When you work outside of the home, preparing for maternity leave is straightforward.  You talk to your boss, find out what your companies’ policy is, and figure out how much time you can afford to take off work.  When you work from home, sometimes things are not so clear.  You may work as an independent contractor or freelancer, who does not have any paid time off.  Nevertheless, you will still need time to focus on your baby, to recover from your birth and to settle into your new routine.

First of all, realize you really will need a maternity leave.  Especially if you have not had any other children, it is easy to think that you will be able to fit a newborn into your routine without missing a beat.  I often tell my clients that newborns are like little dictators.  They demand your attention, and don’t care that you may need to return phone calls or emails.  You will need some time to only focus on your baby and your own recovery.

Be realistic about how much work you can handle.  At some point, most of us have to return to work, even if it only part-time.  Do not try to take on too much.  If you can ease back into work gradually, do so.

If you think you are going to need two weeks off, plan for four.  Most of us would like to think we are superwoman, but we usually are not.  Remember you and your new baby will need some time to get to know each other, to find your rhythm together, and to figure out what works for both of you.  If you are breastfeeding, remember it takes about six weeks to establish a milk supply, and that during this time your baby will need to be able to nurse on demand.

Resist the urge to return to work early.  It is easy to think that you can take just one phone call, answer just one email, or attend just one conference call.  It is easy for “just one” to turn into hours a day. Working from home often doesn’t garner the same kind of respect as working outside the home.  It’s not really working if you can do it in your pajamas, right?  Actually, yes it is.  And it is often harder to work from home than it is to work outside the home.  For all these reasons, it is important that you stick to your plan and guard your time with your new baby.  Your baby will only be this little once, and will only need you this much for a relatively short period of time.

Enjoy your time!  New babies are simply amazing.  Their capacity to bring out the best in all of us is unparalleled.  The love you have for your child has no other comparison.  Give yourself time to relish the experience of love for your child.  Work can wait.  Your baby can’t.