Returning to work after baby: It’s a process, not an event.

2025-08-19

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Send us a textWhat does it really look like to go back to work after maternity leave?In this episode of the BeHerVillage Podcast, Kaitlin and parental leave expert Jackie Cook dive into the messy, emotional, and very real transition from the “motherhood fog” back into the professional world.They talk about: 💛 Why returning to work is a process, not a single event 💛 The rollercoaster of emotions—excitement, grief, exhaustion, or all of the above 💛 The importance of childcare plann...

Send us a text

What does it really look like to go back to work after maternity leave?

In this episode of the BeHerVillage Podcast, Kaitlin and parental leave expert Jackie Cook dive into the messy, emotional, and very real transition from the “motherhood fog” back into the professional world.

They talk about:
💛 Why returning to work is a process, not a single event
💛 The rollercoaster of emotions—excitement, grief, exhaustion, or all of the above
💛 The importance of childcare planning and workplace flexibility
💛 Why small accommodations at work make a big difference in retention
💛 Practical tips like easing in with a Thursday return, choosing clothes that fit your new body and pumping needs, and creating a framework for communication with your boss and team

Jackie also shares how she works with companies through Popins to make maternity leave and return-to-work smoother for both employees and employers.

Whether you’re preparing to return to work, in the middle of it, or supporting someone through it, this episode is filled with validation, insight, and strategies to make the transition a little easier.

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