Looking after your mental health when returning to work after maternity leave

Returning to work after maternity leave

Heading back to work after maternity leave can be a difficult transition. It’s not easy to leave your baby at nursery or with somebody else, and it can be difficult to switch between parent-mode and work-mode. A 2020 survey of 1,000 mothers found 31% found it harder than they expected to return to their job after an average of ten months' maternity leave¹.

Dr Emma Haynes, psychotherapist and spokesperson for the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), says returning to work can lead to some difficult emotions and feelings.

"You may be wracked with guilt, not ready to leave your baby in someone else's care or concerned to make the right choice for your baby," she says. "You may even fear that your baby may bond with their carer and prefer them over you. Getting back into the flow of work may seem overwhelming and your ability to perform may be in doubt, particularly if you are struggling with sleep deprivation."

Going back to work can also lead to feelings of vulnerability and ambivalence towards a role you used to enjoy. "This can definitely impact your mental health negatively, causing stress, anxiety, lack of energy and low mood," she adds.

For some, it might be surprisingly easy to return and escape the bubble of parenthood. However, this can lead to self-scrutiny and feelings of guilt.

UKCP-accredited psychotherapist Ali Ross says working parents often worry about missing key moments with their child, such as their first steps, first words and bedtimes. "Alongside this, you may feel growing resentment around the financial pressure to work that might be taking you away from your child," he says.

Often, this can force the parent to rethink their principles and identity around work and parenthood and the tensions between them.

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General health and lifestyle

Why do we feel anxious about calling in sick to work when we are genuinely unwell?

Data from the past 10 years found that employees are more likely to be sick on Wednesday than any other day, with Tuesday coming a close second. Between 2016-2017 firms lost an average of 1.5 days per employee on Wednesdays, with 2016 being the peak year for Wednesday absences. The first Monday in February has also been branded National Sickie Day, since it marks the day when the highest proportion of people call in sick. However, calling into work sick can cause great anxiety.

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What kind of support is available for working parents

Returning to your job can lead to mixed emotions, but there are steps you can take to make the process easier.

Ease yourself back into work

It's tempting to throw yourself back into work, but taking it slowly is important to avoid feeling overwhelmed. "Ask your employer for a back to work plan, which might include a phased return, so you have time to adjust to the change in your role from full-time parent to employee," says Haynes.

Use your Keep in Touch (KIT) days

Ease yourself back into the working environment by using your KIT days These let you go back to work for up to ten days during your maternity or adoption leave without it being affected. KIT days gives you a chance to catch up with colleagues and what’s been going on so you don’t feel completely out of the loop when you return.

Be honest with your employer

Be open and up front about how you are finding it and ask for help from your employer if you are struggling. It is often useful to tell them how they can help you, for example, by changing or reducing your hours.

Talk to friends and family

Speak to peers, support groups, and friends and family - particularly if they have first-hand experience. There are also plenty of forums and networks to provide practical advice and solutions for working parents. Charities like Working Families offer advice around parental leave.

Request flexible working

You can ask for flexible working, such as working from home, working different hours, shift patterns or workdays. Your employer does not necessarily have to agree, but they do need to discuss your requirements and respond in writing within three months with their decision.

You can also ask about breastfeeding and suitable rest facilities. Employers are legally required to provide a space for parents who are breastfeeding to rest if they need to. Although there is no legal right for your employer to provide breastfeeding breaks at work, you can still discuss this with your employer.

Lower your expectations

"Many people return to work and then consider quitting due to too high expectations of themselves," explains Haynes.

It’s mentally and physically strenuous to work and look after a child, so give yourself credit for what you manage to do. You might not be able to do as much as you did before you had a baby, but that’s understandable.

Know your rights

Knowing your rights around breastfeeding, maternity rights, childcare and time off when a child is sick can be helpful. Citizens Advice also offers support and guidance regarding maternity rights and returning to work.

Further reading

1. Tena: Back to work: How mums really feel.