Returning to work after a pause can be bitter sweet. On the one hand, your heart aches with the thought of leaving your baby with a carer while you return to work. But at the same time you feel a little bit of Joy that you can carve out some time to do what you love and pursue a passion something outside being a parent.
With the help of other moms who have “been there and done that”, here are 7 tested and trusted tips for making the back-to-work transition as seamless as possible whether you’ve been out for weeks, or months.
7 Tips to Ease Returning to Work after Maternity Leave
1. Start easing into your routine early
It might sound small, but practicing your new routine ahead of time can make a huge difference. That means waking up at the time you plan to on workdays, prepping lunches, getting dressed, and timing your commute or childcare handoff. Doing this a few days in advance gives you space to see what works and what needs tweaking without the pressure of an actual workday.
“One of the best things I did was start my baby in daycare twice a week a month before I went back to work. This gave us several opportunities to test run the new normal without the pressure of work, so it was less daunting when I eventually had to start.” — Tolu, mom of one
2. Plan your outfits ahead of time
This one is underrated. In the first few weeks back, your mornings will be busier, and decision fatigue is real. Planning your outfits for the week or even just the night before makes a surprising difference.. Deciding what to wear at 6am is just unnecessary stress. Having 3–5 easy, polished outfits that you feel good in will save time and mental energy every morning. Remember to choose pumping-friendly tops if needed, and layers for more privacy while pumping.
“I picked out 5 work outfits on Sunday night and rotated them. It helped me feel like I had it together even when the rest of my morning was chaos.” — Amanda, mom of two
3. Get clear on your non-negotiables
When you go back to work, your time will feel stretched in every direction. That’s why it’s helpful to decide on things you’ll want to keep sacred once work begins again. For some moms, it’s bedtime stories every night. For others, it’s a 30-minute solo walk or a no-laptop rule after 7pm. These are things that help protect your peace, prevent burnout, and remind you that your needs matter too.
“For me, it was bedtime. I told my team I’d always be offline between 6–8pm. That tiny window kept me sane, even on the busiest days.” — Lisa, mom of three
4. Make peace with the mess
You might want to “have it all together” right away but that’s not real life. The house may be messier. You might cry on the way to work. Your laundry pile might grow. The meal plan might fall apart by Wednesday. It’s okay. This transition is big, and there will be a learning curve. Lowering the bar (just a little) doesn’t mean you’re doing a bad job. It means you’re being human.
“I had to learn to let go of the ‘clean house, full fridge’ ideal. Some days we just made it through—and that was enough.” — Zainab, mom of one
5. Have something to look forward to
Your calendar might be packed, but make space for something that feels like you. Maybe it’s a warm coffee before work, a solo Target run, or booking a massage for your second week back. These small joys are what help anchor you during a time that can feel heavy. When you have something to look forward to—even something tiny—it brings back a bit of balance and joy.
“I started booking a Friday lunch for just me—even if it was a takeaway eaten in the car. It became my little reset button.” — Maya, mom of two
6. Keep communication open with your manager
It’s not always easy, but clear, honest communication can make your return smoother. Before you go back, or in your first week, have a quick check-in to align expectations. If you’re still figuring out your rhythm (most of us are), let them know. If you need to pump, pick up early some days, or need flexibility—ask. Many workplaces are becoming more parent-aware, but they won’t know what to offer if you don’t speak up.
“I was nervous to ask for flexibility, but when I finally explained my routine, my boss was actually really supportive. I wish I’d spoken up sooner.” — Sarah, first-time mom
7. Give yourself time to feel like your working self again
You’ll likely not feel 100% on day one or even week one. The first few weeks might feel overwhelming. That doesn’t mean it’ll always be that way. You’re figuring out a new routine, re-learning how to work and parent, and navigating new emotions all at once. . Don’t rush it. Instead, focus on progress, not perfection.
Returning to work: Let’s recap
Returning to work after a pause whether it’s been a few weeks or over a year is no small thing. It takes emotional strength, logistical planning, and a whole lot of grace. This season may feel unfamiliar and full of mixed emotions, but you’re not alone. You won’t get everything perfect (none of us do), but you will find your rhythm with time.
And remember, you don’t have to carry it all in your head. If you need a planner to write it all down, here are some really great recommendations to help you organise your new routine, plan easy meals, keep on top of home management, and still make time for you. If you want to feel more prepared (without needing five different apps), these were made for you.
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