Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: A Guide for New Moms

Originally Posted: 02/19/2025 | Edited: 7/23/2026

The night before you go back, you will probably check the diaper bag three times, watch your baby sleep a little longer than usual, and wonder how you are supposed to hand this tiny person to someone else at 7:45 in the morning. If that sounds familiar, you are in good company. Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions of new parenthood, and roughly 75 to 80% of mothers make it within a year of giving birth, most feeling the same mix of dread, guilt, and relief you might be feeling right now.

The good news: most of the stress comes from a handful of predictable challenges, and every one of them has a plan. This guide walks you through preparing for your return, what your first day back will actually feel like, the legal rights that protect you, and the support you can ask your employer for. Each section stands on its own, so skip ahead to whatever you need most.

How to Prepare for Going Back to Work After Maternity Leave

Preparation is what separates a smooth return from a chaotic one. Most of the work of going back to work after maternity leave happens before your first day: talking with your employer, lining up child care, and building your new routine. Work through these three areas in the weeks before your return and day one gets much easier.

Talk with Your Employer Before You Return

Clear, confident conversations with your employer before your first day set expectations and ease your transition. Use these sample scripts to discuss your return date, flexibility, lactation accommodations, and workload.

Confirm Your Return Date

If you want to confirm your return date or explore flexible options, here's how to start the conversation:

Example 1: Basic Confirmation of Return Date
"Hi [Manager's Name], I wanted to check in and confirm my return date from maternity leave, which is currently set for [date]. Please let me know if there's any information you need from me to prepare for my return. Looking forward to reconnecting with the team!"

Example 2: Requesting a Flexible Transition (Phased Return, Part-Time, Remote Work, etc.)
"Hi [Manager's Name], I'm excited to plan my return to work on [date] and wanted to discuss the possibility of a phased return or a flexible schedule. Would it be possible to start with [a few half-days, remote work a few times a week, or another arrangement] to ease the transition? I'd love to find a solution that works well for both the team and my family."

Ask About Remote Work and Flexibility

Many employers will accommodate returning parents if you ask directly. If your employer is unsure how to support you, point them to our Employer Toolkit or our Accommodations & Support for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Workers guide, which covers best practices for family-friendly workplaces in Pennsylvania.

Example: Asking About Remote Work Options
"Hi [HR Contact/Manager's Name], I wanted to check in about our company's remote work policies for returning parents. As I transition back to work, I'd love to explore the possibility of working from home [one or two days per week] to help balance child care and work responsibilities. Could we discuss what options might be available?"

Request Lactation Accommodations

If you plan to pump at work, raise it with HR before your first day so the space and schedule are ready when you arrive.

Example: Requesting Lactation Accommodations
"Hi [HR Contact/Manager's Name], as I prepare to return, I wanted to discuss lactation accommodations. I'll need a private space to pump during the workday, and I'd love to understand our company's policies on this. Could you let me know what arrangements are available?"

Set Workload Expectations

Managing expectations about your workload before returning helps prevent stress and burnout in your first weeks back.

Example 1: Checking in on Current Projects & Priorities
"Hi [Manager's Name], as I prepare to return on [date], I'd love to reconnect on what's currently happening with the team. Could we schedule a meeting to discuss my role, priorities, and any major changes that have happened while I was on leave? I want to ensure a smooth transition back into my role."

Example 2: Advocating for a Manageable Workload
"Hi [Manager's Name], I'm looking forward to rejoining the team! As I transition back, I'd like to discuss workload expectations to ensure I can be as productive as possible while balancing the changes in my personal life. Can we go over upcoming projects and discuss priorities to make sure I can contribute effectively?"

Share Resources with Your Employer

If your employer is open to improving family-friendly policies but unsure where to start, direct them to our Employer Toolkit.

Example: Recommending Employer Resources
"Hi [Manager/HR Contact], as we discuss my return to work, I wanted to share a helpful resource from Investments in Caring PA. They offer an Employer Toolkit with best practices for supporting working parents, including flexible policies, child care solutions, and workplace accommodations. If you're interested, I'd be happy to pass along the link!"

Line Up Child Care

Securing reliable child care is the single biggest prerequisite for going back to work, and the option you choose shapes your budget, schedule, and peace of mind. Start your search early, at least a few months before your return date, so you have time to compare options and get off waitlists.

