Preparing for Maternity Leave 101

For women who love their careers, the prospect of going on maternity leave can stir up a lot of feelings. On one hand, you’re excited for the arrival of your new baby and the bonding time you’ll have with them - and on the other, you may be anxious about stepping away from your work and your team.

When I was preparing for my leave, my biggest concern was making sure the team members I managed didn’t feel overwhelmed by the work they would have to take on in my absence. With a decent amount of preparation on my part, I learned that in my absence, other people are capable of stepping up in a bigger way than you may have expected.

If you’re preparing for maternity leave, here are some thoughts on approaching it with intention, clarity, and care for both your career and your wellbeing.

Start Early.
Begin planning your leave around the second trimester. Check your company’s leave policies, talk to HR, and map out your ideal timeline. The more proactive you are, the smoother the transition can be.

Create a Leave Plan.
Document key responsibilities, current projects, and timelines. Identify a trusted colleague who can cover urgent needs, and prepare a handoff plan that empowers them, not burdens them. This communicates confidence and leadership.

Set Boundaries—Then Honor Them.
Decide how much (if any) communication you want with work while you’re on leave. If you want to stay lightly in the loop, set expectations clearly. If you plan to unplug completely, honor that boundary.

Trust Your Value.
You’re not replaceable. Even if someone fills your role temporarily, remember: you bring a unique combination of skills, leadership, and voice that can’t be duplicated. Your return will be welcomed—because your presence matters.

Embrace the Pause.
Let yourself fully experience your new season. The work will be there. This time, however messy or magical, is short—and it will shape you in ways that make you even more powerful when you return.