Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: A New Mom's Playbook
Returning to work after having a baby is a monumental life transition. It's a question I know all too well, and my first piece of advice for any new mom facing this change is to give yourself grace. This might sound simple, but it's the most profound truth I've learned. We put an immense amount of pressure on ourselves to feel and perform exactly as we did before. But here’s the thing: when a baby is born, a mother is born, too. The person you were before is from a different chapter, and it's time to get to know the new you.
For me, my standard coping mechanisms simply broke. All the systems I had for organization and efficiency shattered. I put so much pressure on myself to be my pre-baby self at work, but that woman was gone. My new reality required a different kind of strength, and it took a lot of self-discovery to be gentle with myself. But if you can master that one lesson, the rest becomes so much easier.
This process takes time, and there's no magic fix. But you can start building a new playbook for this season of your life. Here are a few actionable tips and resources for a smoother return to work.
Your Comeback: 5 Essential Tips for Postpartum Career Success
Set Clear Boundaries in Advance. This is a non-negotiable for a successful maternity leave comeback. Before you go back, have a clear conversation with your boss and team. Define your new hours and your a.m. and p.m. hard stops. It's much easier to set these boundaries from the start than to try and pull back later.
Get Your Home Life Organized. Trying to manage work while also figuring out who is making dinner and doing bathtime is a recipe for overwhelm. Getting your home systems in order is a game-changer. This means meal planning, delegating chores, and having a clear routine so everyone knows what to expect.
Find Your Village. You cannot do this alone. Connect with other moms who are also navigating this transition. They are your best resource for everything from practical tips to emotional support. Your friends are there to remind you that you're not the only one feeling this way.
Practice Your New Routine. Do a few "dress rehearsals" a week or two before your first day back. This includes everything from the morning wake-up call to the childcare drop-off. Doing this helps everyone adjust and reveals any logistical snags you might need to fix before the pressure is on.
Be Kind to Your Body and Brain. Your body is still recovering, your hormones are still shifting, and your brain is physically different. That's why it's so important to be patient with yourself and not expect to jump back to your old self. Prioritize sleep when you can, eat nutritious food, and practice positive self-talk.
My Go-To Resources for the Working Mom Guilt
Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy: A fantastic resource if you're feeling lost in your parenting and want a new way to build a solid relationship with your child while giving yourself grace.
To Have and to Hold by Molly Millwood: A raw and honest look at the complex terrain of new motherhood, marriage, and the modern dilemma. This is a must-read if you’ve ever felt resentment toward your partner after having a baby or felt a loss of identity.
Do Less by Kate Northrup: A book that challenges the hustle culture of modern motherhood. It’s a permission slip to let go of the pressure to do it all and is a complete reframe on productivity.
ParentData (Books and Substack) by Emily Oster: A trusted source for clarity when you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed by a sea of conflicting parenting advice. She gives you the data, so you can stop worrying about what others think and focus on what works for you.
Ready to Design Your Next Chapter?
Going back to work after a baby is an adventure. But with a bit of grace, some preparation, and a whole lot of love, you can navigate this next chapter with confidence.
If you’re a new mom looking for support in a career transition or struggling to find your new rhythm, I'd be honored to help you build your own playbook.
Book a complimentary discovery call with me today to discuss what's possible for your next chapter.
