Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling childcare, routines, work prep, and emotional readiness all at once.
As a mum of two, I remember lying awake the week before going back, mentally running through everything I might forget. The reality is, you don’t need to have everything perfect. You just need a few simple systems in place to help your days run more smoothly.
This checklist breaks it down into five realistic, manageable things you can do before returning to work after maternity leave, so you can feel more prepared and less stressed.
Organise Childcare and Do a Trial Run
One of the biggest worries when returning to work is childcare. Even if it’s already arranged, doing a trial run before your first official day can make a huge difference.
This might include:
👩🏻💻 Practising your morning routine
👩🏻💻 Doing a full drop-off and pick-up
👩🏻💻 Letting your child spend a few hours settling in
The first time is often harder for you than it is for them. A trial run helps ease that transition and gives you confidence that your child is safe, settled, and cared for.
2.
Reset Your Morning and Evening Routines
Your old routine likely won’t work anymore, and that’s okay. Returning to work means creating a new rhythm for your family.
Simplify your mornings by:
👩🏻💻 Laying out clothes the night before
👩🏻💻 Packing bags in advance
👩🏻💻 Keeping breakfasts quick and easy
Evenings matter just as much. Think about how you’ll manage dinner, bath time, and bedtime without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It doesn’t need to be perfect — just manageable.
Prepare Everything the Night Before
One of the simplest ways to reduce stress is to prep the night before. This helps prevent last-minute panic in the mornings.
Things you can prepare include:
👩🏻💻 Your work bag
👩🏻💻 Baby or childcare bag
👩🏻💻 Bottles, snacks, or meals
👩🏻💻 Clothes for both you and your child
When mornings feel calmer, the whole day starts better. You’re far less likely to leave the house feeling flustered or already behind.
4.
Talk to Your Workplace Before You Return
Before your first day back, reconnecting with your workplace can ease anxiety and help you know what to expect.
Consider:
👩🏻💻 Confirming your hours or flexible working arrangements
👩🏻💻 Getting updates on changes in your role or team
👩🏻💻 Planning a phased return if possible
Having clear expectations can reduce stress. A simple conversation or check-in can make your first day back feel far more manageable.
5. Prepare Yourself Emotionally (Not Just Practically)
It’s easy to focus on logistics, but the emotional side matters just as much.
You might feel:
👩🏻💻 Guilty about leaving your child
👩🏻💻 Anxious about work
👩🏻💻 Unsure about your new routine
All of these feelings are completely normal. Give yourself space to process the transition. Talk to someone you trust, plan small moments of self-care, and remind yourself that it’s okay for this to feel hard.
You are not expected to have it all figured out on day one.
For more support with the emotional side of returning to work, check out our guide on coping with working mum guilt
Our Final Thoughts
Returning to work after maternity leave is a big adjustment. No checklist can make it completely stress-free, but having a few simple things in place can make those first days far more manageable.
Take it one step at a time, keep things simple where you can, and remember that it’s okay to learn as you go. You’re preparing both yourself and your child for a new chapter — and you’re doing an amazing job.
