TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE FIRST DAY BACK AT WORK

■ The night before, get together baby’s bag, measure formula, sort out clothing, make lunches and plan breakfast.

■ Waking up earlier will make all the difference to a good start on this first day.

■ Back at work, present a confident, ready-for-work outlook.

■ Set up meetings, sort paperwork and get a feel of what you have to catch up on.

■ Refrain from committing yourself to social work events for a time until you have settled and feel you’re coping with the demands of your new baby.

■ Prioritise tasks at hand, and aim to be productive as ever.

■ Don’t over-talk your baby and childbirth. Remain professional and business-orientated.

■ Take any new changes at the office in your stride. Don’t let it get the better of you. Give yourself time to settle in.

■ Check in on what’s happening at home with your baby, but keep it discreet. You don’t want your boss to suspect you are concerned over childcare arrangements and as a result your mind is more focused on home than on your work. ●