Anne is Mum to four little ones, and Founder of The Parent NEST. She nurtures, empowers and supports women and their families through parenting transitions such as returning to work and 4th Trimester.

She has shared her insights around the physical and emotional challenges that can arise for moms when returning to work. She also highlights some key areas in which employers can help make the transition a little easier, and more supported.

The transition back to work after having a baby can be challenging for mothers, both physically and emotionally. As anyone who has experienced returning to work will know, it is not uncommon for
mums to experience a range of emotions such as anxiety, overwhelm, guilt, sadness, self-doubt and
stress when returning to work after maternity leave. Often feeling completely overwhelmed trying
to organise it all, and feeling like you are failing at everything, or doing half a job at home and half a
job at work. And often, depending which stage a mum is at in the transition back, will depend on
how they are feeling and what they are experiencing. It is such a rollercoaster and this has a huge
impact on mums mental health.

Parallels can be drawn between transitioning back to work and the 4th trimester:

– It can hit mums harder than they anticipated

– It is a rollercoaster of emotions where mums are trying to find their feet with this new
balance

– Perhaps they feel others around them are coping better than they are, or are more capable
than they are.

Supporting maternal mental health is essential during this transition as it can impact not only the
mother’s well-being but also the baby’s.

Employers play a crucial role in supporting new mothers’ mental health during this transition. This
support can be offered in a number of ways. Some examples are:

– Offering a phased return to the workplace.
– Ensuring clear guidelines and structures are in place to support the re-induction of the
returner
– Training for managers to ensure colleagues supported consistently and fairly
– Flexible work arrangements
– Providing access to mental health resources
– Creating a supportive and inclusive work environment

As we know, it is so important for Mums to have support during this transition in order for them to
be able to prioritize their own mental health and take steps where they can, such as seeking social
support, through friends, family, work, groups, local resources. Practicing self-care in whatever form
that is for Mum, and setting realistic expectations for themselves.

It is key for mums to know they are never alone when trying to navigate this difficult transition both
personally and professionally, and promoting maternal mental health and supporting mothers’
transition back to work after maternity leave is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the
baby.

• For further details about Anne and The Parent NEST check HERE