Surviving the Emotional Circus of Going Back to Work After Maternity Leave

Returning to work after maternity leave is like stepping onto an emotional seesaw you didn’t see coming. One minute you’re thrilled at the thought of hot coffee and adult conversation, the next you’re ugly crying because your baby smiled slightly differently this morning and you’re convinced you’ll miss their entire childhood. Spoiler: you won’t—but it feels like you might.

Let’s break down the chaotic, hilarious, and heart-wrenching rollercoaster of emotions that comes with this next chapter—and how to survive it without losing your mind.

1. Excitement: Finally, You’re More Than “Mum!”

Ah, the sweet siren call of adult life: workwear without a muslin draped over your shoulder, meetings where no one sings “Baby Shark” (you hope) and conversations that don’t involve what’s in this nappy? For some mums, the return to work feels like a triumphant reclaiming of their pre-baby identity. You’re not just Mum—you’re a boss (literally or metaphorically), a creative, or maybe just someone who wants five minutes without a child hanging off her leg.

Cue the guilt. How dare you enjoy yourself? Aren’t you supposed to be weeping into your lunch right now?

Tell that guilt to take a hike. You can love your kid and love your job. A happy, fulfilled you equals a happy, thriving family. Plus, you’re setting a killer example of what it looks like to follow your passions.

2. Guilt: The “What Kind of Mum Am I?” Spiral

Speaking of guilt—oh, hi, it’s here, unpacking its bags and settling in for the long haul. Guilt over missing milestones. Guilt over enjoying your work. Guilt over not enjoying your work enough. Guilt because your mum group friend “Jenna” is staying home, and why can’t you be more like Jenna?

Let’s get real: Jenna cries into her cold coffee some mornings too.

Guilt happens because you care. Channel it into something positive, like making your work breaks sacred FaceTime moments, or reminding yourself that you’re providing for your family in more ways than one. And when guilt gets too loud? Drown it out with chocolate. Or wine. Or both.

3. Relief: Wait, Is It Okay to Enjoy This?

Here’s the plot twist no one prepares you for: the sheer relief of being back at work. Suddenly, you’re getting paid to sit down, use your brain, and finish a sentence without someone yelling “Muuuuuummmmmy!” It’s like a mini spa day—except, you know, with spreadsheets instead of facials.

Then, of course, the guilt strikes again. Are you a monster for liking this break from endless snack fetching? (Spoiler: You’re not.)

Own it. Work is your “me time,” and that’s okay. The 24/7 demands of motherhood are hard. You’re allowed to enjoy a few hours away—and your sanity will thank you for it.

4. Fear: Am I Screwing This Up?

Returning to work also comes with a truckload of doubts. Can I still do my job? Will my boss understand I’m basically a human version of a sleep-deprived zombie? And how on earth am I supposed to balance work deadlines and daycare pickups?

Spoiler: No one has it perfectly balanced. Not even “Jenna.”

Start small and give yourself grace. You just grew a human—you can handle a few emails and a meeting. Lean on supportive colleagues, friends, or anyone willing to remind you that you’re not actually failing, you’re just figuring it out.

5. Joy: Who Knew You Could Do This?

Somewhere between the chaos and the coffee refills, you’ll have moments of pure pride. Maybe it’s nailing a big project or realising you’re somehow managing to juggle both worlds without completely falling apart. (Okay, maybe you’re slightly falling apart, but who isn’t?)

You’ll also notice something cool: motherhood has made you stronger, more patient, and a master multitasker. That time you changed a nappy mid-meltdown while cooking pasta? Now you’re handling office crises like a pro.

Celebrate your wins—big or small. Surviving the first week back? Win. Getting through a meeting without milk stains? Huge win. Every victory counts, even if it’s just making it to Friday in one piece.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It

Going back to work after maternity leave is hard. You’ll laugh, cry, and wonder if you’re doing it all wrong. Newsflash: you’re not. You’re figuring it out one messy, beautiful day at a time.

Remember: you’re not “leaving behind” motherhood—you’re showing your child what resilience and ambition look like. So take a deep breath, pack the nappy bag and the laptop, and know this: you’re doing an amazing job.

Now go crush that workday… and maybe treat yourself to some celebratory chocolate on the way home. You’ve earned it.