Tips for Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

Returning to work after maternity leave is a huge transition, and something I did just a month ago. It can bring a mix of emotions from excitement to anxiety and everything in between. For a lot of people balancing the demands of a baby with work can feel overwhelming at first. But with some preparation and support you can make it more manageable.

As I mentioned I’ve been back at work almost a month and I love it. Although I miss her, I know Scarlett’s having fun and well cared for while she’s not with me. And it makes the time we do have together more precious. But I’m loving using a different part of my brain again.

Here are some tips to ease you back into work after maternity leave, mainly from things I did myself.

Plan your advance in return

You’ll have a date for returning to work set out before you even go on leave, but start thinking about your return as early as possible. Speak to your manager about your plans and any flexibility you want to apply for.

UK law allows you to request flexible working arrangements, so don’t hesitate to discuss options like part-time hours or remote working.

I know from early on that I wanted to apply to do condensed hours, so full time 37.5 hours over four days to allow me to have Friday’s off. I put in the application months before I returned to give plenty of time for discussions, HR approval, contract changes etc.

Organise childcare early

You’ll probably have an idea on childcare before planning your return but it’s so important. Knowing you have reliable childcare is key to a stress-free return. Whether it’s a childminder, nursery, or family support, arrange your childcare well in advance to avoid last-minute worries.

If you’re able to start your childcare routine before you go back to work. This means it will be less overwhelming for you and baby. Scarlett started her two days at nursery a month before I went back so it gave her time to settle and allowed me the flexibility to collect her early if I needed to without worrying about work.

She also started her day at my mum’s a few months before I went back. Some days I did KIT days, other times it gave me some time to run errands.

This isn’t always possible but spreading out the changes will really help.

Take advantage of KIT days

If you’re employed then you can usually work up to 10 days during leave as a keeping in touch (KIT) day. Usually you can use them however you want, but it’s a discussion you should have with your manager before you go on leave.

I worked eight or nine KIT days over my leave starting with my first one in September 2025 (maternity leave started at the end of May) right up until the week before I came back. And I found them invaluable. They allowed me to get updates from my manager and the team on people changes, big projects coming in, and it gave me time to do some admin (emails/ training etc).

Set realistic expectations

Understand that it may take time to adjust to the new routine. Be kind to yourself and set achievable goals for your workload.

Any good manager will know that you’ll need some space and time to ease back in. And they should provide support to allow for this.

Establish a routine

Creating a consistent routine helps both you and your baby settle into the new pattern. Plan your mornings, work hours, and evenings to balance parenting and work responsibilities efficiently.

This is why I found starting childcare before I went back so handy as me and Scarlett could both start getting into routines.  This was as much for me as it meant setting alarms and a morning routine.

Communicate openly

Lean on your support network — partner, family, friends, and fellow parents. Sharing your experiences and getting advice can make a huge difference.

But also communicate openly with your employer. If you’re struggling or need adjustments, talk to your employer . Many companies will offer resources like flexible work or phased returns. And you can apply for flexible working anytime, it doesn’t just have to be before you return from leave.

Be kind to yourself

Balancing work and a new baby can be exhausting, especially if they’re still waking up in the night. Make sure to take time for yourself to rest, eat well, and recharge to maintain your physical and mental health.

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions — guilt, sadness, or relief. If you find it overwhelming, consider talking to a counsellor or joining a support group.

Returning to work is a huge milestone

Make sure you celebrate your progress as every step you take is an achievement.

Returning to work after maternity leave is a big adjustment, but you can make it a positive and successful experience. Remember, you’re not alone — many parents in the UK have navigated this journey, and there’s plenty of help available.