How to Enjoy Maternity Leave: My Top Five Tips

Just as every pregnancy is different, so is the mat leave that follows. My first mat leave was good. I was very fortunate that when I had Baby A, a month early and all the stress that came with it, I still had a great year off.

Now, with Baby C, things were different. I was put on bed rest eight weeks before her due date, but boy, did I get $#!+ done! Baby C came only four days early. Her feedings were not as frequent as Baby A’s…she slept better, slept longer...she was a very chill baby. They say, relaxed mom makes for a relaxed baby (must have been that bed rest!). And "They" are totally spot on.

Now at two months remaining in my mat leave, I feel that I can give some good tips on things you can do for YOURSELF to enjoy your time off…it's NOT ALWAYS about the baby, you know?

First, along with having everything ready for when the baby comes like clothes, the nursery, supplies etc., plan to have all the essentials in your everyday life. For example, hair products, prescriptions, new clothes you'll fit into now that you are no longer pregnant, clothes that will make you feel good, because, trust me, there will be days where you will feel horrible, exhausted, and gross.

Second. Take your shower every morning. It might sound like a huge challenge or nearly impossible and you might be lucky to fit one in when your partner gets home from work at the end of the day. But, if you can squeeze one in between feedings while your wee one naps, even if for just five minutes, it will leave you feel like a new human! For me, the days that I skip a shower or take it later in the afternoon leaves me feeling less awake, unmotivated and less productive.

Third. Do something for yourself everyday. The shower doesn't count. It will turn into a necessity. Whether you sit down with a cup of tea and read a few pages of a book you love, or watch reruns of Sex And The City for the billionth time (and know all the words by heart), do what brings you joy.

Fourth. Create a daily routine for you and the baby. If you prefer to do your running around in the morning and then have home time in the afternoon, or play dates in the morning and some housekeeping activities in the afternoon, stick with a schedule that works for you. I find that when I deviate from my schedule to have play dates or appointments (which sometimes can't be helped), it can really throw me off my game.

Fifth. Join a mommy group or visit another friend who is on maternity leave and keep a standing weekly date. Having other moms to commiserate and have coffee with, is not only a great bonding experience for you, it's something for you, and gives you someone to share ideas.

I have been very, VERY lucky to have met another mommy, who, funny enough, lives four houses away and has lived on my street for three years without my knowledge. We met while we were both pregnant with our second babies and exchanged phone numbers after I followed her home in my car (sounds more like stalking!) Turns out that we have way more in common then having babies around the same age. We were both in the same Interior Design Program in college, a year apart, and we are obsessed with SATC, crafting, food and share a love for Le Nordik Nature Spa. I lucked out meeting her and no, I'm not sharing her…go find your own BFF.

I feel that having these five key things in place has not only kept me sane, but allowed me to really enjoy myself and make my time with Baby C very meaningful. This is my last maternity leave as we feel our family is complete. I am proud of what I have accomplished while being off from work these last ten months. My house feels more organized, I have been able to set up and start this blog, I make better meals for my family and I’m more relaxed. And I know that I am returning to a great job. Life is good Donkey!

xo