Written by Hope D’Angelo, WLS Operations Director 

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world! To know that you get to play a part in teaching and guiding your children is a blessing, but it is not always easy. Especially when you are also working from home and trying to juggle video calls, deadlines, and projects all while caring for a new baby. As a fellow new mom working from home, I wanted to share a few tips for trying to balance both while also acknowledging that it doesn’t always work out how we plan.

Get ready for the day before the baby wakes up, when possible. I know that waking up early is the last thing you want to do if you have been up with a baby during the middle of the night, but I have found that if I don’t get myself ready before my son wakes up, I more than likely won’t get ready at all. Whether you implement sleep training or not, carving out a few minutes in the morning to shower, put on a little makeup, and brush your hair will make you feel like a new person! It will also help you feel ready to take on the day ahead. 

Get on a schedule. Whether you love schedules, like me, or they aren’t your thing, having a baby changes everything! If you are hopping on video calls or have projects that have to be completed, having a general idea of when your baby will eat and sleep will help you plan work around those times. Even if the schedule doesn’t go to plan some days, your child is more likely to learn the schedule and enjoy the predictability if you stay consistent. Children love having some idea of how their day will go, so a schedule is mutually beneficial. 

Ask for help. Whether you plan to keep your child at home with you full-time or send them to a Mother’s Morning Out or daycare, having a little bit of time to yourself to get work done is good for your mental and emotional health. Caring for a baby or multiple children is a full-time job. Adding on another full or part-time job can be overwhelming, to say the least. Know that it is okay to ask for help. Hire a babysitter to come by for a few hours, ask a grandparent or neighbor if they can watch your child for an afternoon, or talk with your spouse about having a little time away. Having a consistent break in your day or week to focus on work (or get a pedicure) will help you be a better mother and professional.

Give yourself grace. Even if you implement all of the tips above, there will still be days when you miss a deadline or your child is crying and screaming in the background of your work call. Remember that kids are not robots, and they have off days just like we do. There will inevitably be short naps, inconvenient spit-ups, overflow diapers, and sick days. Give your child and yourself grace. Be open and honest with your boss or your clients and explain that you are a new mom. Oftentimes, the people you are working with also have young children or they have been there and understand what you are going through. When you let go of the idea of perfection and embrace the season you are in, it takes a huge weight off of your shoulders. 

If you are currently in the middle of trying to balance new motherhood with working from home, know that you are doing an incredible job! You are the best mother for your child or children, and you are a great role model for working hard for your family. As a business founded by two working mothers who wanted more, White Label Studio firmly believes in putting family first by supporting and encouraging working moms (and dads!) So cheers to all of the working moms learning to balance new motherhood and working from home! You are doing an incredible job.