Updated at: 03-11-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

The infant should serve as adequate diversion. It’s easy to get disoriented in the midst of sleep deprivation, adorable sneezes (I LOVE baby sneezes! ), and the nuanced needs of a newborn. Then, mom brain sets in, and you can’t recall why you were there in the first place. This time, most likely, it’s to get another cup of coffee.

So, whether you’re ready or not, your maternity leave will expire, and you’ll have to find a new job. But don’t worry; it’s mostly enjoyable.

Maternity leave is not a vacation, as some of your coworkers may assume. Instead, it’s a chance to bond with your infant and readjust to a completely new way of life.

This “holiday” is filled with tasks, however, as you are aware that your time is limited.

This is your guide to the essential and entertaining things to do on maternity leave.

1. Get your baby insured

At the outset, the most important items. As a new parent, you have 30 days from the date of your baby’s birth to contact your insurance company and begin coverage.

The hospital will, believe it or not, charge you for the cost of having a baby. On the other hand, this is nothing new to them. I’d say you have around two weeks before you need to collect their Social Security number (SSN). Our medical facility processed her application for a Social Security number and a birth certificate.

20+ Tips & Ideas On What To Do On Your Maternity Leave

2. Have professional photos taken ASAP

As soon as possible, and no later than the first 10 days. Why? This cliche is accurate since they do develop rapidly.

Around the 10 day mark (along with the first predicted round of cluster feeding), they undergo a noticeable shift in facial structure as a result of this initial growth surge.

Not many hospitals provide photographers to visit with new mothers; while I appreciated having one at my hospital, I wasn’t overly impressed with the quality or service. If someone recommended someone, I’d phone them to see if they were available. Do the photo shoot as soon as possible so you may cross that task off your list.

3. Get familiar with your baby book

Baby books can seem like a daunting task to do, and in many ways, they are. Most of them offer sections where you may record your pregnancy data like food cravings, weight increase, the sensation of your baby’s first kicks, etc. Since this is a lengthy process, it is preferable to begin it before the arrival of the kid.

After the birth, there won’t be much new to add, but be sure to record the fundamentals (birth weight, birth length, birth time, and the names of the first visitors). Not to be forgotten! Don’t stop there though.

I recommend getting started by flicking over the pages and making mental or digital notes of future holes to fill. I say this because there were times when I failed to jot down important information since I didn’t have a dedicated space for it in my notebook. Be different from me! It hurts my heart to see empty baby books on the shelves.

Keep in mind the milestones you want to include in your book, such as learning to talk, rolling over for the first time, taking their first vacation, and so on.

4. Realize a new routine

A baby’s schedule will fluctuate like the weather because change is constant. Something new appears each week, but you still have to be you. If you’re still trying to figure out what’s most important to you, maternity leave is a great opportunity to do so.

Establishing and maintaining a routine is crucial to your success. Everyone wants to talk about what to do with baby but I want to remind women to take care of themselves first. Which comes first, a happy mother or a happy child? Where should we begin, with the chicken or the egg?

Establishing and maintaining a routine is crucial to your success. Everyone wants to talk about what to do with baby but I want to remind women to take care of themselves first. Which comes first, a happy mother or a happy child? Where should we begin, with the chicken or the egg?

5. Start journaling

To succeed, you must establish and maintain a regular regimen. Everybody is preoccupied with baby stuff, but I feel it’s important to stress the need of self-care for mothers. To what extent the mother’s own happiness influences the child’s happiness is an open question. Who came first, the chicken or the egg?

Keeping a journal doesn’t have to be a laborious process. Those new mothers out there might benefit much from keeping one line a day in one of these journals. You’ll be glad you took the time to write down the best (or worst) part of each day.

When I think back on the first six months, I just see a blur.

6. Reach out to work

Although this is the LAST thing on my list of possible actions, I feel I should comply since…

The human resources representative I spoke to while enrolling my daughter in health insurance advised me that, as a general rule, moms on maternity leave are expected to “check-in” once a week.

However, in my opinion, a rule of thumb isn’t really binding. However, it is essential to open channels of communication. Employers should take the “don’t call her, she’ll call you” approach.

Sending an email ought to do the trick.

7. Solidify care plans

When you return to work, what do you expect to happen? How long have you waited on a waiting list? To what extent will your mother-in-law be acting as a nanny or grandparent? Are you still pondering this?

Today is the day!

Make it official, even if you “thought” you knew the answer a few weeks or months ago. Confirm their availability and agree upon a schedule that will benefit both parties. The key is to zero in on the crucial issues and make the crucial judgments.

