Workplace Maternity Programme: “Foundations to Flourish”
With statistics showing that up to 84% of women face challenges returning to work after maternity leave, 85% of women leaving full-time employment within three years of having their first child and 27% leaving the workforce altogether, it has never been more important for organisations to invest in their female employees during this critical transition. Supporting mothers to return to work in a balanced, confident, and sustainable way not only enhances their wellbeing, but is also a highly effective way to protect retention, safeguard productivity, and strengthen inclusivity within the workplace. My bespoke Foundations to Flourish Programme provides tailored 1:1 support at every stage of the maternity journey, from pre-maternity leave through to post-maternity leave, helping organisations empower women to thrive both personally and professionally.
Why This Matters
Becoming a mother is one of life’s most profound transitions, reshaping identity, confidence, priorities, and capacity. When combined with the return to work after maternity leave, this period can become emotionally and physically draining, as women navigate the demands of both home and workplace while adjusting to their new role. Many women feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain, questioning their abilities and worrying about how they will balance the demands of work with caring for their child.
Common struggles include fatigue, stress, and a sense of isolation, as well as pressure to perform at the same level as before their leave. Feelings of guilt, self-doubt, and loss of identity are frequent, compounded by practical challenges such as arranging childcare, navigating flexible working options, or managing breastfeeding and recovery needs. These pressures can leave women feeling disconnected, unsupported, and underprepared, making the return to work a vulnerable and challenging period. Without the right support, many women struggle to regain confidence and balance, leaving them feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and at risk of leaving the workforce.
How the Programme Helps
The Foundations to Flourish Programme equips your employees with the tools, space, and emotional support they need to return to work with confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Depending on your organisations needs, the programme can be delivered as a structured three-stage journey or as a stand-alone stage, focusing solely on maternity leave and the transition back to work.
Together, we work through key common challenges such as:
Tackling self-doubt and “mum guilt”
Managing work-life blend in a sustainable way
Rebuilding professional identity and confidence
This programme is about more than a smooth return. It’s about long-term success, resilience, and sustainability for your people and your organisation.
The Three Key Stages of Working Motherhood
This journey typically spans three critical stages:
Pre-maternity leave
Preparing for the return to work
Post-maternity leave
Research consistently shows that when organisations provide support during these times, they see measurable benefits - including higher engagement and retention, increased resilience and confidence, and employees who are better equipped to reintegrate and perform effectively on their return.
What’s Covered in the Programme
Stage 1: Pre-Maternity Leave - Preparing for Transition
Focus: Planning, wellbeing, and confidence before stepping away.
1:1 Sessions include:
Exploring emotions around the transition into motherhood and work identity.
Creating a personalised wellbeing and self-care plan for pregnancy and early motherhood.
Guidance on handover planning and communication preferences during leave.
Tools for reducing anxiety, building confidence, and leaving work on a positive note.
Stage 2: Preparing to Return to Work - Easing Back with Confidence
Focus: Navigating the emotional and practical challenges of returning.
1:1 Sessions include:
Reflecting on the experience of motherhood and how it has shaped personal identity.
Building confidence and addressing common concerns such as “mum guilt” and work-life balance.
Designing a return-to-work plan that feels sustainable and empowering.
Practical strategies for managing childcare transitions, boundaries, and energy levels.
Stage 3: Post-Maternity Leave - Sustaining Wellbeing
Focus: Supporting long-term balance, resilience, and career fulfilment.
1:1 Sessions include:
Regular check-ins (over 3–6 months) to provide ongoing emotional support.
Space to explore career aspirations, growth opportunities, and identity as a working mother.
Tools for resilience, boundary-setting, and self-compassion in daily life.
Support with navigating workplace dynamics and long-term career progression.
Programme Benefits for Your Organisation
When you invest in your working mothers, you:
Increase retention and reduce re-hiring/training costs
Boost productivity, morale, engagement, and loyalty
Reduce burnout and promote emotional wellbeing
Build a more inclusive, family-friendly culture
Position your company as a forward-thinking, people-first employer
Key Outcomes for Returning Mothers
Increased confidence navigating both motherhood and career
Reduced guilt and self-doubt, replaced with self-trust and clarity
Lower risk of burnout through improved emotional resilience and wellbeing tools
Smoother transition back to work, emotionally and practically prepared
Improved work-life balance, with realistic boundaries and sustainable routines
Greater self-awareness, leading to healthier mindset and decision-making
Stronger sense of identity, feeling more connected as both a mother and a professional
Renewed motivation and engagement in their role and workplace
Alignment of personal and professional values, supporting long-term fulfilment and performance
Flexible Coaching for Your Workplace
My coaching programme is designed to integrate seamlessly into the working day, offering maximum impact with minimal disruption. With flexibility at its core, sessions can be scheduled during lunch breaks, within wellbeing initiatives, or in short focused slots between meetings. For working mothers, this adaptability is especially valuable. Virtual sessions remove the need for travel and fit easily around personal and professional demands, providing support without adding pressure. By aligning with both business needs and individual schedules, coaching becomes an accessible, effective way to enhance the emotional wellbeing and performance of working parents in your workplace.
If you’re interested in how I can support your returning mothers through maternity leave and beyond, book a call, and let’s get started! I’d be delighted to learn more about your workforce, and explore how I can best support the working mothers in your business.