Let’s be honest – returning to work after maternity leave can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. For many women, it’s a delicate dance between excitement and dread, joy and guilt, pride and uncertainty. One moment, you’re ready to jump back into your career. The next, you’re wondering how you’ll manage to juggle everything. If you’re feeling anxious, conflicted, or just overwhelmed by the thought of it all, know that you’re far from alone.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
First things first, it’s completely normal to feel a range of emotions – and often at the same time! You’ve spent weeks or months nurturing a tiny human and building a new routine at home. Now, suddenly, you’re stepping back into a world of deadlines, emails, and meetings. It’s a big transition.
Some of the most common emotions women feel when returning to work include:
• Guilt: For most, the guilt is the hardest part. Leaving your baby in someone else’s care or feeling like you’re not giving 100% at work can be tough. The ‘Am I doing enough?’ question is hard to shake.
• Anxiety: How will you handle the logistics? The long list of tasks that come with being a working mum – finding childcare, balancing work hours, and still managing time for your family – can feel overwhelming.
• Relief and excitement: On the flip side, it’s okay to feel a sense of relief or excitement too. Many mums find themselves eager to regain a part of their identity before they had a baby, to have adult conversations, or just to drink a cup of coffee while it’s still hot.
It’s all valid, and you don’t have to choose one emotion over another. It’s perfectly normal to feel thrilled to be back at work and heartbroken to leave your baby at childcare.
Finding Your New Normal
Finding a balance between career and motherhood is one of the trickiest parts of returning to work after maternity leave. Knowing your options for leave or a phased return can help. If you’re curious about your parental leave entitlements in Malta, the official guide to parental leave is a helpful place to start.
Here are some tips to help make that transition smoother:
1. Ease into your routine
If possible, consider starting back part-time, working from home a few days a week, or even planning a phased return to work. This allows you and your baby to adjust gradually rather than jumping in all at once. It also gives you some breathing room to determine what works best for you.
2. Build a support network
Surround yourself with people who get it. Whether it’s fellow working mums at the office, a close friend, or a community of supportive parents, having someone to vent to (or swap survival tips with) can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from family, friends, or colleagues. Sharing the load is a sign of strength, not weakness.
3. Set realistic expectations
This one is key! You don’t have to be the “perfect” employee or the “perfect” mum (spoiler: neither actually exist!). Give yourself permission to not do it all. Some days, your work will take priority; on others, your baby will need extra cuddles – and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself and understand that finding balance is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix.
4. Communicate at work
When you return, don’t be afraid to discuss what you need openly with your employer or manager. Maybe that’s flexible hours, the option to work from home, or an understanding that you’ll need some extra time to settle in. Many workplaces are increasingly aware of the challenges working mums face, and you might find they’re more accommodating than you expect.
5. Self-care is not a luxury
It might feel impossible to fit in time for yourself, but self-care is essential. Whether it’s five minutes of quiet in the morning, a weekly walk, or a quick coffee with a friend, nurturing yourself helps you show up better both at work and home. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Managing the Guilt
One of the toughest parts of going back to work is the guilt that creeps in, especially when you’re leaving your baby in someone else’s care. But guilt doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It’s simply a sign that you care deeply about being the best mum you can be.
Instead of focusing on what you’re missing, try reframing the situation: returning to work can actually have positive effects on both you and your baby. You’re showing your child what it means to pursue your passions, to contribute to the world, and to take care of yourself. Studies have shown that children of working parents often grow up with strong role models, learning the value of independence, resilience, and hard work.
Also, don’t forget that quality time matters more than quantity. Even if your hours with your baby are a bit fewer, you can still create loving, meaningful moments together – whether it’s reading a bedtime story, cuddling in the morning, or singing their favourite nursery rhymes after work.
Give Yourself Grace
Above all, be gentle with yourself during this transition. It’s entirely normal for the first few weeks (or months!) to feel chaotic. There might be days when you nail the work-mum balance and others when everything seems to fall apart – and that’s okay. Give yourself grace, allow space for all the emotions, and know that with time, it will get easier.
You’ve Got This
It might feel daunting now, but remember, you’ve already done something incredible – you brought a life into this world! That strength, resilience, and love will also carry you through returning to work after maternity leave. Allow yourself to feel the mix of emotions, but trust yourself and the process. Little by little, you’ll find your groove again.
So, as you prepare for this next chapter, take a deep breath, trust that you’re doing your best, and know you’re not alone in this. You’re a wonderful mum and a strong woman – and no matter how tricky the balance feels, you’ve got this!
