Tips for returning back to work after maternity leave

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming. When I went back after 4 months postpartum, it was a mix of excitement and stress. From mom guilt to leaving your baby in someone else’s care, it’s normal to feel out of sorts. In this post, I’m sharing 6 tips I learned along the way to help you manage the emotional and practical side of this big transition!

Finding Balance: My Journey Between Work and Motherhood

Becoming a mom was a life-changing adventure, but nothing prepared me for the delicate dance of returning to work after four months of being at home with my newborn. Suddenly, I was juggling the demands of both a career and a tiny human with a mind of her own. This story isn’t about perfectly balancing it all (because let’s be real, who does that?), but about finding my way through the chaos, the love, and the laughter of this new chapter. Between spilled milk, flexing my work schedule, and a lot of support from my husband, I figured out a way to make it work. And spoiler alert: I actually loved both parts of my life, even when they collided.

Starting to work after 

The first time I left my baby to go back to work, I was not ready. At all. Four months of staying home with my little one, and I felt like a professional at diaper changes and baby naps. I was a full-time stay-at-home mom, and honestly, I thought I’d cracked the code. But then, the inevitable return to work loomed, and I realized—oh no, I’ve never actually worked with a tiny human relying on me 24/7 before. Who am I kidding?

When the day arrived, I was barely out the door when the universe decided to throw a little chaos my way. My baby, in a plot twist worthy of a Netflix series, decided she would no longer drink from the bottle. Nope. She only wanted to be breastfed. Right. Because that was the one thing I could not provide her with while sitting at my desk, trying to pretend I had my life together.

So, I showed up at work, not fully mentally present, but thankfully the team was warm and welcoming. 

My hubby jumped in 

My husband, however, was the true hero. He became a full-time baby wrangler, trying to juggle his own work while playing substitute “boob,” with all the grace and patience of a saint. I could practically hear him negotiating meetings with his bosses, “Yeah, I’ll be in at 2, but I need to squeeze in some quality time with my little one—can’t let the baby run out of love today!”

It wasn’t easy for him, but somehow, he managed it. Baby care, work calls, occasional playtime with the baby on one arm, laptop on the other. It was like a circus act that somehow, miraculously, didn’t fall apart. I mean, the guy never even had a bottle to offer for the milk crisis. If that doesn’t earn him a dad-of-the-year trophy, I don’t know what does.

Why I didn’t quit

For the first few months, there were days when I considered quitting and staying home full-time. The stress of juggling work and baby care made me think, “Maybe this is the moment to embrace being home completely and focus on these early years.” But we eventually found a rhythm that worked for us—baby was happy, my husband had his routine down (most of the time), and I had a flexible schedule that let me balance both.

I worked 40% of a full-time schedule, so I was only in the office two days a week. On the days I worked from home, I got to enjoy the best of both worlds: contributing at work while still being close to my little one for the precious moments at home. It became a nice balance that I looked forward to—having both my job and my time with her. It wasn’t always easy, but it gave me a fulfilling and varied life that I hadn’t realized I’d been craving. Plus, I finally had a reason to shower and wear clothes that weren’t just sweatpants, which felt like a small victory!

The whole thing worked itself out in the end, and while it felt like I was perpetually trying to keep all the balls in the air, the truth is, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Life with a baby is always a little wild, but somehow, we made it work—and I got to experience both worlds, which felt like a superpower in itself. Read along as I share everything I learned myself and what others teached me along the way. 

1. Adjusting to Your New Routine: Balancing Work and Family

A New Schedule

Returning to work post-maternity leave means your schedule will be turned upside down. Trust me, I know! I went back to work part-time—just two days a week—after 4 months of bonding with my baby girl. Creating a routine that works for you is crucial. Flexibility, like working from home for a couple of days or negotiating part-time hours, can make a world of difference. Every family’s routine looks different, but finding what fits your needs will help smooth the transition. Be kind to yourself as you figure it out; it won’t happen overnight.

