6 Things You Need to Do Every Day of Maternity Leave

Imagine starting a new job — one you've never had before — and showing up to work to find that you're the only one at the office for the next several weeks. Welcome to your maternity leave. It's a wonderful time to bond with your newborn baby, of course, but it's also a stressful time for women, especially those who are used to a certain pace to their days.

For those results-oriented moms-to-be — who are always on call and within arm's reach of their to-do lists — we've created a checklist of sorts that outlines the six things you need to do every day to survive maternity leave on your own before heading back to work. And, as you'll see, we won't judge you if you don't get to each one.

01
Focus on Your Current Full-Time Job, Not the Other One
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Focus on Your Current Full-Time Job, Not the Other One

If you're like most professional women, you are used to working around the clock — checking email on your commute home, fine-tuning presentations before bed, catching up on industry news at the gym. So, when you have a quiet moment while the baby's sleeping, you might be tempted to check in — and not even because of expectations from your employers.

Many new moms worry that their first day back to work will be met with an overflowing inbox and dozens of projects with loose ends that are waiting on you to tie them up right away, and they think that a bit of time here and there will help. Sure, it'll make it a little easier when you are back at work, but you only get this time with your new baby once. Try to make that your full-time job.

02
Do a Little "Breastflixing"
Flickr user Daniel Lobo

Do a Little "Breastflixing"

Sure, we just said to quit multitasking, but the one time it's acceptable is when the baby's nursing. Of course, if you prefer to gaze lovingly at your newborn, go right ahead, but for many moms, the first weeks of breastfeeding are stressful, painful, and never-ending. Do your best to take your mind off the task at hand with a good book or a strategically placed iPad streaming your latest Netflix binge. Trust us, your baby won't even notice the distraction.

03
Get Dressed Every Day
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Get Dressed Every Day

It's amazing how the simple act of changing out of your pajamas can seem so time-consuming when you're alone with a newborn, but never putting on actual clothes can psychologically make you feel even more tired. By getting dressed (we’re not talking skinny jeans here, either — just comfortable day clothes you'd wear out of the house) and simply brushing your hair, you will feel more like the human being you are.

04
Leave the House Every Day
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Leave the House Every Day

With wonky sleep patterns and a mind-numbing feed-change-sleep-repeat cycle at play, it's hard enough for you to know when one day ends and another begins. Do your best to leave the house at least once every day. Sure, it might seem like more trouble than it's worth (getting that behemoth stroller out the door solo is no easy feat!), but you'll be thankful for the fresh air and the change of scenery.

05
Keep "Mommy and Me" Activities in Check
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Keep "Mommy and Me" Activities in Check

If you've signed up for daily story time at the library, biweekly baby music classes downtown, a mommy-and-me yoga session on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and infant swim at the local YMCA, you might find yourself exhausted before you even get out the door. Ask yourself if these activities are for you or your little one.

If it's the latter, there's a 100-percent chance they won't remember it, and your sanity should really come first. Getting out of the house and visiting with like-minded peers is good for you, yes, but you have your child's whole life to be overscheduled.

06
Keep a Short To-Do List (or Avoid One Altogether)
Flickr user Rob Warde

Keep a Short To-Do List (or Avoid One Altogether)

Before you had a baby, you may have been able to check a dozen things off your daily task list. Be prepared to only tackle one item a day — or if you're lucky, three or four — once you are home alone with an infant. Not only will they manage to interrupt any project that takes more than a few minutes, but they’ll create all sorts of unexpected chores (who knew you could do four loads of baby laundry in a day?) that will veer you off course.

So, unless your list includes things like "sleep," "cuddle," and "breathe," consider not having one at all.