When Do Most People Return to Work After Maternity Leave?
In the UK, statutory maternity leave lasts up to 52 weeks - 26 weeks of ordinary leave and 26 weeks of additional leave. Statutory maternity pay is typically paid for up to 39 weeks.
Some people return around 6–9 months. Others use the full year or opt for shared parental leave with a partner.
The right time to return is deeply personal and depends on:
- Financial needs
- Career demands
- Childcare arrangements
- How you’re feeling physically and emotionally
Whatever you decide, your choice is valid.
How to Emotionally Prepare for Returning to Work
Leaving your baby, whether for a few hours or full-time, is a huge adjustment. It’s normal to feel:
- Guilty for leaving them
- Excited to use your skills again
- Anxious about how they’ll cope without you
- Worried about whether you’ll cope without them
Here’s how to support your emotional wellbeing:
-
Start With Short Separations
A few weeks before returning, practise short periods apart such as leaving baby with a partner, friend, or childminder for a couple of hours. This helps you both adjust gradually. -
Acknowledge Your Feelings
You might feel conflicting emotions, and that’s okay. You’re allowed to miss your baby and enjoy your job. Both things can be true. -
Talk About It
Connect with other parents who’ve returned to work, or speak with your employer about a phased return or flexible hours.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Return
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Sort Childcare Early
Secure a place with your chosen provider well in advance, whether that’s a nursery, childminder, nanny, or family support.
Do some settling-in sessions with baby and carer before your first day back. -
Plan Your Work Week in Advance
In the early weeks, aim to:- Keep your calendar light
- Avoid long days or commutes if possible
- Prioritise meetings that really need your presence
- Leave buffer time between work and home
-
Prep the Night Before
Mornings will be smoother if you:- Lay out clothes (yours and baby’s)
- Prep bottles, meals, and bags the night before
- Set your alarm 20 minutes earlier than you think you need (trust us!)
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
If you're continuing to breastfeed, you’re entitled to request:
- Breaks to express milk
- A clean, private space (not a toilet)
- A fridge to store milk [NHS Guide]
It is very common for your baby to refuse a bottle if they have been breastfed up until you go back to work. For this reason, trying bottles/cu
