Returning to Work After Baby? Here’s How to Navigate Parental Leave and Reentry With Care

Parental leave is often described as a blur. There are the beautiful moments—soft baby snuggles, first milestones, growing into your new identity. And there are the hard ones—chaotic days, identity shifts, and exhaustion that runs deeper than sleep.

Whether you’re weeks into life with your newborn or staring down your first day back at work, these tips are here to help you feel seen, supported, and just a little more ready.

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During Your Parental Leave

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For Birthing Parents:

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• Make peace with a slower pace.
  Rest is essential—even if it feels unfamiliar. Your body, mind, and heart are doing powerful work.
• Your feet might be a different size.
  Totally normal. Time for new shoes.
• Expect longer bathroom breaks.
  Recovery can come with a lot of (ahem) new routines.

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For All Parents:

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• Protect your sleep.
  It may not be perfect, but blocking rest time for both parents (especially in the early days) is essential.
• Feel the joy and the grief.
  You can be head over heels in love and miss your old life. That’s not ungrateful—it’s human.
• Honor small self-care.
  Fresh air. Water. A stretch. They seem simple—but they matter.
  (Yes, even while nap-trapped watching Love Is Blind.)
• Watch for signs of PPD.
  Postpartum depression can affect any parent. Stay connected with your partner, check in with yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you need support.

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Re-entering the Workforce

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When parental leave ends, there’s no one right way to feel. Whether you’re eager to return or dreading it, your emotions are valid.

Here’s how to ease your transition:

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First Week Back

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• Start mid-week if possible (hello, gentle reentry).
• Block your calendar for email catch-up.
• Avoid meetings early on if you can.

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A Few Weeks In

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• Schedule a check-in with your manager. Ask for continued support—and name what you need.
• Try time-blocking to balance work and family.
• Keep your evenings and weekends sacred (as much as life allows).
• Be honest if you need flexibility. Especially in the early months, it can make all the difference.

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Final Takeaway - Make a Plan for Leave & Reentry and Be Ready to Evolve!

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There is no perfect plan. But every moment of care—for your body, your mind, your baby, and your career—matters. You're not falling behind. You're evolving.

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Think Your Employer Is Ready to Reimagine Parental Leave Benefits?

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Do you think your employer is ready to reimagine parental leave benefits? Leona integrates as a member of your organization’s team to lead planning and provide backfill support during parental leave periods. To learn more about how Leona empowers new parents and their respective teams, visit their website or LinkedIn page. 

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