Child Care Centers & In-Home Child Care Providers

• Pros: Licensed facilities with structured schedules, socialization opportunities for your child, and trained staff.
• Cons: May have long waitlists, rigid drop-off/pick-up times, and higher costs.
• How to Find One: Use Pennsylvania's COMPASS portal to search for licensed child care providers near you.

Nannies & Family Caregivers

• Pros: One-on-one care in your home, more flexible scheduling, and reduced exposure to illness.
• Cons: Higher costs for nannies, and not all family caregivers can commit long-term.
• How to Find One: Check caregiver referral services like Care.com, ask within local parenting groups, or consider sharing a nanny with another family.

Back-Up & Emergency Child Care Options

• Pros: A reliable fallback when your regular provider is unavailable due to illness, holidays, or unforeseen circumstances.
• Cons: Availability may be limited on short notice.
• How to Find One: Some employers offer back-up care benefits. If yours does not, explore on-demand care platforms like Sittercity or local care agencies.

For Pennsylvania families, our Working Families Toolkit connects parents to child care resources, financial assistance programs, and quality child care providers.

Practice Your New Routine Before Day One

A practiced routine is the best insurance against a chaotic first week. The steps below turn your return into a series of small rehearsals instead of one overwhelming day, for you and for your baby.

1. Do a Few Trial Runs Before Your First Day Back

Practice runs work out the kinks before the real transition happens.

• Wake up on your new schedule. If you need to be out the door by 7:30 AM, start waking up at that time a week before your return.
• Practice the full daycare drop-off routine. Pack the baby's bag, drive to daycare, drop them off, and head home or to a coffee shop to simulate your workday.
• If a family member or nanny is watching your baby, do a trial care day. Leave them with the caregiver for a few hours to help both of you adjust.
• Time your commute. If you're going into an office, see how traffic patterns look at the time you'll be leaving.

2. Ensure Your Baby Is Comfortable with Feeding Changes

If your baby is exclusively breastfed, introduce a bottle ahead of time so they can eat comfortably while you're at work.

• Start introducing a bottle at least 2-3 weeks before you return. Let a caregiver or partner do the feeding so your baby gets used to taking milk from someone else.
• Test different bottle types if needed. Some babies are picky!
• If pumping at work, build a freezer stash. A backup supply of breast milk can ease your transition.
• If formula-feeding, stock up on bottles and formula supplies.

If you plan to pump at work, check your company's lactation accommodations in advance. Our guide to Accommodations & Support for Breastfeeding Workers covers how to discuss lactation needs with your employer.

3. Gather the Necessary Child Care Supplies

Depending on your child care arrangement, you may need to pack and prepare supplies for daycare, a nanny, or a family caregiver.

For Daycare: Most child care centers have required supply lists, so ask in advance. Some essentials include:

• Diapers & wipes (enough for a full day or week, depending on storage space)
• Labeled bottles & formula/breast milk (most require labeled containers)
• Extra outfits (blowouts happen!)
• Sleep sack or swaddle (if your daycare allows them)
• Comfort item (if permitted, like a small blanket or pacifier)
• Diaper cream, sunscreen, or other needed products (with permission forms if required)

Pro Tip: Use a labeling system like washable name stickers for bottles, clothing, and diaper supplies to avoid mix-ups.

For a Family Member's House or Nanny Care: If a relative or nanny is watching your baby, set up a "home away from home" with the essentials:

• A portable crib or Pack 'n Play for naps
• A changing station with diapers, wipes, and a changing pad
• Bottles & feeding supplies
• A baby monitor if needed
• A few toys, books, and play mats

Pro Tip: Having duplicates of key items (like a second set of bottles or a diaper bag stocked with essentials) makes it easier to transition between caregivers without forgetting anything.

4. Prepare the Night Before

Mornings with a baby are chaotic, so set up everything in advance to get out the door smoothly.

• Lay out your clothes and baby's outfit the night before.
• Pack the daycare bag with diapers, extra clothes, and any supplies needed for the next day.
• Prepare bottles or pump parts and store them in the fridge for easy grabbing.
• Make your lunch and prep breakfast (overnight oats or freezer breakfast sandwiches save time).
• Set up your work bag with your laptop, charger, and any necessary documents.

