Should I extend my maternity leave by a few more weeks or a few months, maybe? Should I shift to a less demanding role? Am I ready for this? Will it affect how my colleagues treat me?
New mums go through so many thoughts before making a decision- whether to resume work or not.
While many new mums prefer taking a break, there are many who look forward to returning to work after maternity leave. Whichever mum you are, we support you wholeheartedly and are proud of your decision.
But for clarity’s sake, let’s assume you decided to rejoin. You are at a delicate point in life where you are balancing the tender moments of being a new mum with the demands of a professional role. We get it—it’s overwhelming. But it’s also an opportunity to redefine your space and take control of your goals and professional aspirations.
Tackling this transition is crucial because how you deal with it will decide your post-break phase. You will be your baby’s nurturer and a working mother who must balance work and life in a way that doesn’t compromise the other. There can be too many emotions at work—excitement, guilt, anxiety, and hope all rolled into one.
You are not alone, and it’s absolutely okay to take things one step at a time. You must believe that this journey is not going to be about perfection. Instead, it will be about discovering, understanding, and accepting what works best for you and your family.
We have put together ten practical, relatable tips to ease your transition and help you confidently embark on this journey after your maternity leave. Remember, you are doing an incredible job every single day.
1. Let go of perfection
You are human. You are a new mother. And it is okay if you choose not to be a superhuman post-maternity leave.
Some days will go smoothly, and others will feel chaotic. Some days will feel like you have everything under control, but there will also be days when you feel sad, demotivated, or even lost. And that’s completely okay. Accept that it’s okay not to have everything perfectly balanced every single day.
You have the right to feel exhausted, messy, and tired. There is so much you are going through, and so much depends on you. You have been prioritising everything else, and it is completely normal if you don’t seem to have it perfect some days.
Whether at work or home, the first few days or months just after your maternity leave might seem crazy. Give yourself that space and time to reorganise and find your rhythm. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them, but don’t forget to celebrate the small wins—they matter the most.
“Some days, just making it out the door without a spit-up stain feels like a victory!” – Charlie, mum of 3-month-old Ivor.
2. Ease into your routine
You do not have to restart everything at once. You are allowed to take it slow and take one step at a time after your maternity leave.
Talk with your manager and plan out a phased return if possible. You might need a little extra time to adjust to the environment, work, and even the pressure of commitments. A few half-days or shorter workweeks can help you (and your baby) adjust to the new schedule without feeling like you have jumped into the deep end.
This will help you get into the routine at a pace that is acceptable for you and does not disrupt your time and energy with your baby. Additionally, it will give you the necessary space required at work to adjust back to the work setting and get accustomed to any new operational changes.
Read this blog on 11 ultimate time management hacks curated specially for mums.
3. Sort your childcare early
Knowing your baby is in a safe, loving environment can make a world of difference.
But the key is to plan it and get things in place well before your maternity leave is up. Whether it’s a daycare, a nanny, or family support, take the time to find an arrangement you are comfortable with. Preparing this in advance will help you save little windows of time in case plans change or there are some additional requirements.
Knowing that your child is in safe hands makes a huge difference as a mother. Leaving for work after a break can make it further challenging because you have become accustomed to a routine with your baby. You can look for childcare near your workplace or place or instal a babycam at home to help you with your anxiety. There is no shame in wanting to be there for your child in any way possible, so instead of postponing your joining, look for ways to balance both work and family in the healthiest possible way.
Quick things to remember when planning on taking a maternity leave Australia:
- Visit in advance: Tour potential daycares or meet with nannies to get a feel for the environment.
- Backup plan: Have a contingency plan for sick days or emergencies.
- Gradual adjustment: Start with a few trial days to help your baby, and you ease into the new routine.
- Trust your gut: Explore other options if something doesn’t feel right. Do not hurry to make decisions for your post-maternity leave routine.
- Check policies: Review the childcare provider’s policies on sick days, holidays, and late pick-ups to avoid surprises later.
- Communicate clearly: Share your baby’s routine, preferences, and any special needs to ensure a smoother transition.
4. Prep for mornings the night before
Remember how you used to create little checklists before any chore or a regular workday? Didn’t it save so much time and energy?
All you need to do is restart your old habit. Preparing the night before can work like magic and avoid morning meltdowns (yours or your baby’s). Do as much prep as possible the night before—packing bags, laying out clothes, or pre-setting breakfast. This will keep your mornings free and give you an ample amount of time to spend with your baby. Plus, it keeps space open for any unforeseen emergencies.
These small steps are a great way to save you from rushing and starting your day on a calmer note.
5. Be honest about your needs
Your maternity leave might be over, but that doesn’t mean your existing roles or needs are over, too.
If you’re still nursing or need more flexible hours, have an open conversation with your manager. Many workplaces today are supportive of working mums. Speaking up doesn’t make you less professional—it makes you genuine.
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness or dependency. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Find your village and create a supportive ecosystem both at work and at home. This will help you feel more at ease and more confident about being in control. Contrary to what we believe, people are more than willing to help, especially when it comes to a baby.
Tip: Sometimes, a simple venting session can make all the difference. Go for it, Mama. Find someone you are comfortable being with and vent it all out.
