By: Maura Koelsch (Ambassador 2025) 

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most transformative experiences. It shifts priorities, redefines identity, and adds new layers of responsibility. Juggling career aspirations with the demands of raising children requires a reevaluation of what success and productivity look like, at home and in the workplace. I knew I wasn’t fit to stay at home full time, so finding the right balance of being present at home while still fulfilling my work goals was really important to me as I headed back to work. 

When I returned to work after my maternity leave there were so many emotions. Was I doing the right thing leaving my daughter? Will I be held back from promotions now that I’m a mom? I leaned on mentors and fellow mom friends for advice on how to handle this transition and here are the five things I implemented to help find balance and a new normal. 

1. Acknowledge the Emotional Rollercoaster

Those first few days back to work after maternity leave feel like your heart is outside of your chest. Although I cried countless times my first week back, the post work snuggles were so rewarding. My time with my kiddo was even more valuable than I ever realized. As a mom that works outside the home, the decision to leave your child with a daycare provider for the majority of the week isn’t done lightly. Choosing the center that felt best for our family has made a huge impact. I see the way the teachers love and care for my daughter. She always has the best time and has made so many friends. There is no perfect way to parent. However, acknowledging how hard the decision is, leaning into those emotions, and having confidence that you’ve made the right decision will help as you re-enter the workplace. 

2. Re-establishing a Routine

As you prepare to head back to work, have discussions with your partner around morning and evening routines. My husband and I discussed daycare drop-off and pick-up shifts based on our work weeks, taking into consideration the load each parent would carry. 

Before giving birth, working out was also a big part of my routine, so after my daughter entered the world, I was desperate to get back to working out in some capacity. I started using my lunch break for workouts instead of mornings or evenings, which let me focus on family time when I was not working. It will take time to get back into a flow that works, but establishing goals and dividing workload makes it easier to tackle going back to work. 

3. Set Boundaries 

Transitioning back to the office, I knew setting the expectation that I would not respond to emails past 5pm would be a big adjustment. I used to be a “workaholic,” always check emails/Slack in bed at night. When I was in the office, I spent countless hours scrolling on my phone or putting off tasks if I wasn’t busy. Since having a child, my work productivity output has significantly increased. Now, when I’m working, I put my phone on do not disturb, write out my to-do list every day, and allow myself breaks once I tackle a certain number of to-dos. Some days are easier than others, but that’s also life. However, setting those boundaries has helped me be more productive during the day so I feel better about turning my ‘work brain’ off at night to be fully present with my family. 

4. Over-Communicate with Your Boss/Employer 

I was very straightforward with my boss around my new boundaries. We adjusted my work hours to 9am-4pm so I could drop-off and pick-up my daughter from daycare. I found that setting clear expectations at the beginning helped avoid miscommunication early on. 

If you plan to breastfeed, communicate a designated pumping location and the time. I found it was also helpful to block my calendar when breastfeeding so I wasn’t added to meetings. Know that you are legally allowed to do this at work so you should (hopefully) not get any pushback. 

5. Have a Strong Support System 

The transition back to work is hard, so where possible, lean on your partner, friends and family. This is also an opportunity to connect with coworkers that are parents to get insight and tips on how they handled the transition and continue to handle it even if their children are older. Being able to lean on your village makes this smoother and makes you feel less alone. 

Lastly, acknowledge every milestone when you get back to work. Whether it’s a first meeting you run while back, a successful work pump session, or just surviving the first week, any milestone should be celebrated and acknowledged. Focus on progress not perfection. You got this!