Heading back to work after maternity leave is no small feat. It’s a time of juggling emotions, adjusting routines, and finding a new rhythm, and let’s be real, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Dr Renee White dives into what workplaces can do to support parents during this pivotal transition and how we, as parents, can advocate for what we need.
From flexible work options to creating a truly family-friendly culture, we’re exploring the small but powerful changes that can make all the difference for working mums and dads.
You’ll Hear About:
- Why flexibility at work matters and how it benefits both parents and businesses.
- The importance of lactation spaces, childcare options, and other workplace resources.
- The role of understanding and open communication in building trust.
- How to foster a workplace that genuinely supports families.
- Strategies to help you feel ready for your return to work.
Workplaces have the power to make or break a parent’s transition back to work. When employers prioritise the needs of working parents, it creates an environment where everyone thrives, both at home and in the office.
Tune in to explore practical strategies and empowering ideas for transforming your workplace or navigating your own return-to-work journey. Because every parent deserves to feel supported and every workplace has the ability to make that happen.
Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by the Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice.
Nothing contained in this podcast is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
Transcripts
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[00:00:27] I'm Dr. Renee White and this is The Science of Motherhood. Hello and welcome to episode 157. I am your host, Dr. Renee White. Thank you so much for joining us today. It is one of our Check In Tuesday episodes and I think that this particular topic Could not come at a better time. It's the beginning of the year. I think a lot of parents, um, in particular mums will be thinking about this particular topic.
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[00:02:16] Normally weekly for three hours and you get to choose from our beautiful FYC mama menu and we make delicious nutritious meals for you each week. Main meals and snacks, plenty, plenty of leftovers after the session. So you can pop them in the freezer, stock up your snack, your snack jars, and so yeah, having a postpartum doula is something that's going to really set you up for not only those first 40 days, but they say anecdotally the next 40 years of your life because recovering properly after pregnancy and birth is pivotal to women's health and what better than having a postpartum doula.
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[00:03:26] So not just after the bubby has arrived. So let's dive into today's episode. As I said, I think it's a really timely episode and topic that we discuss, and it is all about returning to work after mat leave. Now. The topic more specifically is how workplaces can support employees returning from parental leave.
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[00:04:16] Here we go. Number one, reimagine flexibility, it's not just about remote work. Flexibility is more than letting someone work from home twice a week. It's about understanding that productivity doesn't fit neatly into a nine to five box when you are managing, daycare pickups, teething toddlers and surprise, sick days. Now here's my pro tip. Offer flexible start and finish times, part time return options, or compressed work weeks. There's nothing better than a four day work week. These micro adjustments can help parents juggle work and home without sacrificing their sanity or their career ambitions. So, flexibility isn't just a perk, it's table stakes for a workplace that claims to care about its people.
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[00:05:39] Invest in clean lockable lactation rooms with comfy chairs, outlets, and a mini fridge. And please don't make them book it like it's a boardroom, okay? If your office has a game room for team bonding, it can have a proper lactation room. Let's look at the priorities, people.
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[00:06:39] Number four, this one I'm very passionate about. Offer doula support or postpartum wellness services as part of your employee benefit schemes. Now the early postpartum period is a whirlwind of physical recovery, emotional adjustments, and let's be real, sleep deprivation. So providing access to services like postpartum doulas, mental health counselling, meal delivery, can really help your employees feel truly cared for. My pro tip, and this is a shameful plug, partner with companies like Fill Your Cup to add doula services to your employee wellness programs. We value you, hits differently when it comes with a side of lactation support and a lasagna delivery.
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[00:08:20] So my final thoughts, supporting employees returning from parental leave isn't just a nice thing to do. It's smart business. Happy, supported parents are productive, employee who sticks around. So go ahead and redefine your workplace culture. You will be the envy of every office on the block. After all, when you support the person behind the parent, everybody wins. All right, guys, until next week, I will see you. Bye.
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[00:09:10] You've just listened to another episode of the science of motherhood proudly presented by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, head to our website, ifillyourcup.com to learn more about our birth and postpartum doula offerings where every mother we pledge to be the steady hand that guides you back to yourself. Ensuring you feel nurtured, informed and empowered so you can fully embrace the joy of motherhood with confidence. Until next time, bye!