The time after your maternity leave can be a tricky phase, but knowing that you are heard and understood can be great for boosting your morale. And when you are honest about your needs, everyone around you will start understanding, too. Remember, you, too, are precious.
6. Redefine your “success”
You are now in a new role, and this is a new phase in life. Success may look different now.
Times have changed, and even though you still look forward to your professional goals and aspirations, learn to accept every accomplishment as success. Tomorrow might be different, but for now, perhaps, getting through a meeting without feeling too distracted or finishing work on time to get home for bedtime cuddles is a success. Embrace this new version of productivity and fulfilment. Do not overwhelm yourself by comparing yourself with others.
Just feel the happiness and calm your baby feels every time they see you. That’s what success looks like—maternity leave or not.
And we are so proud of you, Mama!
7. Keep a simple wardrobe
Who says new mums can’t have it all? However, having a simplified wardrobe can save time and reduce decision fatigue during busy mornings.
Yes, as basic as it may sound, opting for comfortable, work-appropriate outfits that are easy to mix and match is a great deal breaker when it comes to balancing personal-professional time. Think classic trousers, neutral tops, and a blazer or cardigan that works across seasons. Prioritize fabrics that are low-maintenance and wrinkle-resistant to avoid last-minute ironing.
Don’t forget to include nursing-friendly tops or dresses in your options if you are pumping or breastfeeding.
8. Create guilt-free “me-time”
Wanting exclusive “me-time” even after your maternity leave is over is a legitimate right you deserve.
Whether it’s a quick coffee, a walk, or a quiet evening with your favourite book, carve out moments for yourself. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for you to recharge and be present for your family and work.
You deserve time for yourself, and doing something only for yourself during that time isn’t wrong or inappropriate. You can choose however you want and do not have to explain it to anyone. You have been through an incredible journey by bringing into the world a new life, and if you still need time, even years after your maternity leave is over, you always deserve “me-time.”
Read this blog for quick tips on self-care for mums. Yes, it is possible, and nothing to feel guilty about. You need it!
9. Be kind to your mind
Returning to work can stir up emotions—anxiety, guilt, or even relief. All these feelings are valid.
Yes, different new mums go through different emotions after having a baby and, more specifically, after the maternity leave is over. No one is judging you for what you feel. Different mothers have different priorities, and each of you is important. So, it’s not about what you think but rather how kind you are to your mind.
Be kind and accept whatever you feel. And if you feel like talking to someone, share it with someone you trust. This will help you process your emotions and feel more grounded.
“It’s not easy, but each day I remind myself why I’m doing this—for my family and my dreams.” – Celeste, mum of 6-month-old twins Emma and Elle.
10. Celebrate your journey
Cheers to you, dear Mum. You have been doing great, and we believe you will continue to do so.
You are embarking on a new phase, and that’s as much about rediscovering yourself as it is about balancing roles. The emotions tied to the end of maternity leave can be both bittersweet and empowering. Celebrate your courage and resilience in this journey, and no matter how you walk it, you are doing great.
You are doing great, Mama, and even if it doesn’t always feel that way, you are the best your child could have.
Click to learn what this Montessori Mindful Parenting Program includes:
Download the FREE Prep Course for expecting mothers
- Montessori Mindful Parenting (0-3m) Course
- Montessori Mindful Parenting (4-6m) Course
- Montessori Mindful Parenting (7-9m) Course
- Montessori Mindful Parenting (10-12m) Course
- Montessori Mindful Parenting (13-15m) Course
- Montessori Mindful Parenting (16-18m) Course
- Montessori Mindful Parenting (19-21m) Course
- Montessori Mindful Parenting (22-24m) Course
- New Born (0-6m) Montessori Mindful Parenting Course Pack
- Infant (7-12m) Montessori Mindful Parenting Course Pack
- Montessori Mindful Parenting (Year 1 ) Course Pack
- Montessori Mindful Parenting (Year 2 ) Course Pack
- Complete 0-2 Yrs Montessori Mindful Parenting Course Pack
Final thoughts
Returning to work after maternity leave is a rollercoaster journey, and there can be both moments of challenges and triumphs. Every mum’s experience is unique.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to do this. Be kind to yourself as you adjust, celebrate the small wins, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support system. You are not just balancing roles but redefining what it means to be a loving mum and a dedicated professional.
Take it one day at a time, trust your instincts, and know that you are doing an amazing job. You have got this!
Here’s a quick answer to common FAQs about your rights as an expecting mother according to the maternity leave Australia guidelines:
What are the requisites for maternity leave?
Workers with a newborn infant or adopted child below 16 years of age are eligible for paid parental leave. You must be employed with your employer for at least 12 months to qualify.
When can I start my maternity leave?
Start your paid maternity leave up to 6 weeks before your due date. For those adopting, you can start your leave on the day of adoption or the birth of your adopted baby.
What is the duration of a maternity leave australia?
- 12 weeks (60 payable days) to be used within 12 months of the birth or adoption
- 30 payable days (flexible) can be taken within 24 months of the birth or adoption
- You can take additional unpaid leaves
Who all are eligible to claim the paid maternity leave Australia?
- The birth mother of a newborn
- Adoptive parent of a child
- Caregiver under exceptional circumstances caring for a child (illness or accident)
- The primary caregiver of a child
- Australian resident
- Not be working or on leave while receiving the payment