8. Arrange back-up care (x2)

Sick days are a major problem for working mothers. Certainly for the sake of both your infant and the person providing care for your baby.

Where will the infant be cared for if the nanny becomes ill and requires a day off? What kind of time off from work do you anticipate needing? Do you think you’re capable? Can you afford a last-minute caretaker replacement?

If you can’t find anyone else to help you out, ask a close friend or family member to do it. Simply because it may be purchased at a fair price (or nonexistent). But now is the time to get your backup ready, let them know they’re on call, lay out your expectations, and set your boundaries.

9. Get involved in a mommy group

I WISH I had done this. My husband stayed at home with our newborn for my whole maternity leave, so I didn’t have to work. All hands on deck! (wahhh no one understands me).

I really regret not attending the new mother and infant support group that is offered by our local hospitals. I had the impression that it was solely useful for housewives. No matter how correct I may have been, I still regret not reaching out to other women in my situation.

10. Postpartum check up

The average wait time to see an obstetrician is roughly six weeks. Make it happen yourself if they don’t.

Precious care is required for moms as well! We can’t have someone as essential as you messing around! They also let you know it’s OK to return to work. My employer insisted on a doctor’s note certifying that I was healthy enough to return to work.

11. Ease into exercise

If your doctor gives you the go light, you can begin working out. You may (and should!) be on the move during this time off from work to reap the health benefits of the extra activity. It’s useless if you don’t put it to good use.

I’m not suggesting that you join a CrossFit gym, but I do want to reaffirm that physical activity is fantastic. Hahaha, no, seriously, that’s horrible.

But seriously, you need to take it easy on your body, so even a little bit will help. Simply going for long walks or doing kegels will suffice. Do what you want!

The key is to plan ahead and set out dedicated time. I have no doubt that you are itching to get rid of the baby weight.

12. Scope out the local parks

Having a destination in mind is the best method to force yourself to go on those walks. While a newborn probably won’t be particularly active on a playground or even on those cool baby swings, you can begin to form opinions on the playgrounds in your area.

I enjoy weighing the pros and cons of a situation.

Heavy, leafy shade? PLUS! Any nicotine addict teenagers hanging out? Excellent news. Absolutely not!

13. Take progression pictures

Alluding to the people that read this blog, etc. Take pictures of your baby as they develop to earn social media praise. Your loved ones (and fans) will appreciate it.

While I recognize my inexperience, I figure that any effort is preferable to none at all. Since I had to go back to work after 12 weeks, I realized I needed to find a straightforward setup that could be repeated again and over.

14. Treat yo’self

Look out for number one. Nighttime cuddles with a newborn won’t last forever. Resuming work after maternity leave ends is more difficult than dealing with a newborn.

Please don’t just throw this idea around. I hope you will unabashedly pamper yourself with a massage, facial, hair appointment, shopping trip, or anything else puts a smile on your face.

When I returned to work after having my baby, I hid my still-present belly with a head full of highlights. AND getting pampered for a few hours in a salon was the best. (I used this as a dry run for my eventual return to the workforce.)

15. Get a haircut

Regarding Mom Haircuts, I feel quite passionately. Here you will find extensive information on them.

Nonetheless, haircuts should be included because:

  • There’s a good chance that you’re constantly wearing your hair in some sort of atop knot or untidy bun.
  • If you didn’t get your hair cut during pregnancy, you should do it at least once every three months.

To tell you the truth, I try to avoid getting my hair cut. They are too expensive for my budget when I am actively attempting to reduce my use of them.

But a new haircut will tidy up your appearance for the return to the workplace and make your hair easier to manage. To put it simply, you require this.

15 fun and productive things to do on maternity leave

16. Pack your pumping bag

Do you intend to pump while at the office?

In the beginning, I didn’t get it, mostly because I had such a hard time pumping while on maternity leave that it clouded my understanding of the notion.

Even though I didn’t have a huge supply of frozen breast milk, I was determined to continue breastfeeding while working full-time (and I did).

If you can be away from the infant long enough, pumping will become a breeze. On top of that, it’s a great pretext for taking a short break from your duties. We’re talking about the definition of a win-win situation.

In this article, I will explain the items that should be included in your pumping bag.

17. Build a baby capsule wardrobe

The most valuable use of time has been prevented by using a baby’s capsule wardrobe. There’s no denying the unbelievable cuteness of baby clothes, but the infant doesn’t need them. And I don’t have the time to organize a thousand miniature outfits.

