Navigating the Journey of a Mum Returning to Work

By Monique Goss, Osteopath

Coming back to work after dedicating myself fully to raising my little one has been both rewarding and challenging. Here's some thoughts during the thick of the transition.

It feels very overdue for a heartfelt business update. It’s been a season of change, learning, and growth in so many ways. With my return to work after maternity leave I had prepared to step into ‘business as usual’ but right now business seems far from usual and here’s why.

If you’re a parent you likely get it but transitioning back to work after being the full time carer for my daughter has been hard! Something I didn’t think I’d find hard at all. For the most part I feel like I’m grieving the loss of what my career used to be and what it now looks like. Emotionally, there’s been a mix of guilt and anxiety- wondering if I’m missing moments at home or if I’ve somehow lost my professional edge.

Being a mum is dive in, head first, all consuming. And quite frankly, being a business owner is kind of the same. So, how do you give 100% to both of these babies you love?

At the moment I’m trying to sit in the weird limbo of this phase and most importantly, be ok with the uncertainty of it all.

When I hear the draining hum of my breast pump in the lunch room, I’ll think of the joyous breastfeeding journey we’ve had so far.

When I feel guilty for not thinking about my daughter whilst at work, I’ll be grateful for indulging in conversations about yours and others lives.

When my daughter snuggles into my shoulder, sad I was gone all day, I’ll appreciate showing her that mum can have a thriving career. 

When I’m up during the night with a sleepless baby, I’ll remember my now deeper sense of empathy, patience, and perspective for others. 

When everything feels like too much to juggle, I can remind myself that I have a loving network of people willing to help if only I ask.

I’m learning to see this chapter not as a return to the “old me,” but the start of a new, more layered, more flexible, and hopefully, a little wiser mum and osteo, Mon.

Business is not as usual but certainly has a lot of blessings as I tackle it with time, support and grace. 

If you’ve experienced a similar transition, I’d love to hear how it’s been for you too. Reach out to us on socials @om_osteopathy or via email monique@omosteopathy.com