Today I met a new mom returning to work after mat leave, and it took me right back to my own experience two years ago.
I remember that mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and this overwhelming urge to prove I could still "do it all."
The Transition No One Prepares You For
The return to work after maternity leave is one of those transitions that sounds straightforward on paper but is anything but in reality. You're not just returning to a job. You're returning as a fundamentally changed person, to a workplace that may have moved on without you.
It's Not About Going Back
Here's what I wish someone had told me: It's not about going back. It's about moving forward.
You're not the same person who went on leave. And that's not a weakness—it's a superpower. Motherhood has given you:
- New perspectives on what really matters
- Enhanced multitasking abilities (because you've never truly multitasked until you've fed a baby while on a work call)
- A new appreciation for efficiency (you don't have time to waste anymore)
- Deeper empathy and patience
The Transformation
Motherhood transforms you into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. Those sleepless nights? They built your endurance. Those moments of figuring out what a crying baby needs? They sharpened your problem-solving skills.
What You Need to Know
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Give yourself grace. The first few weeks will be hard. That's normal.
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You don't have to prove anything. Your worth isn't determined by how quickly you "bounce back."
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Ask for what you need. Flexibility isn't a weakness—it's often what makes sustainable high performance possible.
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Find your people. Connect with other working parents who get it.
Moving Forward
You've got this. Not because you have to do it perfectly, but because you're capable of figuring it out one day at a time.
Welcome back. The world needs what you have to offer.