Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Returning to work

6-minute read

Key facts

  • Going back to work is an individual decision and can depend on many things.
  • Consider how you might balance the demands of your work with those of caring for your family.
  • Try to organise childcare that suits your family.
  • Think about how you will deal with practical matters, such as cooking and cleaning.

Returning to work after becoming a parent can be a big step. As this time approaches, you may feel many emotions. You might feel anxious about going back to work or guilty about leaving your child in someone else’s care. Or you might be excited about the prospect of returning to work and the chance to catch up with colleagues.

How do I decide when to return to work?

Going back to work is an individual decision. It can depend on many things, including: your work, your family arrangements, your finances and how your child copes with change.

In Australia, many parents use flexible work arrangements when they have young children. Most children have some experience of childcare before starting school.

Whatever you decide, remember that studies show that good quality early education provides a foundation for later education and social success.

What should I ask my employer?

Talk to your employer about how you might best balance the demands of your work and those of caring for your family. You might talk about:

  • working part-time
  • working from home
  • flexible hours that fit your childcare arrangements

If problems arise that can’t be resolved by talking to your employer, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

What childcare options are available?

When choosing childcare, you will need to consider your family’s needs and the environment that best suits you and your child. The financial cost might also be a factor. Possible childcare options are:

  • friends/relatives
  • family day care — care given in the educator’s own home
  • long day care — offers early education and care for children from birth to 6 years
  • preschool or kindergarten — care for children the year before starting school
  • occasional care in a childcare centre — casual care for children from 6 weeks to 6 years
  • outside school hours care (OSHC) — for school aged children

Check whether you are eligible for financial assistance through the government’s Child Care Subsidy program.

To find out more about childcare service near you, see StartingBlocks.gov.au and their Find Child Care tool.

Practical tips for going back to work

It’s often helpful to talk to others who have recently gone back to work after parental leave. Ask them to share their experiences with you.

It’s also a good idea do a short trial of childcare before you start work. For example, you could drop your child off at day care for a few hours.

Sharing responsibilities

If you have a partner, you might want to discuss what will happen when you back to work. You may want to talk about practical matters such as:

  • Who will pick up and drop off your child?
  • Who will take time off if your child gets sick?
  • How you will share domestic chores such as cooking and cleaning?

Meal planning

Planning ahead can reduce potential problems with feeding yourself and your child when you are back at work.

For example, if your child eats solid food, you can prepare meals in advance.

Planning meals helps you budget, makes grocery shopping easier and helps to make sure you have a balanced diet. The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating can help with planning meals.

Breastfeeding

Many females return to work while they are still breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, ask your employer to support you by:

  • providing a quiet place at work to express breast milk
  • allowing you time to do this (as required by the Sex Discrimination Act)

If you are breastfeeding, try and set up a breast pumping routine before you go back to work.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association is a great resource for learning more about breastfeeding and returning to work.

Feeling emotional

On returning to work, you might feel stressed and upset, or guilty about leaving your child in someone else’s care. You may worry that your child will develop a stronger bond with their carers. These are all normal feelings.

You might also have to deal with your child’s separation anxiety when you leave them to go to work.

The return to work involves a period of adjustment for everyone, but things usually settle down.

Resources and support

If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can talk with your doctor or call one of the support services below.

Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 — for help with depression and anxiety

MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78 — telephone and online counselling services for men

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: October 2022


Back To Top

Need more information?

Returning to work - COPE

Centre of Perinatal Excellence

Read more on COPE - Centre of Perinatal Excellence website

Breastfeeding: mums returning to work | Raising Children Network

It’s good for mums returning to work to keep breastfeeding if they want to. Here’s how to make it happen by planning ahead and talking with your employer.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Returning to work after having a baby | Raising Children Network

Returning to work after having a baby? Here’s what to expect when you return to work, with information and tips on child care, work-life balance and stress.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Child disability & mums returning to work | Raising Children Network

In this video, mums of children with disability talk about returning to work after having a baby. They describe experiences and offer practical tips.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

As your baby grows - Having a baby - Services Australia

As your baby grows, keep their immunisations up to date. Discuss returning to work with your employer. Tell us if you’re returning to work.

Read more on Centrelink website

Going back to work | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Returning to work whilst breastfeeding? You can do it! 

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Working while pregnant: tips | Raising Children Network

Working while pregnant can be challenging. Get practical tips for managing pregnancy symptoms, working through pregnancy and planning your return to work.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Child disability, mums & work-life balance | Raising Children Network

Watch this video to hear mums of children with disability talk about returning to work and finding a work-life balance. Mums also share practical tips.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Having a baby - Services Australia

Payments and services to help when you have a baby. How to enrol your baby in Medicare. How returning to work and your child's immunisations affect your payments.

Read more on Centrelink website

Breastfeeding your baby - Pregnancy and the first five years

This booklet provides practical advice on common questions and concerns about breastfeeding including why, how long, what to expect, overcoming problems, expressing breastmilk and returning to work.

Read more on NSW Health website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.