The U.S. Census reports that 51 percent of first-time mothers return to work within four months after giving birth. A mother may return to work by choice, out of necessity, or both. Whatever the reason, it goes without saying that being a working mom is one of the world's great balancing acts. If you handle it with care, being a working mom can be a rewarding experience. Read on for tips on how to handle being a working mom.

Your schedule should be manageable. Don't let guilt be your motivator when planning out the week. And remember to include some downtime! Scheduling in rest and relaxation periods will give you a chance to relieve built-up stress. As the saying goes, when momma's unhappy, no one's happy.

Gather up a network of close friends and family you trust who can serve as your support group. Make friends with other working moms who understand where you're coming from. You and the other moms can share advice on how to handle being a working mom. Weekly play dates for kids can be arranged so you and the other working moms can look forward to a little free time to do things without the kids, like errands (and napping!).

If you are a working mom who believes in a higher power, now is the time to immerse yourself in that faith. Believing in a higher power often has a calming effect on people, especially working moms. Several studies have found a connection between faith and health. People who can 'let go and let God' have found a way to handle stress in their lives, and this helps protect against illness. As a working mom, it may be beneficial to your health to attend church regularly with your family.

Even if you are not a religious working mom, you can still gather strength from finding a connection with nature. A simple appreciation of the natural environment around you can relieve some of the stress that comes from being a working mom. Take several moments throughout the day, whether at the playground with your kids or stopped at a red light on your way to work, to look around and see all the beauty that nature has to offer. Being a working mom is no cakewalk. But with careful planning and a positive attitude, you can find balance between work and family.