Time Management for New Moms

Balancing childcare, work, and self-care as a new mom is no small feat. I remember feeling like I was running on empty, but with a little planning, it became more manageable. First things first—schedule everything. Pediatrician appointments, lactation consultations, and even those rare self-care moments need a spot on your calendar. Trust me, I learned the hard way! While sleep deprivation is part of the job description, good time management is still key. Block out time for the essentials, but also leave room for those little breaks that help you recharge. And if things don’t go according to plan? Be kind to yourself. You’re doing great, even on the tough days.

New Priorities and Mental Health

Having a baby changes everything, and your priorities will naturally shift in ways you never expected. Suddenly, the little things—like making sure you’ve eaten or getting enough sleep—become massive victories. I remember feeling like I had to juggle my new role as a mom with work, and it was overwhelming. Hormonal changes didn’t help, adding a layer of emotional complexity to everything. Postpartum mental health can be challenging, but acknowledging it is the first step to managing it. Finding support, whether through your partner (like my husband and I did), family, or even professional help like therapists or coaches, is crucial. It’s okay to not have it all figured out. You’ve got this, and support is key to navigating this new chapter. Do you want to read more

2. Preparing for the Emotional Transition

Separation Anxiety: From Newborn to Working Mom

Leaving my baby for the first time was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The separation anxiety hit me hard. The guilt and sadness of returning to work made it feel like I was missing out on precious moments. But I found it easier to cope by working part-time and only going to the office for short periods. This way, I could be home with her most of the time. Working from home also helped me feel more connected to her while still keeping up with my job.

To ease the transition, I started small, slowly getting used to the idea of being away. It helped to talk to other moms who had been through the same thing. The key is giving yourself grace and allowing time to adjust. Remember, both you and your baby will find your rhythm.

The Role of Your Partner and Family Support

The support of my partner was essential during this time. When he returned to work, the pressure was on both of us to manage everything at home. It was difficult that all our family lived too far away to help regularly. But even the occasional visits or phone calls from family and friends made a difference. My partner stepped up and helped more than I could have imagined. He really became my rock.

Having an honest conversation with your partner about expectations is crucial. It’s important to be open about how much help you need and what you both can realistically do. Leaning on family and trusted childcare providers for emotional support made the transition smoother. With teamwork, the adjustment didn’t feel so overwhelming.

Self-Care and Finding Private Space

Amidst all the change, I had to remind myself to take care of me too. Finding time for myself became essential. Even if it was just a couple of hours each day, it made a difference. Self-care wasn’t just about me-time; it was also about maintaining a balance with my husband. It’s easy to get caught up in work and baby duties, but don’t forget to nurture your relationship too.

Setting boundaries was important. I learned to carve out moments for myself, even if it was just a quiet cup of coffee before the day started. Taking time to recharge helped me be more present for both my work and my family. Still feel overwhelmed? Read my tips for the stressed mom here.

3. Navigating the Working World Again

Understanding Your Rights and Parental Leave Benefits

Returning to work as a new parent comes with a lot of questions, especially when it comes to your rights. In the United States, working parents are entitled to maternity pay, sick leave, and paternity leave, but the details can be tricky. Understanding the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Labor Standards Act can help protect your rights as a parent in the workplace. In this interesting article, you find the maternal rights from almost 100 different countries summarized.

It’s important to know how to plan for parental leave and sick leave. I made sure to understand the benefits available to me before returning to work, which helped me feel more prepared. Knowing that my rights were protected gave me the peace of mind I needed to balance my job and my new responsibilities at home.

Childcare Arrangements and Options

We were lucky that both of us could work from home, which meant we could fit in work hours during nap time or independent play. However, not every family has that luxury, so childcare options are something to consider early on. Some parents choose daycare centers, child care services, private caregivers, or even rely on family members for help.

When looking for the right daycare or childcare provider, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and values. I made sure to ask a lot of questions and visit potential providers to ensure they felt like a good match for our family. Working with your employer to set up flexible work arrangements that align with your childcare needs can also make the transition smoother.

Returning to a New Identity at Work

When I first returned to work, I felt so unprofessional. I wasn’t used to juggling the demands of a job and the exhaustion of being a new mom. But looking back, I realize that no one else saw me that way. In fact, I was bringing new skills to the table—like multitasking, problem-solving, and patience—that I hadn’t appreciated before.

