Going Back to Work After Maternity Leave

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel like stepping into a completely different world. Whether you’ve been away for a few months or closer to a year, it’s natural to feel a mix of anticipation, uncertainty and even guilt about leaving your child in someone else’s care.

This time of change is also an opportunity to establish a new routine that feels balanced and sustainable for you and your family. With the right planning and support, including help from a professional nanny, you can approach this next chapter feeling reassured and ready.

Here, Nannies Matter shares some practical advice to make the transition back to working life as stress-free as possible for you and your family.

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

Be patient with yourself as you settle into a new rhythm. Even if you’re returning to the same job, or a similar job with the same type of work, your perspective and priorities may have shifted - and that’s perfectly normal.

Allow space for this transition rather than expecting everything to slot straight into place immediately. Recognise that you’re not returning to your old job in exactly the same way you left it. You’re stepping into a new phase that will gradually start to feel familiar again.

Plan Your Return Date Thoughtfully

There’s rarely a perfect moment to return to work. The best time is when you feel ready - or as ready as you can be. Some parents find that returning sooner helps them re-establish their professional identity, while others prefer to take the full entitlement of parental leave.

If you plan to change your original return date, remember to take care of the HR side of things, and make sure your employer has the right amount of notice. Talking openly about your plans and any flexible working options you’d like to explore will help you feel more in control.

Establish Your New Routine Early

Before your first day back, think about how you’d like your week to look. Consider practical details like morning drop-offs, commuting time and how evenings will flow once you’re home.

Many parents find it helps to write down a simple daily schedule so they feel prepared. If you’ve arranged for a professional nanny to support you and your family, spend time together discussing your child’s routine, preferences and any special details you’d like them to know. This shared understanding makes the transition feel smoother for everyone.

For example, you might agree on dedicated time in the evenings for uninterrupted quality time with your new baby, to help you feel connected and present after work.

Be Realistic About Your Energy

Returning to work after maternity leave will likely leave you feeling fatigued for a while, even if you’re eager to get back. You may be juggling night feeds, adjusting to new childcare arrangements and catching up with colleagues.

Try not to overload your calendar with commitments straight away. If you can, give yourself time in the first few weeks to focus on essential tasks and gradually reintroduce meetings, projects and social events.

Remember that feeling tired doesn’t mean you’re not coping - it means you’re a person adjusting to significant changes, and that takes time.

Make Time for Yourself

As you find your footing, protect a little time each day that belongs to you. Whether it’s a quiet coffee, a lunchtime walk or an early bedtime, these small acts of self-care can make a big difference to your wellbeing.

It’s also important to give yourself permission to say no to extra obligations or invitations if you need space to decompress. Rest is a vital part of this adjustment, and making sure you get as much of it as you can now will help you adjust to changing routines, and be fully present when you have the chance to spend quality time with your children.

Accept That Mixed Emotions Are Normal

Many parents feel a sense of guilt about leaving their child, even when they know they’re in safe hands. You might also feel relief at having time to yourself, and then guilt about feeling that relief.

All of these emotions are perfectly natural, felt by many parents all over the world every day. They're a natural part of trying to balance your role as a parent, and your professional career. If you can, talking openly with friends, family or other parents who’ve returned to work can help you feel understood and less alone.

Consider Support That Makes Life Easier

One of the most reassuring steps you can take is arranging reliable, professional childcare. A perfect fit nanny can bring calm, consistency and peace of mind to your home. They can help you feel confident that your child is well cared for while you focus on your work.

An experienced nanny offers more than practical help - they can become a trusted part of your family’s daily life. Whether you need help with newborn care, after-school routines or simply a dependable presence during working hours, professional support can make this transition feel far less daunting.

Ready to Feel Supported in Your Next Chapter?

We understand how significant your return to work can be. We started Nannies Matter because we couldn't find an agency that put the amount of care and attention into finding a nanny that we needed. That was over two decades ago, and since then we've placed countless nannies with families all over the Home Counties. We sit down with you and take the time to fully understand your needs, before shortlisting the most suitable candidates for you to interview from our books.

It's a process that has worked well: Read our testimonials to see what our happy clients have to say.

If you’d like to talk about your childcare needs or learn more about how our agency can help, explore our nanny services - we’re here whenever you’re ready. Contact us on 07736 337065 or send us an enquiry to start the conversation.