Navigating Remote Work with a Baby at Home

Some say that having a baby is equal to having a full-time job. When you begin juggling both your baby's needs and your employer's needs, it can start to feel overwhelming, especially when you work from home.

It's no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we work. With remote options becoming the new norm in many workplaces, new parents have more opportunities to stay home with their little one.

In this blog, we cover our favorite tips for working from home with your baby. With all the uncertainties in the current world, we hope that we can provide some tips for finding consistency in your busy schedule.

Be prepared to make your schedule as flexible as possible. When you return back to remote work, attend your critical meetings during the day. Additionally, consider scheduling your work time around your feeding and pumping schedules. You may need to log some hours working in the evening, depending on how much you're able to get done each day.

Above all, remember that establishing a new routine takes time. Be patient with yourself as you navigate remote work life with your newborn.

Taking a nap is easier said than done when you're a busy remote working mama. Despite this, rest is important not only for your mental wellbeing, but also your milk supply. Consider making your daily 20 minute siesta a mandatory part of your work schedule.

On busier days where your schedule is tight, try to find small pockets of time to rest. Maintaining your water intake or stretching between meetings are small ways to take care your body.

You're not alone, mama. It's okay to ask for help. Your partner, friends, and family are here to provide a shoulder to lean on. Consider letting others take the reins when it comes to making dinner or doing household chores. Balancing your newborn and your work life means finding new routines and opportunities for others to become involved.

It's easy for the purpose of the couch to become blurred when it becomes both your office and your nap space. To combat this feeling, try to assign an area of your home as the official work space. This could simply be your desk, or an office if you have one.

Creating these boundaries is an essential part of working efficiently while remote. Plus, your relaxation spaces are for cuddles with your newborn, not endless Zoom calls!

Take advantage of your baby's down time. Schedule meetings and work time around when they are getting their rest. Or, schedule a much-needed nap during your baby's nap if you need a break.

Taking your eye off your toddler or baby can feel difficult, but independent play can actually promote problem-solving skills and autonomy. Giving your baby a task, like finishing a puzzle or moving a toy car, can make this play time more productive. Make sure the play space is baby-proofed, and that your baby does not have free-roam of the house.

When you and your baby are ready, finding a resource for child care is always an option. We know that the thought of leaving your baby alone with someone else for the day is intimidating. Despite this, returning to work can add a lot more to your plate than expected.

There is no shame in using your resources. Plus, daycare may give you more time to find areas during the day to rest and recuperate.

Let Willow Pump Make Your WFH Life Easier

To all of the new moms navigating remote work, we know it can be incredibly challenging. That's why Willow is here to make it a little bit easier.

At Willow, we create high-quality wearable breast pumps for busy mamas. These hands free pumps fit in your bra, perfect for when you need to work at your desk. Learn more about what sets our pumps apart here.