Thriving After Maternity Leave: Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Growth by Laura Moniz de Aragão

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel like stepping onto a tightrope—balancing the demands of professional life while navigating the needs of a growing family.

For many, this period is marked by a series of adjustments, triumphs, and challenges, often characterised as the juggle and struggle of wearing multiple hats. The phrase “wearing multiple hats” takes on a whole new meaning after maternity leave. You may find yourself juggling the school drop-off for one child, managing the inevitable bouts of nursery sickness, before answering work emails the next, switching effortlessly (or not so effortlessly) between baby talk and professional calls. The juggle is real—often messy, sometimes overwhelming, and, at times, deeply satisfying. You’re doing your best to keep all the balls in the air: getting to nursery on time, catching up on your inbox, making sure dinner is ready, and perhaps even finding a moment to breathe in between.

This dual responsibility often leaves many parents feeling like they’re underperforming in one or both areas—a feeling compounded by societal expectations and personal ambitions. Yet, this struggle fosters resilience. It teaches the art of compartmentalisation: focusing on the present moment whether you’re nurturing your child or navigating a work challenge. It also cultivates a new kind of efficiency—squeezing the most out of every available hour.

In this swirl of responsibilities, three mindsets have become my saving grace—perspective, patience, and prioritisation.

Perspective has come to me slowly, but powerfully. This time, I opted to take the maximum 12 months of maternity leave, knowing that in my later years, I would remember those treasured moments over an earlier return to work. Motherhood has a way of reshaping your outlook on life. What used to feel like a crisis at work may now seem more like a solvable puzzle. The perspective I’ve gained has helped me see the bigger picture, reducing the stress that used to accompany the little things—like a typo in a report or a missed deadline. It’s taught me to focus my energy where it really matters, and to let go of perfectionism that no longer serves me. My child’s laughter, their first steps, and those quiet moments before bed have become reminders that the things that once felt insurmountable are, in reality, just small moments in a bigger journey.

Then there is patience. The patience that motherhood demands is unlike anything I had encountered in the office. Toddler tantrums, middle of the next wake-ups, and the feeling of always running late trying to get two kids to get out of the house have tested my patience beyond measure—and in turn, have made me a more composed version of myself. This newfound patience has proven invaluable in my work life as well—with colleagues, clients, and projects that don’t always go as planned. It has allowed me to slow down and approach problems more calmly, without immediately jumping to conclusions or letting frustration cloud my thinking. It’s also important to be patient with yourself when returning to work, remembering that it’s a muscle you need to build up again.

And finally, there’s prioritisation. Time has become my most precious resource, and learning to prioritise has helped me navigate the dual worlds of work and home. Not everything can be important. I’ve learned to focus on what truly matters and to set boundaries that protect both my work quality and my family time. Being able to distinguish between urgent and important tasks is a skill that I’ve honed, and it has led to better balance and a sense of control over my day—even if that sense is sometimes fleeting.

Employers play a key role in making the transition back to work smoother for new parents. One of the best ways they can support this transition is by recognising that returning mothers are navigating a complex, emotional journey. Flexible hours, a gradual return to full-time work, remote working options, or even a compassionate check-in now and then can make a world of difference.

It’s not just about offering policies—it’s about fostering a culture where new parents feel supported, seen, and valued. It means creating an environment where parents don’t feel the need to apologise for their dual responsibilities or hide the challenges they face. It’s about recognising that their experiences as parents make them stronger, more empathetic, and resourceful employees. The role of the line manager is crucial in this process. Ensuring that the day 1, week 1, and month 1 return is clearly planned out can significantly reduce anxiety and help new parents feel prepared and valued.

Lastly, It’s also crucial to recognise that this is a transition for the parent who did not take an extended period of parental leave. They are shifting from having someone at home who took care of the children and managed the house to suddenly needing to share those responsibilities more evenly. This adjustment is significant, and it requires empathy and open communication to ensure both partners can thrive in their new roles and responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

Returning to work after maternity leave is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also an opportunity for growth. Employers who support this transition can unlock the full potential of employees navigating parenthood, while new parents can gain invaluable skills that benefit their careers. By embracing the juggle and struggle, I’ve not only grown as a parent but also as a professional—more equipped than ever to tackle life’s demands with clarity and confidence.

But MOST IMPORTANTLY remember the days are long, but the years are short. Cherish this time! They won’t always cry when you leave the room, the supermarket tantrums will also end soon. They won’t always wake for cuddles through the night and one day you’ll miss having a mucky face to wipe. You won’t always have to carry them asleep from the car, or piggyback down the road when their legs can’t walk that far. So cherish every cuddle, and remember them all because one day they won’t be this small!