One of the Biggest Mistake Mums Make When Returning to Work (And How to Avoid It!)

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get said enough:
Returning to work after maternity leave isn’t just a logistical shift—it’s an emotional one, too. And yet, so many mums I coach walk into this transition trying to function like before baby. Myself included!! 

As mums, we try to dive back in, eager to prove ourselves, grateful for the flexibility (if we have it), determined to keep everything running smoothly at home…

And within weeks, overwhelm hits, exhaustion hits, and we are left wondering, “Why can’t I handle this?”

So what’s one of the biggest mistakes I see over the years as a coach specialising in supporting mums at this exact point of returning to work?

Trying to do it all without knowing what boundaries they want in place and then in turn, how to maintain those clear boundaries.

The “I’ve Got This” Trap

It’s totally understandable—after months away from the workplace, it can feel like you need to show up at 150% to prove you’re still capable, committed, and not a burden.

• So you say yes to the extra meeting.
• You log back on after bedtime.
• You respond to the message on your day off.
• Join an online meeting on your day off.
• You keep managing everything at home, too.

And suddenly, you’re carrying the mental load of two full-time jobs.

But here’s what I remind every mum I coach:
You don’t need to prove yourself—you’ve already done the hardest, most transformational job there is: becoming a mother.
Returning to work is about integrating who you are now with what you do, not pretending nothing changed.

Although as we know, that is easier said than done.

Why Boundaries Are Essential (Not Selfish)

When you try to “do it all,” something always gives—and it’s usually you.
But when you have clear, compassionate boundaries, you create space for:

• Sustainable energy
  
• Clear communication at work and at home
• Better emotional well-being
• More presence with your family
• A smoother re-entry into your role

Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re anchors that hold you steady.

Real Talk: It’s Not Just About Schedules

One of my coaching clients, a brilliant Senior Communications Manager, came to me in tears. She loved her job and didn’t want to let go of her ambition, but she couldn’t see how she was going to make it all work.
She was spiralling with guilt, trying to pretend all was fine, and dreading the day her leave ended.

Through coaching, she: 

✔️ Identified what mattered most
✔️ Created a boundary plan to protect her time and mental space
✔️ Found her voice again in conversations with her manager
✔️ Put systems in place to make work and home life feel more manageable

She understood this new her, and what she needed to make it work for herself in a realistic way.

Want to Avoid the Guilt and Overwhelm?

I’ve created a short, free video for you:

🎥 “How to Return to Work Without Guilt or Overwhelm – 3 Essentials You Can Start Today”
Inside, I share the exact things I coach mums on behind the scenes—including what to do before your first day back after maternity leave to set yourself up for success.

👉 Grab the free video here
 

If you would like further support as you return to work, check out my self paced workshop:

The 5-Step Reboot – A Nurturing Transition from Leave Back to Work.

You can check it out here.

Because you deserve to feel calm, confident, and in control of your career and motherhood journey.

Final thought:
You don’t need to go back to who you were. You get to move forward as the woman you are now—with clarity, strength, and support.

You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.