What To Do When You Get Back From Maternity Leave

A colleague at work just returned from maternity leave and it got me reminiscing of that of that whirlwind time as a new mom. Leaving your life of sweatpants and spit up and diving back headfirst into the deep end of corporate life (all while still caring for a tiny human being that is 100% dependent on you). It’s a tough time.

However, there are some things that you can do once you get back to work to make the transition back from maternity leave a little easier.

Also, check out this post around things to do before you head back from maternity leave.

Meet With Your Manager

Schedule some time with your manager to catch up the first few days back from maternity leave. In this meeting you should accomplish a couple things:

Outstanding Items: are there any outstanding items that you need to take care of right away? Does the team need anything from you right away?
Priorities: Have the priorities changed since you have been out on maternity leave? What is the “hot topic” right now? What are the pressing priorities. You would be surprised how fast things can change. Asking explicitly can help you save time in trying to decipher this on your own.
Expectations: You will want to capture your manager’s expectations as you transition back. Many times, you expect more of yourself than they do so make sure that you ask them. What is important for you to accomplish right away? Set SMART goals so you are both on the same page.Save some potential anxiety and get on the same page.
Discuss Your Needs: In addition to asking what your boss needs from you, this meeting should also serve as a way for you to share your needs with them. Will you need any accommodations for pumping or schedule adjustments? This is a great time to discuss these items upfront.

Pumping Logistics

One of the very first things that you can do when you get back from maternity leave is to make your arrangements for pumping. Block out pumping times on your calendar so other’s don’t schedule meetings during this time. Schedule time in the mother’s room if necessary. If you don’t have access to a mother’s room, find a safe and quiet place for you to pump and make sure you have adequate access to this space.

Also, make sure that your manager and coworkers are aware of your pumping times and needs (and let them know that you may need to change them as you adjust back). And remember, a lot of people don’t understanding pumping. I had a mother of three (so I assumed she knew how pumping worked) actually walk in while I was pumping. Moral of the story is don’t assume anyone knows what you expect of them. If you don’t want them walking in on you, let them know when you will be pumping and ask them to not walk in without your overt permission to avoid any awkward encounters.

Bring in a Treat

This is not necessary by any means and may be controversial, but it may be a good idea to bring in some treats or do something nice for your coworkers/boss. This is especially true if they have picked up your work while you were out, helped you with the transition in and out, and are making continued accommodations if you are pumping.

You certainly do not owe them, but it shows that you appreciate the support they provided while you were on leave and will continue to provide as you transition back. Not that you are intending to butter them up, but it certainly doesn’t hurt 🙂

Delete Your Emails

Seriously, delete all of them. Chances are that 99% of the emails sitting in your mailbox are either obsolete, have already been handled in your absence, or are things you don’t need to know. Delete them all in one fell swoop.

Instead of combing through 1000+ (at least) emails, just send out a mass email to anyone that you work with to just follow up with you if there is anything they still need from you.

Not only is this approach much more efficient and will save you hours, but it will save you from unnecessary anxiety and frees up much needed mental capacity (and you need all the help you can get with mommy brain).

Meet One on One with Coworkers

The whole notion of staying out of your mailbox stays strong here. Instead of emailing someone for an update, give them a quick call or meet with them face to face. So much information is lost in emails. Meeting with someone in person allows you to gain much needed context.

Plus, it is way more efficient. It’s a matter of having a 10 minute conversation versus an email chain with 13 messages that you have to decipher and try to read between the lines.

Schedule Some “Me” Time

The silver lining of coming back to work after maternity leave is that you have the opportunity for some “me” time. Take advantage of this. Even if it is just a quick walk around the block or grabbing coffee with a coworker, do something nice for yourself.

Don’t feel guilty about it. Taking care of yourself is essential for you being the best mother and employee that you can be. Consider it personal development time 🙂