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.
This checklist breaks it down into five realistic, manageable things you can do beforehand, part of our wider guide to returning to work after maternity leave.
What you’ll find in this post
- A trial run for childcare before your first day back
- Resetting your morning and evening routines
- Preparing the night before to reduce morning stress
- Talking to your workplace and preparing emotionally
The 5-step checklist
What to do before returning to work
Take it one step at a time, you don’t need it all figured out at once.
1
Step one
Organise childcare and do a trial run
Even if childcare is already arranged, doing a trial run before your first official day can make a huge difference, a full drop-off and pick-up, letting your child settle in for a few hours.
2
Step two
Reset your morning and evening routines
Your old routine likely won’t work anymore, and that’s okay. Simplify mornings by laying out clothes the night before and keeping breakfasts quick and easy. Evenings matter just as much, think about dinner, bath and bedtime without feeling rushed.
- For more everyday systems that ease the load, see: 5 Simple Ways Busy Parents Save Time Every Day
3
Step three
Prepare everything the night before
One of the simplest ways to reduce stress is prepping the night before, your work bag, the childcare bag, bottles or snacks, and clothes for both of you.
4
Step four
Talk to your workplace before you return
Reconnecting with your workplace before your first day back can ease anxiety, confirm your hours, get updates on any changes to your role, and ask about a phased return if that’s possible.
5
Step five
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, or unsure about your new routine, all completely normal.
- For more support with the emotional side, see: 5 Honest Tips for Coping With Working Mum Guilt
No checklist makes it stress-free, and that’s okay.
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 it’s okay to learn as you go.
Common questions about returning to work
Written by a mum of two
Having navigated returning to work twice myself, I write about the honest, practical side of balancing career and family, because parents deserve real experience, not just theory.
