Going back to work after maternity leave presents its own array of challenges for parents. A major concern for many moms during this transition is their baby's sleep routine. Sleep training is a crucial part of an infant’s development and affects their ability to establish healthy sleep habits. However, balancing the new demands of a job schedule with the needs of a sleep-training infant can be daunting. Here’s what to consider when making the choice to sleep train before or after maternity leave.
The Impact of Going Back to Work on Sleep Training
Returning to work after parental leave is a significant transition that can have an impact on sleep training. This period brings changes to your family's daily routine and environment, which can affect both your baby's sleep as well as your own. Going back to work often causes the following disruptions to your baby’s routine:
Changes in schedule and environment: Babies thrive on consistency, and any changes in their schedule may disrupt their sleep patterns. When you return to work, your baby may have to adapt to new caregivers, different feeding times, a change from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding, and varied sleep environments. This period can temporarily set back any progress made during sleep training.
Heightened stress and fatigue: Going back to work after maternity leave can be emotionally and physically exhausting for moms. If your baby has a difficult night, it can become more stressful knowing that you have to be up early for work the next day. This increased pressure can make sleep training harder to stick to, and the process may take longer as a result.
Pros & Cons of Starting Sleep Training Before Maternity Leave Ends
Deciding the right time to start sleep training is a common challenge for many new mothers in the Bay Area, especially when faced with the prospect of going back to work. Here are some pros and cons to consider when determining whether to sleep train before maternity leave ends:
Pros
More time to establish routines: If you have the ability, starting sleep training while still on maternity leave allows you to dedicate your full attention to the process. Without the additional responsibilities of work, you can more easily monitor your baby's progress to make necessary adjustments.
Calmer bonding time: Being present throughout the day means you can respond more promptly to your baby’s needs with a more refreshed mind that is not exhausted by the demands of a job. This can make the transition to a sleep routine smoother for your baby as well.
Cons
Added pressure on top of regular duties: Taking care of a baby while on maternity leave can be a stressful time already with numerous responsibilities added to your role as the mother of an infant. Introducing sleep training during this period might increase undue stress to the mountain of emotional and physical demands that this time requires.
The window to sleep train may be small: Depending on how much time you can take for maternity leave, there may be some hard deadlines to contend with during this process. If sleep training doesn't progress as quickly as hoped, you may find yourself returning to work with an unsettled sleep schedule.
How a Sleep Training Consultant Can Support You & Baby When Going Back to Work
Professional sleep training from a trusted San Francisco consultant like Evi Kantor can offer valuable support that helps to ensure your baby - and you - get the rest you need. She provides consistent support and encouragement, answers to all your questions, and strategies to help you stay on track with sleep training. Get in touch with Evi for professional sleep training services and postpartum help in the Bay Area today.
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