Going back to work after maternity leave: how to make it work for you

Start planning a couple of months ahead

The return often feels sudden, even when you've known the date for months. Starting early gives you options.

• Confirm your return date with your employer in writing, and check how much notice you need to give if you want to change it.
• Arrange childcare and build in a settling-in period before you start work, so your baby gets used to it and so do you.
• Plan a test run of your morning routine: drop-off, commute, timings.
• Use any keeping-in-touch arrangements your employer offers to catch up on changes before your first full day.

Asking for flexible working

Many countries give employees a right to request flexible working, such as part-time hours, compressed weeks, different start times or remote days. Your employer may have to consider it seriously, even if they can refuse for business reasons.

Make your request in writing and make it easy to say yes:

Script: "I'd like to request a change to my working pattern from [date]. I'm proposing [e.g. four days a week, working from home on Fridays]. I've thought about how this would work for the team: [coverage plan, how meetings would be handled]. I'm happy to trial it for three months and review."

If your current role can't flex, our /work board lists flexible and remote roles from employers who already offer them.

Your rights (check where you live)

In many places you're entitled to return to the same job or a similar one, on terms no less favourable, and it's unlawful to treat you unfairly because you took maternity leave. You may also have rights to rest breaks and a private space to express breast milk. The specifics vary a lot by country and employer, so check your contract, your HR policy and official guidance.

If something changes while you were away, such as a new manager, restructure, or your duties being given to someone else, ask for clarity in writing. If you feel sidelined, keep notes and seek advice early from a union or employment adviser.

Feeding and pumping at work

If you're still breastfeeding, let your employer know in advance so they can arrange a suitable private room (not a toilet) and somewhere to store milk. Practical tips:

• Practise pumping and bottle feeding a few weeks before you return.
• Block regular times in your calendar.
• Keep a spare pump part and a cool bag at work.
• Some women gradually drop daytime feeds before returning; others keep going. Both are fine.

The emotional side

You might feel guilt, relief, grief, excitement, or all of them before lunch. That's normal. Your identity has shifted, and work may feel unfamiliar at first. Many women worry they've "lost their edge"; most find skills come back quickly, and new ones like prioritising ruthlessly have been gained.

Be gentle with yourself for the first few months. If low mood, anxiety or intrusive thoughts persist, talk to your GP or doctor, as postnatal depression and anxiety can appear or continue well after birth.

Making the first weeks easier

• Start mid-week if possible, so your first week is short.
• Batch cook and simplify home life for a while.
• Share the load: agree with your partner who handles sick days, nursery runs and night wakings. Our guide on the mental load can help with this conversation.
• Tell your manager what support would help, such as a catch-up plan.
• Have a backup childcare plan for when your baby is ill, which will happen.

Talking with other mothers going through the same transition helps. You can meet them in /circles or our motherhood forum.