Rethinking Maternity Leave: Beyond Baby Care
Having spoken to many new and expecting mums, one piece of feedback I hear time and again when I ask if they’ve thought about having an enriching maternity leave is this:
“I barely have time for anything beyond taking care of the baby — and honestly, that’s enough if I can just enjoy those moments.”
It’s a heartfelt and understandable response. During maternity leave, a mother’s world often becomes beautifully — yet completely — baby-centric. Every conversation, every plan, and every ounce of energy tends to revolve around the little one. Yet many mums quietly admit they sometimes crave more grown-up conversations, something that lets them reconnect with the version of themselves that existed before motherhood.
Of course, this desire depends on several factors — and the most significant of all is support.
The Support Equation
For many mums, especially those without nearby family, maternity leave can feel isolating. They often find themselves caring for the baby almost entirely on their own. Some are fortunate to have relatives or friends nearby who can lend a hand; others have partners with good paternity leave or flexible jobs that allow for shared responsibilities. But in most cases, the primary caregiver — usually the mum — is managing a full-time job of nurturing, feeding, soothing, and learning on the go.
When I’ve asked whether they’ve considered getting a nanny or helper, trust quickly becomes the main concern — and understandably so. Handing over your newborn, even for a few hours, can feel impossible.
In some lucky cases, new mums find themselves in NCT or local mum groups that share similar professional or personal backgrounds. These groups can be a lifeline — providing camaraderie, empathy, and conversations that aren’t only about feeding schedules or nap patterns. For many, these small doses of adult connection are a reminder of who they were — and who they still are.
What Does an Enriching Maternity Leave Look Like?
Listening to these stories made me realise something important: an enriching maternity leave doesn’t have to mean doing more. It can mean feeling more supported, more equipped, and more connected — both to your baby and to yourself.
Here’s what that can look like:
- Appreciation and validation — recognising the incredible learning, adapting, and growing that new parents go through.
- Empowerment and preparedness — helping parents navigate new situations with confidence so they can soon establish a rhythm that works for them.
- Intentional planning — encouraging parents to think about what they want from their leave, and giving them the tools and resources to make it happen.
- Ongoing support — ensuring they have access to guidance, empathy, and community throughout this transformative time.
The Mat Leave Reset
These four elements are at the heart of The Mat Leave Reset — my initiative focused on helping new parents create maternity leaves that feel fulfilling, balanced, and truly enriching. It’s about supporting mums (and parents) to find their rhythm, rediscover themselves, and approach this time with clarity and confidence.
If any of this resonates with you — if you’d like to share your thoughts, experiences, or simply have a chat — I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out to me directly (sreelakshmi.uppu@gmail.com); every story and every perspective helps shape this journey for all of us.
