Mum Life: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

Mum Life: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

Transitioning back to work after maternity leave often comes with a rollercoaster of emotions for many new mums. After being out of the office for many weeks or months, you often can return as a completely different person with brand new set of priorities but also concerns. This can be especially challenging and often overwhelming. While every mum is different, and there’s no easy fix or perfect ‘return to work’ method, there are many tips and techniques that can have you and your new baby prepared for the new adventure that awaits you both.

Back to work after maternity leave: Zana's experience

Our Digital Marketing Manager, Zâna, shares her own story below. She also includes some tips on navigating your return to work after maternity leave. 

maternity leave maternity leave

Tell us a bit about yourself and the work you do at Merci Maman. 

I’m the Digital Marketing Manager at Merci Maman, and I’m responsible for crafting meaningful paid campaigns to promote our gorgeous personalised jewellery to mums all over the world. I have a 1-year-old boy named Mathias, I’m passionate about jewellery, fashion and travel. 

How was your maternity leave? What was the best part of it? And the worst? 

Motherhood is always a bit of a rollercoaster, some days are filled with the most amazing and joyful moments, whilst others can be very challenging. The best part was getting to know Mathias and see him grow little by little into this gorgeous, smiley, curious 1 year old boy. It’s just the most incredible experience and I cannot wait for the years to come! 

I wouldn’t call it the worst, but I found those first few months after giving birth the most difficult ones because of the lack of sleep. Some days you’re having to take care of yourself and this very tiny human being on 3-4 hours of sleep and it really takes its toll on you physically and mentally. 

Was it easy to get back to work afterwards? 

Being able to work flexi time has been fantastic, so lucky to be able to do this, so I found it quite easy to get back to work. I love working at Merci Maman and I’m so passionate about everything that I do so I found it refreshing to be able to get back into it. 

What was the most useful piece of advice you have ever received on motherhood? 

‘You have to take care of yourself first to be able to care of the baby’. Make sure you get enough sleep, look after your mental health, eat well, exercise, go out, find time for your passions. Charge your batteries so you’ll find enough resources to give back.  

What advice would you give to new mothers that are coming back to work after maternity leave? 

If you are able to, I would suggest going back gradually. Work part time for a few weeks/months first. It’s a much smoother transition for yourself and the baby. Also, allow yourself to feel all the mixed feelings of being happy to be able to work and feel sad and guilty for leaving the baby at home or at nursery. It’s all normal. 

We hope you enjoyed this interview and, as usual, you are welcome to share your story with us on social media. You might also like our article on how to overcome separation anxiety. Happy back to work!

Useful Links

https://hbr.org/2019/08/how-to-return-to-work-after-taking-parental-leave