Heading back to work after you've had a baby can be challenging. Not only is it difficult to decide on the right time, the adjustment itself can be hard. When you go back to work may be dependent on how much paid and unpaid leave you have. For many women, that consideration makes the decision for them. You might, however, decide you're ready to go back sooner, or you might feel you need more time.

Making the Decision

You may not have a choice in when you return to work. If your paid leave is set to expire at a certain date and your family needs the income, the choice is most likely made for you. If you're out on an unpaid leave, deciding when to return may be more dependent on your feelings. If you've agreed to a set date to return to work, you may feel obligated to stick to it, but if you have more unpaid leave at your disposal, it really is up to you when you will return.

When deciding when to return to work, the first thing you should do is talk to your health-care provider and find out when she feels it is safe for you to return to work. Your next consideration is your mental and emotional state. When will you feel ready to direct your attention to work, and when will you feel comfortable leaving your baby? This answer is different for every woman, and no matter what your answer, it is right.

Another important consideration is child care. If you are unable to line up child care, returning to work will be nearly impossible. Start to make child-care plans as far in advance as possible. Some mothers get on the waiting list at a day-care center when they learn they are pregnant.

Going Back Sooner

If you want to go back to work sooner than you originally planned, it's likely your employer will be happy to see you back. If you have not used all of your federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) time or state family medical leave time, you may be able to use what remains to ease your transition back to work by working shorter days or fewer days per week in the beginning. You may also decide to save some of those days should your child need care within the same twelve-month period.

Postponing Your Return

You have to make plans for your leave while you're pregnant, and as a result you end up doing so without knowing what motherhood is going to be like. You can't know how it will truly affect you and your desire to return to work. If you feel you aren't ready to go back to work when your leave time ends, have a conversation with your boss about the options available to you. You may be able to work part-time for a while, do some work from home, or you may receive assurances that whenever you're ready to come back, they will have a place for you.

Making the Transition

No matter when you return to work, the transition is huge. Your entire life has changed since the last time you were at work. Leaving the baby can be difficult emotionally as well as physically, due to fatigue and if you are breastfeeding. To make the transition easier, follow these tips:

• Make a gradual transition. Try to slowly get back to your work schedule instead of suddenly being back at your desk full-time.

• Have a few dry runs. Take your child to day care or have the nanny come before the day you go back to work. You want to work out any problems in advance so that when you do go back, you can feel confident your baby is well cared for. If you're going to be pumping at work, start your pumping schedule while at home.

• Don't expect too much of yourself. You won't be able to get right back in the groove, and it will take you time to adjust. You can't expect everything to be as it was, given that your life has changed so significantly.

• Expect to be emotional. Leaving your baby can be hard. Don't try to keep it all bottled up inside. It can be hard to redirect your focus on work when you're thinking only of your baby. Forgive yourself for the distraction you feel.

• Plan to check in on the baby. Call the sitter or day care, or stop in during your lunch hour. Touching base in the middle of your day will help you relax and know your baby is doing just fine.