5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

If you’re navigating maternity leave and gearing up for your return to work, I’ve got some wisdom to share. Looking back, there are a few things I wish someone had told me during that delicate, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming time. So, let’s dive in!

Here are five tips that will set you up for success before heading back to work.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

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1. Focus on Establishing a Strong Breastfeeding Routine

Breastfeeding and pumping are completely different skill sets. Trying to figure out both at the same time can feel like juggling while riding a unicycle—it’s just a lot.

If breastfeeding is important to you, spend the early weeks focusing on getting it right. Work with a lactation consultant, take a breastfeeding course (I have one linked below), and make sure your latch is solid and baby is gaining weight well.

Adding a pump into the mix too early can complicate things unnecessarily. Unless you need to pump for medical reasons, give yourself time to master breastfeeding first.

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2. Build a Personal and Professional Support Network

Breastfeeding might feel like a solo journey, but trust me—it takes a village. Make sure the people around you know how important this is to you.

Start with your partner. Have open conversations about why breastfeeding matters to you and how they can support your goals. Then expand your network:

• Connect with other moms: Are there other breastfeeding working moms in your circle?
  
• Find professional support: Know where to find local lactation consultants or experts specializing in pumping.

If you’re looking for step-by-step guidance from someone who gets it, check out my Pumping for Working Moms program. It’s designed to help you pump fast, efficiently, and with confidence.

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3. Practice Pumping and Storing Milk

Maternity leave is the perfect time to get familiar with your pump. Experiment in a low-pressure environment, figure out your flange size, and start storing milk.

But remember, pumping at home and at work can be very different experiences. At home, you’re relaxed, you’re with your baby—it’s a breeze. At work? Not so much. This is why practicing and building a stash now can help ease the transition.

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4. Introduce Bottle Feeding Early (But Not Too Early)

You’ll need to bottle-feed your baby when you return to work, so maternity leave is a great time to practice. Timing is everything, though.

Introducing a bottle too soon can cause flow preference issues (less about “nipple confusion” and more about how milk flows). Waiting too long? That can make introducing a bottle much harder.

Start after breastfeeding is well-established and be intentional. Use paced bottle feeding to make the transition smoother for both you and baby.

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5. Plan for Your Return to Work

Even if you’re months away, it’s never too early to start thinking about your return to work. First-time moms, especially, can feel overwhelmed by the unknown.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Workplace accommodations: Talk to your employer about pumping breaks and private spaces.
  
• Mental preparation: Pumping alarms can be super frustrating when you’re in the middle of a task. Plan for those interruptions, and give yourself grace to navigate the mental shift between work and pumping.
  
• Efficiency: You’ll have to do the same amount of work in less time because of pumping breaks. It’s a lot, but you’ll get into a rhythm.”
  
  

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A Quick Note on Self-Care

Let’s be real—maternity leave isn’t just about taking care of your baby. You’re healing from birth, adjusting to a new routine, and managing all the emotions that come with this phase.

Here’s a gentle reminder: Eat. Drink water. Rest when you can. I’ve seen so many moms push themselves to the limit, only to realize it’s 2 p.m., and they haven’t eaten yet. Take care of yourself—you deserve it, and your baby needs you healthy.

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If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to make this transition easier, check out our Pumping for Working Moms Program. Together, we’ll figure this out!

Enjoy this special time, and good luck on your maternity leave. You’ve got this!

Happy pumping!