How to balance your business with a new baby
Having a baby is one of the biggest milestones in one's life. As your newborn enters the world, everything changes. Motherhood is a full-time job, especially with a newborn who requires consistent, around-the-clock, attention and care. While the first few months with your new baby are an invaluable and sacred time, many working individuals may find their business hanging in the balance.
It’s difficult to enjoy your time being a new mother if you’re worried about your career or business.
But, you can do both! You can run your business and be a great mom if you bounce back the right way — and we’re not talking about shedding any pregnancy pounds.
Use the pregnancy to prepare
You have nine months of pregnancy (or a period pre-adoption) to carefully prepare for the arrival of your child.
While you’re prepping your nursery and registering gifts for your baby shower, don’t forget to use this valuable time to also prepare your business.
Communicate with your clients and colleagues
Share your big news with clients and colleagues as soon as possible. Why? It’s better to lose a customer upfront and have time to adjust than to upset a client and lose them abruptly.
Plus, if you lose a customer because they didn’t respect your choice to become a mother, then they’re not a client for you anyway.”
Tie up loose ends
Be sure to finish all projects and set any deadlines long before your due date. Use your last days working to get things in order and take detailed notes of where any outstanding projects are.
Set your out-of-office email responder and double-check that everyone who needs to know of your absence is in the loop.
Make the most of maternity leave
What happened to your business once your baby arrives? Nothing. Seriously, nothing. You need a break from working because you’re so busy becoming an entirely new woman, realistically, when are you going to be able to take this time off again? You need to fully embrace and enjoy it.
Instead of worrying about your business, only worry about yourself and your newborn.
When you aren't’t tending to your newborn, you can start prioritizing self-care. It is essential for the recovery process both physically and mentally. Self-care can involve simple things like going for a walk by yourself, listening to a fun audiobook, or getting your nails done. Anything that lets you feel like your normal self.
Ease back into work
Waking up ready for your comeback might feel exciting at first, but the initial days back are usually a whirlwind. You don’t return to a normal packed schedule but instead you might begin working with clients again one by one.
Take advantage of small moments
Another tip? Take full advantage of small moments. Once you learn your baby’s sleeping and feeding schedule, you can plan for them ahead.
Use this time, no matter how short it is, to respond to that email, call that customer, or write that blog post.
You don’t get to choose exactly when you work anymore. It’s all about the baby, so you just need to go with it and work when you can.
Focus on business maintenance rather than growth
With a baby in tow, managing a business is difficult, but actively growing one can be even more challenging. Rather than spending time each week prospecting clients or chasing new partnerships, try and refocus this time on strengthening the customer relationships you already had.
It’s more important to reduce turnover and create a solid foundation than try to grow.
When the time comes, you’ll have a better launchpad and stronger network to jumpstart new plans.
In a few months when your newborn becomes more independent, you might have big plans to begin building your business again.
Try and Shift to more remote work
If you are looking to start something new, consider beginning a home based business or expanding a branch of your current venture online.
Can you sell your products on your App?
Or create and sell an online course?
Maybe you can work with clients virtually?
If you can turn a component of your work remote, even for a short time, you free yourself up to have a more flexible schedule to build a successful business without possible barriers.
Be realistic when setting expectations
Always be realistic with yourself when setting any expectations. Rather break big goals into small, achievable tasks. You’ll stay more motivated and have a high chance of succeeding, even if it takes longer.
Remain patient
Accept the fact you’re not going to bounce back instantly. You need to give yourself grace and patience as you transition back into the working world. Small steps every day make the biggest difference.
Don't forget about your own selfcare
While the baby is monitored weekly, you have to take it upon yourself to make sure your own body is looked after. While your baby might be your top priority, don’t lose yourself along the way.
Free up your hands
Invest in a comfortable baby sling or wrap so you can move freely with your baby on board. Baby carriers are another necessity for when you need some personal space, but the point is, find ways that both you and the baby enjoy that liberates your hands.
Be flexible in daily life
In the beginning with a newborn, you’re not working your normal nine to five hours. Prepare to work early mornings, late nights and any chance you get in between.
Next Steps:
Businesses are adaptable to the life changes of becoming a mother, you can use careful planning, strong customer relationships and open communication with everyone around you. Introducing a newborn into any professional’s life complicates things, but no brand needs to be negatively affected if you know where to focus your efforts.
