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Returning to work is a major milestone that requires a total renegotiation of a mother’s role.

A successful transition depends on factors like workplace culture, support, and reasonable expectations.

The experience of this transition impacts a mother's well-being for years to come.

For many parents, returning to work after having a baby is one of the hardest transitions they will ever go through. First, there are the logistical hurdles, like managing childcare, complex schedules, and pumping breaks. Then, there’s the emotional weight of guilt, sleep deprivation, and a shifting identity. The research tells us that this is a critical period in a new mother’s personal and professional life, and her experience of this time can impact her well-being for years to come.

It is surprising that while researchers have studied postpartum depression for decades, there has been little focus on what it's actually like for mothers to return to the office. A recent literature review published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health found that, despite growing interest, the topic remains understudied.

More Than Just "Getting Back to Normal"

Returning to work isn’t about settling back into old routines. It is a complete upheaval of your past routines and way of life. Researchers describe this period as navigating your identity as both a mother and a worker at the same time. The........

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