04/16/2026
Going back to work after mat leave can be one of the hardest transitions after having a baby.
There are the visible logistics…sleep, pumping, childcare, calendars. And then there are the invisible layers…the guilt, the grief, the mental load, the constant recalibrating.
You can love your work and miss your baby
You can not love your work and know that it’s needed for your family
You can feel ready and not ready at the same time
You can be grateful for your role at work and still grieve what’s changing
Nothing about this transition is always linear or clean
If you’re in it, here are a few tips:
Name the parts, not just the problem. Instead of “what’s wrong with me?” try “a part of me feels pulled in two directions right now.” This creates space instead of pressure.
Lower the bar on “figuring it out.” You don’t need a perfect system, you need something that works well enough for right now. (Soooo hard for us Type A folks and when so much is changing it’s easy to lean into the need for control or perfection!)
Make the invisible load visible. Have ongoing, specific conversations with your partner about tasks, not just “help”
Clarity reduces resentment.
Build in small moments of connection. A 5-minute cuddle before leaving. A consistent reunion ritual.
Support your nervous system, not just your schedule. Transitions are regulating when they’re predictable. Simple things like a consistent morning flow or grounding breath before work or a margin in the car before you walk into your home can help your body adjust.
Expect repair to be part of the rhythm. There will be rushed goodbyes, missed cues, hard days. Oof…I know it can be hard. If you’re needing extra support during this transition, this is actually one of our specialities! You can learn more about therapy practice at the link in bio 🤍