I’ve maintained a consistent routine regardless of my baby’s “size.” A handful of go-tos that you know are soft, washable, and versatile. This is what I do because it’s convenient to be able to remove soiled shorts without ruining the rest of my ensemble.

LOL JK. Nonetheless, in all seriousness. I don’t worry too much when my kid doesn’t wear coordinated ensembles, but then again, my mother brain makes me think that her clothes and style reflect me as a mother and how DARE I offer her to the world in that way. What wretched fantasies we indulge in…

In a separate article, I will detail the things I absolutely cannot do without. This article has been in the works for quite some time, and it is still far from being finished. Buying baby clothes hasn’t been high on my list of priorities.

18. Host a Baby-Q

While others may refer to it as a “drink and see,” I prefer to refer to it as a “Baby-Q.” It all started with a party that my friend threw for me when she returned to Chicago from college.

During her brief maternity leave, she returned to her hometown and hosted a party for all of her friends and family to see her new baby. That’s great, right?

Avoiding the need to see everyone and their mother would prevent a lot of unnecessary running around. You get to relax, eat, drink, and be a mom as others come to you to express their good wishes and give you gifts.

Truth be told, the only reason I want another child is so that I can host another themed Baby-Q.

19. Baby proofing prep

Since infants are completely helpless, the word I chose was “prep” (but poop and sleep and eat). Astoundingly, several individuals inquired during my pregnancy if I had baby proofed the house. In the early stages, baby proofing may seem like a joke.

Put off using plastic clamps to secure the toilet seat or locking mechanisms to secure the drawers. However, while on maternity leave, you can get a head start on some of those things. If you start baby proofing before your little one learns to crawl, you’ll have plenty of time.

I began making mental notes of potentially hazardous areas, including those with unstable furniture or readily available chemicals. Those are all things that need to be addressed as soon as possible, but baby proofing is really more of a way of life shift. Yes, that also needs its own blog entry!

We don’t mean to frighten you, but you should definitely start looking for potential dangers around the house and keeping them in mind at all times. To prevent a child from accidentally scalding themselves, you can do things like turning pot handles over the stove.

To give you a head start on knowing what to look out for, I found this fantastic, comprehensive website. There are several great tools to help protect a baby from getting into things, but if they really want something, they will figure out how to get it. Modifying regular practices is the most effective method of baby proofing.

What should I do on maternity leave before baby arrives?

You might get some time off for maternity leave before the baby is born (depending on your situation and the work laws in your state or country).

But how exactly should you spend this opportunity? Here are some suggestions:

  • In other words, train yourself to accept unemployment. It’s completely reasonable for some mothers to have trouble turning off their minds. However, while on maternity leave, you have the legal right to take time off from work entirely. Sharing your plans to leave with your coworkers in advance can be useful.
  • Make a short plan of action for the big day. Have you thought to place a medical kit near the entrance? Check. How will you get around the construction on the way to the hospital? Check. As an alternative, what is the plan for the home birth? You never know what kind of master of surprises you’ll be bringing into the world with your tiny sprout, so it’s best to be prepared.
  • Verify that you have everything you require. Oh no, your aunt’s high chair doesn’t fit your baby? A pacifier has gone missing, huh? Just one set of pajamas? It’s certain that you’ll overlook something crucial.
    • Pampering. Spa treatments, such a haircut, manicure, or pedicure, that you might not be able to fit in once the baby is born.
    • Take the basic necessities inside. On postpartum day two, the last thing you need is to be without toilet paper. Jot down a long list of all the mundane things you’ll need to keep going.
    • A thorough washing down. Hmmm. Shouldn’t this be delegated?
    • Get together for a social evening. Again, it’s fine if you don’t feel up to it. One possible use of the time off work during pregnancy is to catch up with friends you may not get to see much during the following weeks due to the impending arrival of the baby.
    • Chill. This is an essential item on any maternity leave to-do list. Relax, watch Netflix, and stay in bed. This time off to recharge will prove useful.

Practical things to do on maternity leave (after baby arrives)

The newborn has finally made their debut. Congrats! You must be feeling up to extra responsibility if you’re searching Google for “what to do while on maternity leave.”

