You’re not alone! Here are some of the resources I found most helpful when I returned to work after my maternity leave.
Your rights
Empower yourself. Make sure you know the ins and outs about your rights as a new working momma.
Understand Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
United States Breastfeeding Committee
Fact sheets and resources from the Department of Labor
California:
This is the most comprehensive (and easy to understand, hallelujah!) guide from the California Work and Family Coalition
California’s 6 Key Laws for Parents
Pumping at Work
You CAN pump successfully after returning to work. Start with knowing what your rights are and get set up for enormous success.
Go ahead and buy the book Work.Pump.Repeat
Back to Work Resources
My favorite resources for an easy, fun, and even CALM transition back to work.
Prepare your Baby, your Boss and your Brain to go back to work!
Preview my eBook
Visit Mindful Return for helpful resources and her Mindful Return e-Course! Receive a $10 discount when you enter ThriveMomma10 when you register.
Plan professionally and personally for Extended Leave.
Mama Resources
Saving working mom’s sanity, check out Monica at Redefining Mom. Get her free eBook!
Mama Energy expert Liz at Coach LizzyMc
Gentle Sleep training for baby with Jen Varela of SugarNightNight
Montessori expert Jeanne-Marie Payne of Voila Montessori
Mamava: nursing pods when you are on the go. They have an app so you can find the nearest one!
Recommended Books
Work.Pump.Repeat by Jessica Shortall
Here’s The Plan by Allyson Downey
Pie Life by Samantha Ettus
Featured Resources
Breast pump comparison guide: Choosing the right breast pump is an inevitable task for most new or expecting mothers. Here is an Online Guide all about the different types and features of pumps along with consumer and expert reviews.
Baby Massage: Veronica of Soothing Baby Massage is a mom and massage therapist from Raleigh NC. Focusing stress relief sessions and self-care, her newsletter provides loving support for all moms. She also regularly hosts baby massage classes, online. Finally a class where you don’t have to juggle with your car seat!
Favorite Apps
LactMed: know which medications you can take while pregnant and nursing
MyMadela: pumping support
Pump@Work: track pumping and how to store milk
iLetDown: helps remind you of baby to let the milk flow
Speedy Tot: lets you find the closest changing table, feeding spots and even high chairs
Evernote: great for staying organized. Make a list and sharenotebooks with your partner
Cozi: manage your household
Pepperplate: manage recipes
San Diego Resources
Mommy and Me yoga at Nature’s Whisper Yoga Studio
Nanny Service at Rosy Cheeks Nanny Boutique
Professional Organizer Simplicity by Megan