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Monday was my first official day back on the job after having my first baby.

I planned to come back to work after six weeks of maternity leave. But, at the six-week mark, I felt like I was just coming up for air, and had barely looked at my email inbox, much less gotten “ramped up” to come back full time. Luckily, my boss (Thanks, Nick!) has a little girl of his own and was understanding of what I was experiencing.

Now, at the two-month mark, I’ve started coming into work on a part-time schedule. And suddenly, everything seems to be falling into place…

So, here are my five tips for coming back to work successfully after your first baby:

1. Have a re-entry plan in place before you go into labor.

Schedule a time to talk with your boss about a maternity leave plan (even if your company has a set time that you will get to take off). This discussion should include:

•  time off
•  salary
•  company expectations
•  who will handle your duties while you’re away, and
•  a transition plan for getting you back to work.

And, make sure this plan is flexible and can be re-negotiated once you have the baby!

2. Take as much time as you need.

Coming back to work before you’re ready isn’t good for your health, your baby, your family, or your job! You are likely to be distracted, sleep-deprived, feeling guilty about leaving your baby… and possibly a little insane depending on your hormone levels! And coming back in this condition isn’t doing your career any favors. Plus, you’ll never get this time back to bond and spend that special time with your new little bundle.

3. Find a care provider for your child that you are 100% comfortable with.

Do your research, crunch budget numbers with your spouse or partner, and make absolutely sure that you are excited and completely at ease with the person or organization you are leaving your child with when you return to work. Having peace of mind about your child’s care while you are away will make you more focused and productive on the job.

4. Don’t lose complete touch.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in being a parent and forget about this thing called “your company.” And that’s a good thing, however, I believe it’s much easier to come back into your work world if you’ve stayed connected on some level. Even just sending a quick email with a picture of your new little guy or gal to your co-workers is a great way to touch base. Then, when it’s time to come back on your first day, things won’t feel so foreign, and you won’t feel so out of the loop!

5. Ease back in.

I’m a big fan of going back to work for half-days at first, even if it’s only for a few days. This will allow you to get used to being away from your baby and get back into work gradually. It will help with the separation anxiety that many women feel and will allow you to process the change in your schedule a little easier. Plus, it can help baby get adjusted too! If you can’t go back half-days at first, try starting on a Thursday or Friday.