Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
Heading back to work after maternity leave is no small thing. It’s a massive transition—one that comes with excitement, relief, anxiety, guilt, and maybe even a little grief (sometimes all in the same hour). As a therapist who has supported many parents through this season, I’ve seen just how layered and complicated it can be. And if you’re in the thick of it right now, you are so not alone.
The Emotional Tug-of-War
On one hand, you might be craving adult conversation, mental stimulation, or even the simple joy of drinking coffee without reheating it three times. On the other hand, your heart aches at the thought of missing milestones, bedtime snuggles, or even just being there “in case” your little one needs you. Add in the reality of bills, groceries, and the fact that you’re still adjusting to this whole new identity as a parent, and it’s no wonder this stage feels overwhelming.
Let’s break down some of the most common feelings that come up:
Guilt
That gnawing guilt can sneak in fast. You might feel guilty for leaving your baby in someone else’s care, guilty for wanting to return to your career, or guilty because you can’t show up at home and at work exactly the way you imagined. Here’s the truth: guilt doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you care deeply—and that’s actually a sign of what a thoughtful, loving parent you are.
Anxiety
Then there’s the anxiety. Will your child settle into daycare okay? Will they be safe? Will you keep up at work while juggling all the extra responsibilities at home? The unknowns feel endless, and sometimes it’s less about the big stuff and more about the little daily logistics. Remember, it’s normal for anxiety to pop up during transitions. Talking it through—with a partner, a friend, or a therapist—can take away some of its power.
Sadness
And yes, sadness shows up too. Saying goodbye to those long, unstructured stretches of time with your baby can feel heartbreaking. You might grieve the slow mornings, the naps together, or simply the fact that this chapter is closing. Letting yourself feel sad doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful—it means you’re human, and that this relationship matters to you.
The Practical Side of Things
Of course, emotions aren’t the only hurdle. Returning to work brings with it some serious logistical gymnastics. Childcare, pumping schedules, commuting, work emails that pile up while you’re just trying to get out the door—it’s a lot. The good news? With time, most parents find a rhythm. It may take a few weeks (or months) to smooth out, but it doesn’t stay this hard forever.
Strategies to Help You Through
So what can actually make this transition a little easier? Here are a few strategies I often share with the parents I work with:
Practice self-compassion. You’re going to feel a lot of things, and none of them make you a “bad” parent. Give yourself permission to be messy and imperfect.
Lean on your support system. Whether it’s your partner, your mom, or your best friend, don’t go through this alone. Ask for help, vent when you need to, and share the wins too.
Set boundaries. Work is work, home is home. Easier said than done, but protecting your energy matters. Even small boundaries (like no emails during dinner) add up.
Advocate for yourself. Need flexible hours? A pumping space? Speak up. The more honest you are about your needs, the more likely you’ll get the support you deserve.
Sort out childcare early. Research, visit, ask questions. Once you feel good about your choice, you’ll carry less mental load into your workday.
Make space for you. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s fuel. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of stretching, a quick walk, or your favorite podcast on the commute, it counts.
Celebrate the little stuff. Did you survive your first week back? Huge win. Did your baby finally nap without tears? Another win. Those small victories are proof of your resilience.
The Bottom Line
Going back to work after maternity leave isn’t just a professional shift—it’s an emotional and personal one too. It takes resilience, planning, and a whole lot of self-compassion. But you don’t have to do it perfectly. You don’t even have to do it gracefully. You just have to keep showing up, adjusting as you go, and remembering that you’re not alone in this.
This season may feel heavy now, but it’s also an opportunity for growth, discovery, and redefining what balance looks like for you. Trust yourself—you’ve got this. If you want support, reach out to me today here