Pro Tip: If you're pumping at work, keep an extra set of pump parts and a cooler bag in your office or car, just in case you forget something at home.

What to Expect on Your First Day Back After Maternity Leave

Expect your first day back after maternity leave to feel emotional, a little disorganized, and lighter on productivity than a normal workday. That is normal, and it passes. The strategies below help you manage the feelings and the logistics so the day works in your favor.

Manage Emotions and Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety hits both directions on your first day back: your baby feels it, and so do you. Feeling emotional about leaving your baby is completely normal, and those feelings may linger for a while. These strategies ease the transition for both of you.

Start with Shorter Days if Possible

A gradual return helps you and your baby adjust without overwhelming either of you. If your employer allows it, consider:

• Half-days: Return for a few hours on your first day to gauge how things go. You ease back into your responsibilities without a full day away from your baby.
• Remote work: If you can work from home, split your time between office and home to maintain that connection while still getting work done. Some employers allow flexible hours, so you can start with a half day of remote work before transitioning to full-time in-office work.

Stay Connected, But Set Boundaries

Set reasonable limits on caregiver check-ins: maybe once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Constant texting or calling increases your anxiety and makes it harder to focus on your job. Trust your caregiver and know they have your baby's best interests in mind.

Bring a Comfort Item

A small picture of your baby or a memento like a blanket or a onesie they wore serves as a tangible reminder that you're still connected, even when you're apart. It can steady you during the day, especially in overwhelming moments.

Make Your First Day Smoother

The first day back often feels like juggling a million things at once. These strategies keep the workday manageable.

Arrive Early to Settle In

Arriving a bit earlier than usual gives you time to settle in, check emails, and mentally prepare before meetings and tasks begin. You get into the right mindset without feeling rushed, take a few minutes to breathe after the emotional start of the day, and address any urgent matters with time to spare.

Prioritize Essential Tasks and Avoid Overloading Your Schedule

Your first day back should not be about catching up on everything you missed. Focus on the most important tasks and ease into your workload:

• Break down tasks: Tackle one thing at a time. Starting with low-pressure tasks helps you ease back into the rhythm of work.
• Set realistic expectations: Communicate with your manager about your priorities and workload for the first week or two. They will likely help you adjust to a manageable pace.
• Delegate where possible: If you're part of a team, delegate non-urgent tasks until you're fully back up to speed.

Give Yourself Grace

The first day (or even the first week) won't be perfect, and that's okay. You may feel torn between work responsibilities and being away from your baby, and you may struggle to focus during moments of separation anxiety.

• Accept that things will take time: You're adjusting to a big change, so don't be hard on yourself if you're not operating at 100% right away.
• Ask for help when needed: Whether it's support from a colleague or a few extra days of schedule adjustments, your employer should support you through this transition.
• It's okay to feel out of balance: There will be days you feel on top of things and days you feel behind. The tough days don't mean you're failing.

As the weeks pass, you'll find your rhythm and feel more comfortable as both a working mom and a professional. Preparation, self-compassion, and a focus on balance carry you through.

Know Your Rights When Returning from Maternity Leave

Federal and Pennsylvania laws protect your job, your benefits, and your right to pump at work when you return from maternity leave. Knowing these protections helps you advocate for yourself, and it gives you solid footing if your workplace falls short.

Lactation Accommodations at Work

The federal PUMP Act requires most employers to provide reasonable break time and a private space (not a bathroom) for pumping, for up to one year after your child's birth.

• Discuss your lactation needs with HR before your return so the space and schedule are ready on day one.
• If your employer isn't aware of the law, refer them to our Accommodations & Support for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Workers guide.

Paid Leave & Workplace Policies

Your job may be protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if you and your employer qualify. Beyond that:

• Some Pennsylvania employers offer additional paid leave, so check with HR.
• If you need more time, discuss unpaid leave or part-time options before your scheduled return date.

