focus on your baby and the next chapter in your career.”
-Kimberly Tobin, kimberly.tobin@mbfagency.com, 512-381-3146, Schedule a call with me