Adjusting to this “new identity” at work can be challenging. You’re no longer just the professional you were before, but also a parent with new priorities. It’s important to set up your work environment to meet your family’s needs and make work-life balance a priority. Handling the pressures of mom guilt and stress is a real challenge, but taking it one step at a time and being kind to yourself can help you navigate this new chapter.

4. Practical Ways to Make Your Return to Work Easier

Setting Realistic Expectations

The reality of returning to work as a new parent is that things rarely go exactly as planned. It can feel overwhelming, but that doesn’t make it any less valid. I had to learn to accept that the first day back, the first week, and even the first few months would have bumps along the way. Some days were harder than others, and that was okay. Keeping expectations flexible helped me stay calm when things didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped. It’s all part of the process. Do you still feel like a failure as a new mom? Read more on how to feel successful as a new mom here.

Finding a Good Support System at Work

One of the most important things I did was have an open and honest conversation with my manager about my needs. This gave me the chance to create a work schedule that worked for both my career and my family life. Being upfront about what I needed made it easier to find a balance between work and home. It also helped to know that mental health support was available at work. Seeking help when I needed it helped me stay grounded and focused, and made the transition a lot less stressful.

The Gift of Flexibility

I started a new job after having a baby because I wanted to work part-time, have the office close by, and enjoy more flexibility. Flexible working arrangements—like having flexible hours or the option to work from home—made a huge difference in my ability to balance work and family life. The best thing you can do for yourself is to embrace the flexibility your workplace offers. It’s an incredible gift that makes it possible to thrive both professionally and as a parent.

5. Taking Care of Your Child While Managing Work

Breastfeeding and Childcare

When I returned to work, my baby refused to bottle feed. I was faced with the challenge of figuring out how to manage breastfeeding while working. One solution was having her brought to me from childcare or visiting her during the day to nurse. It wasn’t always convenient, but it worked for us.

For other moms in a similar situation, working with lactation consultants and your childcare provider can help make the transition smoother. A good childcare provider will understand the importance of breastfeeding and work with you to create a plan that works for both of you. It’s all about finding the right rhythm to make sure your baby’s feeding schedule fits into your workday. Read more about the breastfeeding basics here.

Adjusting to a New Routine with a Newborn Baby

Managing your child’s schedule with your work schedule can feel like a juggling act. I had to be flexible, especially in the early days. I made sure to carve out time for quality moments with my baby, even if it meant adjusting my workday. The key was to create a routine that allowed me to be fully present at work when needed and still make the most of my time with her.

It wasn’t always easy, but finding pockets of time throughout the day to connect with my baby helped me stay grounded and reminded me of what really mattered. Balancing work and baby time is challenging, but with a little planning and flexibility, it’s definitely doable.

6. Embracing the New Stage of Life

Celebrating the Journey of Parenthood

Looking back on my journey as a new mom, I’ve realized just how much I’ve learned—not only about parenting but also about myself as a professional. Parenthood is a steep learning curve, and balancing it with work has brought its own set of challenges and rewards. There were moments of doubt, of course, but every day I embraced the opportunity to grow in both roles.

Being a working mom isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The challenges are real, but they make the rewards even sweeter. The love, the growth, and the little victories along the way remind me that I’m doing something truly meaningful in both my career and as a parent.

Looking Ahead: Your New Normal

As I settled into this new stage of life, I had to adjust my mindset to embrace all the changes. The first few months were tough, but it did get easier as I found my rhythm. The key was accepting that my “new normal” would be different, and that was okay.

I also realized that my career might not be the only thing that fulfills me. There’s a whole other world of joy in parenting and family life that I hadn’t fully appreciated before. Moving forward, I worked on setting up a sustainable work-life balance that felt right for me and my family. It’s an ongoing process, but each day, I feel more confident in my ability to handle both worlds.

Conclusion: Navigating the Road Ahead

To all the new moms out there, know that this transition, while challenging, is a beautiful new chapter in your life. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or even a little lost at times, but remember, you’re not alone. Every day, you’re building a life filled with love, growth, and new experiences.

My biggest piece of advice? Take it one day at a time. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away, and that’s okay. Trust yourself and trust that you’re doing the best you can. The road ahead may be filled with ups and downs, but the journey is worth every step. Keep going—you’ve got this.