Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: How to Transition Smoothly

Returning to work after maternity leave is a big step in every woman’s life. If you are going through this process right now, we at Miranna understand your hurdles. You may feel pulled in different directions, struggling to find the balance between being a good mom and a good employee. You may also feel guilty because you can’t or don’t want to work as hard as before. Your values have changed, and it’s completely normal.

However, knowing your rights and being prepared for upcoming challenges can make this transition smoother. This guide will provide actionable tips and insights on going back to work after maternity leave.

Tips for Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

• Plan out your daily routine and organize childcare arrangements in advance.

It’s important to prepare for returning to work after maternity leave in advance. With a clear, detailed plan, you’ll feel more confident at work. You can even do a few practice runs to get used to your new routine. If you skip this part, returning to work may feel overwhelming. For example, Ericka DeBruce drove her child to daycare on her first day back to work after maternity leave: “I called my boss in tears from the parking lot. I couldn’t leave. I was very emotional.”

• Take online courses or coaching beforehand to regain your confidence.

While you’re off duty, do some self-education. Reflect on your skill set and compare it to what the current Labor Exchange requires. Look up online courses that can benefit your professional growth and confidence. You can also train soft skills such as creativity, effective communication, and stress management with the help of career coaching.

• Communicate with your employer about flexibility and expectations.

You may feel guilty for not going back on track quickly and easily. However, you definitely have the right to ask for help. For some, it’s easier to return to work gradually and start with part-time. Express your commitment to your manager and set new boundaries with your colleagues.

• Stay present in the moment.

It’s hard to focus at work when your little one is out of sight. Try staying present whenever you’re at work or at home. Organize your workspace and use mindful breathing techniques to calm down when stressed. Avoid distractions such as phones, music or other stimuli. Make sure to have enough time to rest and eat.

• Don’t be too hard on yourself.

It’s been a long break, and your life has changed in many ways. You may be sleep deprived because of the newborn. Be kind to yourself, set realistic goals and seek support from your family, friends, or colleagues. 

• Seek professional help.

According to studies, approximately 10-15% of new mothers experience postpartum depression. If your condition is not improving — if you have insomnia, anxiety, lack of appetite, and are constantly tired — seek professional help as soon as possible. Therapy is the right way to get rid of those symptoms and live normally again.

Managing the First Days Back at Work

On your first day back at work after maternity leave, you may experience emotions such as guilt, anxiety, and excitement. Your goal is not to suppress these emotions but to manage them effectively. Mindfulness and self-care practices such as journaling and yoga can help you overcome stress.

First of all, communicate with your colleagues about your new responsibilities and work hours. In this way they won’t call when you’re out of duty. If you need help getting back on track at work, seek guidance from experienced colleagues you trust. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as they will speed up the process.

Set realistic expectations for your workload and productivity. Don’t overestimate your strength; do only as much as you feel comfortable doing. For example, if you’ve been known as a hard-worker, now you may shift to an efficient delegator. Resetting your expectations helps in coping with guilt and anxiety which many new mothers tend to experience in the beginning.

Balancing Work and Motherhood

Finding a balance between work and motherhood may be tough. Many new mothers decide to leave their jobs, as they struggle with it. Set boundaries at work to protect yourself from burnout. Separate your work from your private life and stay engaged in both. Create a supportive environment at home and at work by surrounding yourself with people who understand your hurdles.

Quality time with your close ones will add up, making it easier to leave for work every morning. Plan out your free days to fill them with communication and emotional connection. Avoid unnecessary stress when you are with your family and try to stay focused when you are at work.

Dealing with Workplace Adjustments

You have the right to change your working hours. For example, returning to work after maternity leave, Courtney Lazzari admitted to her manager that she needed more flexibility from now on: “My one nonnegotiable was that I needed to always be able to take my son to the doctor — whether it was a planned appointment or if he was sick. I was up front that I would up and leave whatever I was doing in order to do that.” Communicate with your employer to ask for more flexibility or any special adjustments.

Coping with Emotional Challenges

Emotions such as self-doubt, anxiety and guilt may be daunting. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask people you trust for validation and support. For example, you may chat with colleagues who are also parents. They understand your hurdles and can give useful advice.

Try finding emotional support through networking groups, coaching or counseling. Miranna’s career coaches offer strategies for work-life balance, a crucial aspect for women returning to work after maternity leave.

Long-Term Strategies for Success

After returning to work from maternity leave, you may feel that your values have changed. You may not like the idea of returning back to work and feel unmotivated. However, being a mom doesn’t mean sacrificing your career.

Think about long-term benefits of returning to work after maternity leave. The challenges you face will teach you to be more flexible, manage stress, improve time management, and communicate more effectively with colleagues.

Be patient with yourself and celebrate every small win. Eventually you will regain your confidence at work and find the balance between being a good mom and a good employee.

FAQ

Why is returning to work after maternity leave so hard?

Returning to work after maternity leave is a significant transition that can feel overwhelming. Many women struggle to balance their responsibilities as both a mother and an employee. It’s normal to experience feelings of guilt, anxiety, or even self-doubt as you adjust to new routines and expectations. Your priorities may have shifted, and the work environment may feel different from before. However, with proper preparation, open communication with your employer, and a supportive network, this transition can become smoother and more manageable.

How soon can you return to work after maternity leave?

The timing of your return to work depends on various factors, including company policies, personal circumstances, and legal entitlements in your country. Some mothers return after a few weeks, while others take several months to adjust to their new role as a parent before re-entering the workforce. It’s important to assess your physical and emotional readiness, secure reliable childcare, and discuss any flexible work arrangements with your employer to ensure a smooth transition.

Is it normal to feel guilty about returning to work after having a baby?

Yes, it’s completely normal to feel guilty when returning to work after maternity leave. Many mothers worry about being away from their child or not being as present as they’d like. Others feel guilty for not being as focused or productive at work as they were before. It’s important to remember that balancing work and motherhood is a process, and setting realistic expectations for yourself can help. Prioritizing quality time with your child, establishing a strong support system, and seeking emotional reassurance from other working moms can ease these feelings over time.

What to say when returning to work after maternity leave?

When returning to work, it’s helpful to be open about your needs and expectations. You can express appreciation for your team’s support, acknowledge the transition, and discuss any necessary adjustments to your schedule or workload. For example, you might say:

"I’m excited to be back and reconnect with the team. Adjusting to this new routine will take some time, but I’m committed to finding a balance that works for both my family and my role here."

It’s also beneficial to communicate any boundaries you need, such as flexible hours or specific times when you’ll be unavailable. Setting clear expectations from the start can make the transition smoother for both you and your employer.