Looking forward to your return to work after baby? We understand that sense of excitement mixed with nerves — and that little twinge of mom guilt — can all be a lot to handle. You’re not merely going back to the office; you’re balancing your new identity as a mom with your job. Are you going to crush that presentation? Will the baby be okay without you? Inhale, exhale — PatPat’s got your back.
With advice from mom, consultant, and career coach Mary Beth Ferrante, as well as our sharp, mom-approved essentials, we’ve got you covered. From a talking to your boss to pumping like a pro—here’s how to crush your return to work—PatPat style!
Get Informed Session One: Talk to Your Supervisor Before Day One
You probably threw out an approximate return date before going on maternity leave.
Now that it’s drawing nigh, drop your boss a ping to pin it down.
Verify it is is the day, ask if there are any updates, and find out what they need from you to help make your first day a smooth one—perhaps an informal handover or team catch-up.
It’s all about being on the same page from the get-go.
PatPat tip: Fill our chic diaper bag for that first commute, with enough room for pump gear, snacks, and a confidence boost. You’ve got this!
Establish New Boundaries: Clearly Articulate Your Mom Goals
Before the baby, you may have been the one who always stayed late or banged out weekend projects.
Now? Things are different. Decide the change that’s happening: Have to leave by 5 p.m. to pick up kids from daycare?
Want the hours of 6–8 p.m. to be phone-free so you can cuddle with an infant?
Need to be alerted about travel or after-hours affairs? Clearly articulate this to your team—when you are clear, people respect it.
Pitter-patter in PatPat’s work-ready mom outfits: Is it a padded blazer here? Soft tees there? Boundaries plus style? That’s the working mom win.
Look Up Reliable Childcare and Infant Clothing
Leaving your baby with someone else is a big deal—you want to feel confident they’re safe and loved. Explore your options: Take tours of daycares, interview nannies or call on Grandma. Ask other parents for recs — peace of mind is everything.
Take it slow: A week before you go back, bring your kid to daycare, or hire a nanny, for half days while you’re still on leave.
And this is where PatPat really excels—combine it with reliable baby clothes.
Our baby boy clothes like breathable tees, soft pants and comfy joggers keep them comfy—from playing in the yard to catching some Zs.
For daycare drop-offs, cute (and easy!) clothes for baby girls, like these stretchy leggings and sweet tops, are a must. PatPat’s tough baby clothes help them get to work — and you get ready to roll. Check out our childcare-ready outfits today!
Pumping at Work? Breastfeeding Moms: PatPat’s Game Plan
Pumping at work is a whole job in of itself—but PatPat’s got your strategy. Know if your pump will work before Day 1 — pack a checklist: flanges, bottles, cooler, extra parts (a second set saves on cleaning time). Inquire with HR about a lactation room—essential? Booking slots? No room? Ask for a corner seat when you make a reservation a month in advance.
Schedule pump breaks on your calendar — every 3 hours if you’re breastfeeding exclusively, in sync with baby’s eats.
Slate if a meeting runs long, but don’t skip regularly. PatPat secret hack: Our pump-friendly tops come with hidden zips so you can go from baby to breast like a pro. Struggling with supply? Drink water, eat healthy — still low? Chat with a lactation pro. You’re a champ — one pump at a time.
Juggling Work-from-Home as a Mama: Bonus Tips
Working from home? Create a nook — desk near crib keeps you nearby. Synchronizing naps with calls — PatPat’s sleep sacks extend those snoozes. Divide and conquer with a partner or a sitter during your busiest hours. It’s all chaos-meets-control, and you’ll hit your groove.
Emotional Survival: Be Gentle with Yourself
This is a shift — it won’t snap into place overnight. You’re a pro at your job and at parenting, but combining the two?
New territory. Day 1 may end in tears; six months later, you may still teeter. That’s okay. Take a quiet drive to work or race home to snuggle — whatever’s right.
You’ve put in a long day, so slip into PatPat’s cozy loungewear post-shift — you’ve earned the chill. Ferrante says it takes some getting used to — and she’s right. Patience is your superpower.
Yay! Now what the mom (a lot of questions)FAQs for moms going back to work
How do I not feel guilty for working?
You’re giving—guilt disappears when you see baby grow (and love PatPat’s outfits!).
What if I spend all my work energy for nothing?
Revisit the basics in advance—as muscle memory reactivates, you will dazzle.
Can clothes help with pumping?
Yes, but probably not PatPat’s.
Yep—our zippered tops eliminate fuss and increase your flow and focus and shit.
How long till all this feels normal again?
Weeks to months — Ferrante promises us, it clicks in time.
Conclusion
Jumping back into work as a mom is a massive leap but with PatPat’s guidelines and gear, you’re going to land strong. Talk to your boss, define your parameters, trust your day care—and PatPat’s snuggly clothes—and pump like a boss. You’re not merely surviving — you’re thriving, one stylish step at a time.
Working mom essentials available at PatPat. com to snag our free Back-to-Work Checklist — and tell us your mom hacks in the comments!
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