I never used the Elvie. Breastfeeding, for various reasons, didn’t work out for me, but pretty much everyone I know who was able to breastfeed swore by it (not to mention influencers like Megan Roup). Given how many people credit the Elvie with easing their transition back to the workforce, I couldn’t think of a better person to chat with about this anxiety inducing milestone than the brand’s chief marketing officer, Aoife Nally.
Keep reading for Nally’s expert insight on easing the transition back into the workforce.
Make time to maintain your favorite routines
“Maternity leave is a special time and it’s understandably very hard for most to adjust to a new routine. As you transition back to work, ensure you make time in the day for the little things that brought you joy during maternity leave, whether it’s a postpartum yoga class or taking your newborn for a stroll around the block. Remember: self-care is never selfish! It can only help you be better in the different roles you play.”
Take care of your body
“Your mat leave may be over, but that doesn’t mean your body may have fully recovered from childbirth. Continue to prioritize your physical and mental well-being by making time to have all your meals, schedule workouts throughout the day, drink water and catch sleep when you can! And don’t forget about your pelvic floor. Self-care may sound easier to preach than practice but if you make this time for yourself on a regular basis it will quickly become routine – and your body will thank you!”
Set boundaries with your team (and yourself!)
“Your colleagues are going to be excited to have you back on board but that doesn’t mean you have to overcompensate or overdeliver to them. From the start, set clear expectations about your priorities, schedule and grasp of ongoing projects. Trust that it’s going to take time to get up to speed and into the groove of a new routine. In the first few weeks especially, don’t be afraid to raise questions and be honest about what you can accomplish.”
Establish your support network
“Whether you’re headed into an office or working from home, it’s important to identify those you can lean on as you begin to juggle roles. You’re never alone! If you have a spouse, this is a great time to discuss how you will share day-to-day care responsibilities. You may consider bringing on a caretaker or leaning on the support of family, friends or neighbors. One thing I always recommend to new moms at Elvie is to meet up with the other moms at the company. Schedule a coffee date to chat with someone who understands your position and can help you navigate the transition.”
Get Elvie Stride, a silent, wearable breast pump, to make pumping more convenient
“It’s the 21st century, and new moms no longer need to stress about fitting in time to pump, securing lactation rooms or leaking through their clothes. At Elvie, we recently introduced Elvie Stride, a silent, wearable breast pump that sits discreetly in bra while expressing up to 5 oz of milk per cup. Covered broadly by insurers, Elvie Stride is a great option for moms looking for a high-performance solution to fit seamlessly into their everyday lives. Plus, Elvie Curve and Elvie Catch are the perfect complement to the pump and can help with hand-free expression and leak prevention, respectively.”