How Employers Can Support Returning Moms

Employers play a decisive role in whether a mother's return to work succeeds. Thoughtful policies ease the transition, keep experienced employees on the team, and signal that working parents are valued. Here are the five areas where employers make the biggest difference:

• Providing flexible work options. Flexible hours, remote work options, or part-time schedules let moms balance professional responsibilities with caregiving. Flexibility reduces stress, increases job satisfaction, and helps retain valuable talent.
• Offering paid parental leave. Paid leave lets new mothers recover from childbirth and bond with their babies without financial stress, so they return more rested and focused. Read how small businesses can afford to provide paid leave.
• Supporting child care benefits. On-site child care, subsidies, or partnerships with local providers remove one of the biggest barriers to returning. Employees who aren't scrambling for care can focus on their work.
• Fostering a supportive work environment. Open communication, lactation rooms, breastfeeding breaks, and mental health support create a culture where returning mothers can succeed.
• Encouraging career development and growth. Mentorship, training, and clear pathways for advancement reassure returning moms that time away hasn't stalled their careers, and demonstrate equal opportunity regardless of parental status.

Pennsylvania employers looking to strengthen their policies can start with our Employer Toolkit, or get personalized guidance through our Consulting Services.

FAQ: Common Questions About Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

How do I get back to work after having a baby?

Getting back to work after having a baby starts with two conversations: confirm your return date and any flexible arrangements with your employer, and secure reliable child care. From there, practice your new routine with trial runs, organize your baby's supplies, and prepare yourself mentally for the transition. Take it one step at a time.

Do you have to return to work after maternity leave?

No law requires you to return to work after maternity leave. Keep in mind that if you took FMLA leave and choose not to return, your employer may be entitled to recover the health insurance premiums it paid during your leave. Review your benefits and any employment agreements before making a final decision.

Can you quit your job after maternity leave?

Yes, you can quit your job after maternity leave, but review your employment contract first. Some companies require a notice period or repayment of benefits if you leave right away. Check company policies before making any decisions.

Should I go back to work after maternity leave?

Whether to go back to work after maternity leave is a personal decision based on financial, career, and family priorities. Weigh your family's needs, your job goals, and whether returning is the best option right now. It's okay to reassess your choice as circumstances change.

Can I go back to work 2 weeks after having a baby?

You can legally return to work two weeks after having a baby if you choose to and your doctor clears you, but most providers recommend at least six weeks of recovery after a vaginal birth and eight weeks after a cesarean. If finances are driving an early return, ask HR about short-term disability, paid leave, or phased-return options before committing.

What questions should I ask when returning from maternity leave?

When returning from maternity leave, ask about flexible work schedules, pumping accommodations, and support for easing back into your role. It also helps to ask about professional development opportunities if you've been out for an extended period.

What percent of mothers return to work?

Around 75-80% of mothers return to work within a year after childbirth, with many opting for part-time or flexible schedules. The decision depends on personal, financial, and caregiving factors.

How do I prepare for my first day back after maternity leave?

Prepare for your first day back after maternity leave by doing a trial run of your routine, packing bags the night before, and giving yourself extra time in the mornings. Set realistic expectations for the day and be kind to yourself. It's a big transition.

Can I request a flexible schedule when returning from maternity leave?

Yes, you can request a flexible schedule when returning from maternity leave, and many employers offer options like adjusted hours or remote work. Discuss your needs with your employer before your return date to set the arrangement up in advance.

What are my rights for breastfeeding at work?

Federal law requires most employers to provide reasonable break times and a private space (other than a bathroom) for breastfeeding or pumping, for up to a year after birth. Check with your employer to understand the accommodations available to you.

How do I manage separation anxiety when going back to work after maternity leave?

Manage separation anxiety by easing into the transition gradually: start with shorter days if possible, set a check-in routine with your baby's caregiver, and bring a comfort item like a photo to work. Remind yourself that your baby is well cared for, and expect the feelings to fade as the routine settles.

Where can I find child care resources in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania parents can find child care resources through our Working Families Toolkit, which covers finding quality child care, local provider options, and financial assistance programs and subsidies to help with costs.

Final Thoughts for a Successful Transition

Returning to work after maternity leave is a big change, but you don't have to navigate it alone. With the right planning, support, and workplace policies, you can transition back while balancing work and family life. Many working parents face these same challenges, and employers who prioritize family-friendly policies, accessible child care, and workplace accommodations make a world of difference in how smoothly it goes.

If you're a Pennsylvania working parent, our Working Families Toolkit connects you to child care resources, workplace accommodation guidance, and financial assistance. And if your employer wants to do better by working parents, point them to the Employer Toolkit. Your journey back is unique, and it's okay to take it one step at a time. You've got this.

Explore the Working Families Toolkit