How Australian Mums Navigate the Return to Work After Maternity Leave
The return to work after maternity leave is a milestone filled with mixed emotions, logistical challenges, and a hefty dose of resilience. For many Australian mums, this transition is particularly complex given the unique cultural, workplace, and policy landscape they face. Combining personal anecdotes with evidence-based insights, this article explores how mums navigate the transition back to work and what supports are available to make this period less daunting.
The Reality of Returning to Work
For many new mums, the first few weeks postpartum are a whirlwind of sleepless nights, constant feeding, and adjusting to the demands of a newborn. Research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) shows that sleep deprivation peaks in the first three months after birth, with many mums averaging fewer than six hours of sleep a night. As one mum shared, “Between nursing, pumping, and nappy changes, I’m up for hours each night. The thought of waking up at 5:30 a.m. for work feels impossible.”
Despite the exhaustion, over half of Australian mums return to work within 12 months of giving birth, driven by financial necessity, career aspirations, or both. The transition can be overwhelming, but there are strategies that can help mums make it work.
Building Routines: The Key to Survival
One recurring theme among mums is the importance of routines—both for themselves and their babies. Structured feeding and sleeping schedules can help mums carve out precious hours of rest and make mornings smoother. AIFS research highlights that babies typically begin to sleep for longer stretches by three months, which aligns with the typical length of maternity leave in Australia.
“I started implementing routine training three weeks before returning to work,” one mum shared. “It helped my baby sleep longer at night, which gave me the rest I needed to be semi-functional during the day.”
Experts recommend starting with small, manageable routines and gradually adjusting as the baby grows. Preparing the night before—laying out clothes, packing pump bags, and organising meals—can also ease the morning chaos.
Support Networks: A Lifeline for Mums
Support from partners, family, and the community plays a critical role in easing the transition back to work. In Australia, the Paid Parental Leave scheme allows eligible partners to share parental leave, providing an opportunity for families to share caregiving responsibilities.
From 1 July 2024, Australia’s Paid Parental Leave scheme offers up to 22 weeks of leave paid at the national minimum wage, with an increase to 26 weeks by 2026. The scheme includes provisions for parents to share leave flexibly, encouraging shared caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, starting in 2025, superannuation contributions will be made during paid parental leave, enhancing retirement savings for primary caregivers.
Some mums turn to professional support, such as meal delivery services, housecleaning, or nannies, to lighten the load. Others lean on informal networks—grandparents, friends, or “mothers’ groups”—for childcare and emotional support. As one mum reflected, “I couldn’t have done it without my partner and my mum helping with late-night feeds and daycare drop-offs.”
For working mums seeking an alternative to traditional daycare, BubbaDesk offers a unique solution. By combining coworking spaces with onsite childcare, BubbaDesk enables mums to work near their children, providing a flexible and supportive environment. This setup not only reduces the stress of separation but also allows breastfeeding mums to stay close to their babies throughout the workday.
Navigating Workplace Expectations
Australian workplace policies have seen recent updates to improve flexibility for parents. Changes introduced in 2023 to the Fair Work Act now require employers to genuinely consider requests for flexible working arrangements from eligible employees, such as parents returning from parental leave. Employers must provide a written response outlining the reasons for any refusal and demonstrate that all options have been explored before declining a request. These changes aim to create a more supportive framework for parents balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.
Despite these improvements, not all workplaces are equally accommodating. Research from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reveals that only 48% of Australian workplaces offer flexible hours, and an even smaller percentage support remote work options.
Mums often find themselves caught between the demands of their role and the limitations of rigid policies. One mum shared, “I was told to come back to the office two days a week, but with a newborn who wasn’t sleeping, I couldn’t do it. Ultimately, I had to stand my ground and ask for a fully remote role.”
Innovative solutions like BubbaDesk can help bridge this gap. By offering coworking memberships with flexible childcare options, BubbaDesk empowers mums to meet their professional goals without compromising on family needs.
Cultural and Societal Challenges
Unlike countries with longer maternity leave policies, such as Sweden or Canada, Australia’s standard paid parental leave, while expanding, can still feel insufficient for some families. Many mums feel pressured to return before they’re ready, both physically and emotionally.
As one mum put it, “Our country’s policies force so many of us back to work while we’re still sleep-deprived and healing. It’s not fair to us or our babies.”
BubbaDesk addresses this challenge by creating an environment where mums can extend their time with their children while still returning to work. By reducing the need for long commutes and offering onsite support, BubbaDesk allows parents to transition back to work at their own pace.
Strategies for a Smoother Transition
While the challenges are significant, there are practical strategies and resources available to help Australian mums navigate this transition:
Leverage Flexible Work Policies: If your workplace supports remote work or flexible hours, take full advantage. Be proactive in negotiating arrangements that work for your family.
Use Parental Leave Strategically: Combine paid leave with annual leave or unpaid leave to extend your time at home, if financially feasible.
Outsource and Delegate: Invest in professional help for chores, meal prep, or childcare if your budget allows. It’s an investment in your mental health and productivity.
Build a Village: Join local mothers’ groups or online forums to connect with others who can offer support, advice, and solidarity.
Consider Coworking with Childcare: Explore options like BubbaDesk to combine professional and personal needs in a supportive environment.
Be Kind to Yourself: Accept that this period will be challenging. Focus on essentials and let go of perfection.
The Path Forward
Returning to work after maternity leave is undeniably tough, but Australian mums are proving their resilience every day. With better workplace policies, more flexible arrangements, and supportive communities, this transition can become less daunting. For now, mums can take solace in knowing they’re not alone and that this challenging phase is temporary.
As one mum said, “It does get better. You just have to take it one day at a time.”
For mums seeking an innovative approach to balancing work and family life, BubbaDesk offers the perfect solution. By integrating professional spaces with onsite childcare, BubbaDesk is redefining how modern parents return to work.
