3 Biggest Challenges of Postpartum Work Life—And How to Navigate Them

Returning to work after maternity leave is a major emotional and physical transition. The shift from caring for a newborn full-time to managing work responsibilities again is overwhelming, but this transition can be less daunting with the right strategies.

For mothers, it’s about finding balance, establishing routines, and prioritising wellbeing. For businesses, it’s about building a workplace that supports returning parents because, ultimately, when women feel valued, retention, productivity, and overall workplace wellbeing improve.

Below, we explore some of women's most common concerns when returning to work, along with practical steps for individuals and businesses to navigate this period successfully.

Addressing Common Concerns Mothers Face When Returning to Work

How do I manage the emotional challenges of leaving my baby to return to work?

Heading back to work after maternity leave can bring a mix of emotions, excitement, guilt, and anxiety, all of which are entirely normal! The key is to give yourself grace and to move away from the idea of mastering it all with perfection.

Things like a structured morning routine can help ease the transition. Whether laying out your clothes the night before, prepping meals, or setting aside dedicated time with your baby in the morning can make a big difference. 

Creating a care schedule that works for you and your family can also bring peace of mind. But most of all, make sure you know you are not alone—connecting with colleagues who have been in the same boat or a support network like Baby2Body and surrounding yourself with others who understand your journey can make all the difference.

What are some mindfulness techniques to help manage the mental load of work and parenting?

Balancing work and parenting is no small task, but small wellness routines can help. A quick walk, a few deep breaths, or using Baby2Body’s ‘story’ function to take 2–3 minutes for yourself can reset your mind.

Setting clear work boundaries is just as important. Protect your personal time and avoid the pressure to be “always on.” Staying organised with a simple to-do list also helps ease the mental load and keeps you present in the moment you take for yourself and your family.

What are the best ways to maintain a healthy diet when I’m too busy to cook?

With a busy schedule, meal planning is your best friend. Prepping simple meals ahead of time or using Baby2Body’s Bella AI for quick but comprehensive meal planning ideas takes the stress out of eating well.

Batch cooking and freezing meals can also be a lifesaver on hectic days. And when you’re short on time, high-energy post-partum snacks like nuts, yoghurt, and fresh fruit can help keep you going.

Adjusting to life as a working mum takes time more than anything else, but with the proper routines and support, it can feel easier.

Practical Steps for Employers to Provide Better Support

Supporting new mothers in the workplace is about more than just offering maternity leave. It requires a culture that helps them succeed long after they return because working mums can burn out faster with the added load on their plate. 

Companies prioritising clear policies, flexible work options, and realistic expectations can make a real impact:

1. Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Work Environment

• Ensure policies are clear, accessible, and proactive. Maternity leave, flexible working, and parental benefits should be easy to find and understand, not buried in fine print. Companies should communicate these policies before, during, and after maternity leave to avoid uncertainty.
• Train HR teams to navigate maternity-related conversations with confidence. Managers and HR professionals should be equipped with best practices for discussing leave, flexible work options, and transition plans, ensuring mothers feel supported rather than pressured. 
• Provide private, comfortable spaces for breastfeeding or pumping. A designated lactation space with refrigeration, privacy, and comfortable seating makes a big difference for working mothers who need to pump during the workday.
• Offer return-to-work coaching to rebuild confidence. Coming back after maternity leave can be a shock to the system. Coaching, mentorship programs, or structured check-ins can ease the transition and prepare returning mothers for success.

2. Implementing Wellbeing Initiatives That Have Real Impact

• Partner with wellness platforms for tailored support. Giving employees access to platforms like Wellhub and Baby2Body provides expert-backed resources for physical and mental wellbeing, including fitness, nutrition, and postpartum support.
• Foster an open and supportive culture. Women should feel comfortable discussing their needs without fear of judgement. Leadership and HR teams should actively promote an environment where employees know they won’t be penalised for requesting adjustments that help them balance work and family life.
• Introduce flexible scheduling and hybrid work models. A rigid 9-to-5 schedule doesn’t work for everyone, especially new parents adjusting to new routines. Offering flexible start times, remote work options, or phased returns allows mothers to transition back at a pace that works for them.

3. Managing Workload and Expectations for Returning Mothers

• Encourage one-on-one check-ins to set realistic expectations. Managers should have structured conversations with returning mothers to assess their workload and avoid overwhelming them with backlogged tasks. These check-ins help align priorities and ensure a smoother transition.
• Focus on results rather than hours worked. Productivity should be measured by impact rather than time spent at a desk. A results-driven approach allows employees to manage their workload in a way that fits their personal responsibilities.
• Provide a structured ramp-up period. Instead of expecting employees to operate at full capacity on day one, a phased approach allows them to ease back into their role gradually.
• Support breaks for meals, movement, and mental resets. Encouraging employees to step away from their desks for proper breaks leads to better focus and prevents burnout. A culture that normalises taking time for self-care benefits the entire workforce.
• Set clear boundaries to respect work-life balance. Team-wide guidelines, such as avoiding late-night emails and unnecessary after-hours expectations, create a more sustainable and supportive work environment.

Creating a Workplace That Works for Everyone

Supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum doesn't have an impact if you simply put benefits on the table; it requires meaningful support that addresses the needs of individuals and the workforce as a whole.

That’s where Wellhub comes in. As an all-encompassing wellbeing solution, Wellhub connects employees, including working mothers, to expert-backed resources across fitness, nutrition, mental health, and more.

Through our partnership with Baby2Body, mothers can access personalised support throughout every stage, from trying to conceive and pregnancy to postpartum recovery and returning to work. 

Whether mums need wellness guidance, mental health support, or practical tools to ease the transition back to work, Wellhub and Baby2Body help women balance their health and careers without compromise.

Help your employees thrive at every stage of their lives—try Wellhub today!