Returning to work after having a baby: what to expect
Going back to work after maternity or paternity leave is one of the bigger transitions of early parenthood. For some it brings a sense of relief and reconnection with a part of life that feels familiar. For others it is genuinely hard. Most parents feel a mixture of both, often on the same morning. Knowing what to expect on the emotional and practical side can make the shift a little easier to navigate.
The emotional side of going back
A wide range of feelings around this transition is completely normal. Guilt is one of the most commonly reported. You may find yourself worrying about whether your baby will be settled, whether you are making the right choice, or whether you should feel differently than you do. These thoughts are understandable, but they do not mean you are getting something wrong.
It is also common to feel anxious about work itself. Parental leave changes your daily rhythms completely, and stepping back into a professional role after weeks or months away can feel disorienting at first. Give yourself permission to take time to find your footing again. Most people find that the anticipation of returning is harder than the return itself.
If low mood, persistent anxiety or a sense of not coping follows you well into the return period, that is worth taking seriously. Your GP, midwife, or health visitor can all be a starting point for getting support.
Leaning on your health visitor
Health visitors are qualified nurses or midwives with additional specialist training. According to the NHS, they make contact from around 28 weeks of pregnancy and carry out home visits in the period after birth. Their role does not end in the newborn stage. They can offer advice on mental health and signpost you to local support, including postnatal mental health services and parent-baby groups.
If you are approaching your return-to-work date and feeling overwhelmed, your health visitor is a natural first call. They know your local area and can help you find practical resources as well as emotional support.
Finding childcare that works for your family
Sorting childcare is often the most logistically demanding part of returning to work. The NHS highlights several routes for families. Sure Start Children's Centres offer early learning and childcare for children up to the age of five alongside family health services and parenting support. Family Hubs, available in some areas, provide a similarly broad range of services for families with children from birth through to 19 years of age.
Your local Family Information Service (FIS) is specifically designed to help parents locate childcare and support. If your child has a disability or additional needs, the FIS can also connect you with targeted help. It is worth contacting your FIS as early as possible: childcare places in popular settings can fill up quickly, and starting the search early gives you more options.
Child health clinics, run by health visitors and GPs, are another place where you may find parent-baby groups and word-of-mouth recommendations from other parents who have recently been through the same process.
Planning a settling-in period
Most childcare providers build in a settling-in process before a parent's official return date. This usually means your baby spends short sessions in the new environment, gradually building up the time spent there, before you go back to work. It gives your baby the chance to build familiarity with their new carers and surroundings at a manageable pace.
Ask your chosen provider how they structure settling-in sessions, and factor this into your timeline. If you have flexibility in your start date, using some of the final weeks of leave for settling-in can reduce pressure on your first week back.
Staying connected to support around you
The NHS lists several helplines available to parents. Coram Family Lives can be reached on 0808 800 2222. Contact, which supports families of disabled children, is on 0808 808 3555. Parent Talk offers support via WhatsApp on 0770 017 4470. These services exist precisely because the early months of parenthood, including the return-to-work period, can be genuinely hard, and reaching out for help is a reasonable and practical response to that.
Connecting with other parents who have recently returned to work can also be grounding. Parent-baby groups at children's centres or family hubs are a good place to find people at a similar stage. The logistics and feelings they share are often more useful than any generic advice.
Looking after yourself through the transition
Parenting a young baby is described by the NHS as exhausting but wonderful. Both things can be true at once. Returning to work adds another layer of demand on top of an already full life. Being realistic about what you can take on, and honest with yourself about when you need rest, is not a luxury: it is what makes the transition sustainable.
Small habits can help. Accepting practical help when it is offered, keeping contact with people you trust, and not holding yourself to a standard of having everything sorted from day one all make a difference. If postnatal depression or persistent anxiety is part of the picture, professional support is available and effective. If you are 18 or over, you can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies without needing to go through your GP first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find childcare when going back to work?
Your local Family Information Service (FIS) can help you identify childcare options in your area, including registered childminders, nurseries, and Sure Start Children's Centres. Health visitors are also a good starting point: they know local provision well and can point you toward parent-and-baby groups where other parents share first-hand experience of what works nearby.
Is it normal to feel guilty about returning to work?
Yes, guilt is one of the most commonly reported feelings among parents going back to work. It does not mean you are making the wrong choice. Acknowledging the feeling, talking it through with someone you trust, and giving yourself time to adjust all help. If guilt is persistent and affecting your daily life, speaking to your GP or health visitor is a worthwhile step.
What support is available if I am struggling emotionally after going back to work?
Your health visitor remains available beyond the newborn period and can offer advice or refer you to further support. Your GP can discuss options including NHS talking therapies, which you can also self-refer to if you are 18 or over. Family Hubs, available in some areas, provide postnatal mental health services alongside other family support for children up to age 19.
How can I make the settling-in period easier for my baby?
Most childcare providers offer a settling-in process where your baby spends short periods in the new environment before your first day back. This gradual introduction gives your baby time to build familiarity with their carers and surroundings. Ask your provider how their settling-in sessions work well in advance of your return date, and build that time into your planning.
Who can I contact if I need help finding support as a new parent?
Several helplines exist for parents. Coram Family Lives can be reached on 0808 800 2222. Families of children with disabilities can call Contact on 0808 808 3555. Parent Talk offers support via WhatsApp on 0770 017 4470. Your health visitor is another key contact for both practical and emotional support throughout the postnatal period.
Track your baby with Cubby, free
Cubby keeps feeding, sleep and development logs in one place, making it easier to stay on top of your baby's routine as you settle into the new rhythm of working parenthood.
Start free