You’ve survived sleepless nights, cracked nipples, endless nappy changes, and possibly a few identity crises along the way. And just when you start to find your rhythm with your little one, it’s time to return to work. But here’s the thing, no one really prepares you for this part.
Returning to work after having a baby is a huge transition - physically, emotionally, and mentally. While some parts might go smoother than expected, others can knock you sideways. So let’s talk about it, the things no one tells you, but you deserve to know.
You might feel like a stranger in your own workplace
Whether you've been away for three months or a year, your workplace might feel unfamiliar. Systems have changed. Teams might look different. And while colleagues are often kind, you may feel like you’re playing catch-up on things that once came naturally.
You’re not imagining it. You're not failing. You’ve just been living in a completely different world for a while, and that world has required superhuman skills. Give yourself grace. You will find your flow again.
You’ll have mixed feelings (and that’s normal)
Some days, you might feel relief to have adult conversation and drink a hot cup of tea in peace. Other days, you’ll count down the seconds until you can get home and breathe in your baby’s smell.
The guilt, joy, sadness, pride, and anxiety can all swirl together. It doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you care deeply about your child and your work. Holding two identities at once is tough, but also incredibly powerful.
“Baby Brain” doesn’t magically disappear
You might still forget words in meetings. You might double-book appointments or feel like your brain has to work twice as hard to keep up. That’s not incompetence, it’s the cognitive load of working and mothering.
You’ve probably memorised nap schedules, feeding preferences, the location of every baby wipe in your house, and 57 verses of "Twinkle Twinkle." Your brain is doing a lot. Be kind to it.
The logistics are wild
Childcare drop-offs, pumping at work, sorting out sick day plans, remembering to pack a change of clothes (for both baby and you)... It’s a logistical minefield.
Sometimes the logistics are harder than the work itself. Eventually, you’ll find your rhythm. But at the beginning, just know that the stress you’re feeling is not a sign that you can’t do it, it’s a sign that you’re doing more than most people will ever see.
You’ll discover a new version of yourself
You might not return to work exactly the same person. Your values might shift. Your tolerance for nonsense might shrink. You may become more focused, more efficient, or even start dreaming of a totally different career path.
That’s okay. Motherhood changes you, and you're allowed to change your goals, too. Give yourself permission to evolve.
You’re not alone
So many mums have sat in their cars crying before walking into the office. So many have texted their partner at 10am asking, “Was this a mistake?” and then felt proud of themselves by 4pm. So many have pumped milk in a toilet cubicle or done a presentation on three hours of sleep.
You are not alone in this. Talk to other working parents. Lean on support where you can find it. You’re not just “returning to work”, you’re learning to navigate a whole new chapter.
A final word
Returning to work doesn’t mean leaving behind the mum you’ve become. It means bringing her with you - stronger, wiser, and maybe a little sleep-deprived, but more capable than you know.
Whether you're loving it, struggling with it, or still finding your feet, you're doing something incredible. Be gentle with yourself, and don’t forget to celebrate the small wins. They count, too.