1. Talk to Your Boss About a Flexible Schedule

Many companies offer new mothers a flexible work schedule – whether it be reduced hours, a 4-day workweek, or the option to work from home some days. Get the conversation started and see what you can work out. Maybe even bring it up before you begin your maternity leave.

2. Have a Strict Stop Time

Before your little one came along, you may have been a worker-bee. Spending extra hours at the office, trying to make a good impression with your boss. There’s simply not time for that when you have a baby. If your day is supposed to end at 5:00 – make sure you’re done with your work at 4:45 so you can leave on time! And make sure your colleagues know that it’s not okay to run late in meetings … and to set realistic deadlines on your projects. Your little one is now your first priority.

3. Wake Up Early!

Babies are usually happiest in the mornings. On the days I go into the office, my baby is usually cranky and ready for bed by the time we get home. Before I began starting my day early, I felt like I didn’t get any good quality time with my baby. And that’s when I realized if I wanted to get some playtime in – I’d need to do it first thing in the morning!

4. Try to Get a Workout In

Exercise is a great de-stressor. Every mom needs some “me-time.” Look for a group exercise class that you can go to with a friend. This will not only give you accountability, but will also give you the social interaction you need and crave.

5. Get Organized!

Pick a day (maybe Sundays?) to get yourself organized for the week. Make sure the laundry is done, you have all the groceries you need for the week (maybe even plan out your lunches and dinners), and make sure your childcare schedule is worked out. You may even want to plan out what you’re going to wear during the week and what you’re going to pack in the diaper bag, etc.

If you can get yourself organized for the week, it will make weekdays much easier on you.

6. Enlist Your Partner for Help

If you have someone that is able to help, make sure you delegate tasks to him/her as well. Dads don’t always know how best they can help, so be clear about what you want/need help with. Your partner may be able to help transporting your child to and from childcare, or help with mealtimes, or with the baby’s bed time routine. The important thing is to ask – you can’t assume he will know how best to help you.