My Working Mom’s Guide to Maternity Leave
Hi hi! Whether you’re a few weeks away from meeting your baby or just beginning to imagine your leave, taking time to really plan out your maternity leave can make all the difference—for you and your team.
I know how overwhelming it can feel to sort through work logistics when your brain is already full of baby prep. That’s why I created a real-life maternity leave checklist designed specifically for working moms navigating both career and motherhood. You can grab the full checklist here, but here’s a peek at what we cover and how to make it your own.
🗓️ 1. Map Out Your Timeline
Start by looking at the big picture. Ask yourself:
What’s my ideal start date for leave?
How much paid and unpaid time do I have access to?
When do I want to return, even tentatively?
Check in with your HR department for any forms you’ll need, especially if you're using short-term disability or updating insurance (pregnancy counts as a qualifying life event).
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. If you want support mapping out your leave step-by-step, book a 1:1 maternity leave planning session with me.
🧠 2. Prep Your Work Handoff
The smoother your handoff, the easier your transition out (and back in) will be. Start with:
A clear list of your key responsibilities
Who will cover what
A simple handoff document with project updates, logins, and deadlines
✨ Pro tip: I made a Fillable Maternity Leave Template you can use to plug in all this info and hand it off with ease. Grab it here! (Don’t forget to make a copy so you can customize it to your own position.)
Before you go, schedule a brief check-in with your manager or team to clarify how things will flow in your absence—and even better, a return-to-work touchpoint to look forward to.
🏡 3. Set Up Support at Home
Postpartum is equal parts unique, real, magical, challenging and precious. Take some time now to set yourself up with comfort and care:
Line up your support team (partner, family, doula, friends)
Stock your house with postpartum essentials (download my checklist here)
Prep or buy freezer meals
Make a cozy self-care corner: water bottle, snacks, hair ties, lotion
I also recommend bookmarking 1–2 local or virtual support options—like lactation counselors or postpartum groups. Need help finding them? I have a list right here on my site.
💬 4. Communicate With Confidence
Whether you’re announcing your leave to clients or setting up your out-of-office autoresponder, clear and kind communication sets a peaceful tone.
Consider:
Who (if anyone) can reach you while you’re on leave
How and when you’ll share baby updates (if at all)
What boundaries you need in place for rest
❤️ 5. Care for Your Mind & Body
This season isn’t just about logistics. It’s about the deep transformation of becoming a mother. Make space for:
Gentle prenatal movement or yoga
Childbirth education classes
Intention-setting practices
You don’t need a perfect plan—but creating a loose rhythm for your early postpartum days can help you feel more grounded.
💗 Want Help Making a Plan You Actually Feel Good About?
Let’s create it together. In just 90 minutes, we’ll map out a leave plan that feels like a good fit for your career, your baby, and you. Book your 1:1 maternity leave planning call here.
You deserve a leave that feels supportive—not stressful. And your team? They’ll thank you for setting them up for success, too.
✨ Grab the full Working Mom’s Maternity Leave Checklist here and start building your plan today.