  • Rest. Moving this up the priority list covertly. Even if you feel refreshed, you still need to get some shut-eye. If at all possible, take it easy.
  • It’s time to hit the road. Because it’s more of a necessity than a luxury, this one makes the pragmatic cut. When you spend all day at home, it can get a little claustrophobic in there. Just taking a little walk around the block every day will help you gain some perspective and clear your mind.
  • Obtain advice from your insurance provider. The majority of health insurance policies necessitate that you notify them when you have a baby so that they can begin covering the new addition to your family. We know it’s not the most ideal way to spend your time off while pregnant.
  • Taking a look at the bank balance. Some mothers immediately begin setting aside money for their children’s university education. Some people just want to relax till their maternity leave is over. A financial audit, no matter how small, could be a good idea right now.
  • Try out your strategy for child care. Whether you decide to use daycare, a nanny, or a granny, it can be helpful to take a week at the end of your maternity leave to observe how everything goes while you are still available.
  • Get ready for your next day at the office. Returning to work after a period of absence can be challenging. To what extent reducing your hours will help you ease back into work depends on how flexible your employer is willing to be.

What can I do to make money while on maternity leave?

Many mothers struggle with the decision to take unpaid maternity leave. But there are many opportunities to supplement your income while on maternity leave.

Try your hand at freelancing from the comfort of your own home, whether it’s writing, social media management, voice acting, graphic design, administrative support, or bookkeeping. You might also try taking some lessons online.

Additionally, websites like Etsy allow you to showcase and sell your own handmade creations (others are available). Freelancing opportunities can be found on a wide variety of online resources. If you want to find clients who are actively seeking freelancers, Google is a wonderful place to look.

Fun maternity leave activities – for when you have the energy

So, while you’re on maternity leave, why not do something fun? Some potential interpretations are as follows.

  • Write in a journal every day. This is fantastic for your long-term memory, and it may even help your state of mind right now. Keeping a journal is a great way to express your feelings and gain some insight on your life’s events.
  • Gather your loved ones together for a get-together. A steady stream of visitors can be taxing, but spending time with family and friends who are interested in the new celebrity is always enjoyable.
  • Plan a quiet night in for two. You probably won’t be hitting the town tonight. Instead, stay in, make a romantic meal, and light some candles.
  • Get a photobook going. Take pictures of everything and save them for later.
  • Ignore convention and come up with something new. Making things is not only a hobby. A secondary purpose is relaxation.
  • Just go on a trip already. Towards the end of your maternity leave, if you’re feeling strong enough, you can take your baby out into the world. It’s true that some expectant mothers take time off to see the world, but it’s definitely not the norm. You are more than welcome to join me on a trip, or even just a weekend trip, that stays closer to home.

FAQs

Things To Do On Maternity Leave?

Take a sick day from work. Taking a few days off won’t hurt, and you’ll be back soon enough.

Visit the mall with your mother, sister, or closest friend to get some adorable baby outfits. Get some fresh threads ready in case they show up early.

-Have lots of pictures taken of you while pregnant, preferably showing off your growing bulge. They’ll come in useful when you can’t picture your belly button anymore. Recruit help if you need to!

Nap as much as you can while on maternity leave, because you will never have the chance to catch some Zs again once the kid arrives.

In order to avoid giving the impression that you’ve forgotten about your followers, you should maintain an active presence across all of your social media platforms.

-Finish any projects at work that you can so when you come back they will be already done and no one has to worry about the workload is too much for you!

Don’t leave anything undone at the office, so that when you return there’s no question about whether or not you’ll be able to handle your responsibilities.

Is it normal to not enjoy maternity leave?

A wide range of factors contribute to new mothers not relishing their time off. Mothers who spoke to Ms. Barnett on air cited a lack of social support, sleep deprivation, postpartum health problems, and postpartum depression as causes.

When should I start my maternity leave?

I’m due soon and would like to begin my maternity leave as soon as possible. Pregnancy leave typically begins 11 weeks before to the expected delivery date. You may need to begin your maternity leave earlier than this if your baby is born early or if you have to miss time from work for any other reason linked to your pregnancy.

Despite robust legal provisions, pregnant women still find it difficult to get maternity leave

How much money should I save for maternity leave?

If you want to save a certain amount each month for your maternity leave, divide the total amount by the number of months before your due date. If you need to save $4,000 and you have five months until the baby is born, you should set aside $800 every month.

Can I get a part time job while on maternity leave?

During your maternity leave, your employer cannot require or insist that you work, and any KiT days you take must be prearranged between you and your employer.

Can maternity leave start before baby is born?

Requests for time off are to be anticipated when an employee is expecting. If the expecting mother chooses it or experiences issues during her pregnancy, she may begin her maternity leave prior to the birth of her child.

Can I go back to work 2 weeks after having a baby?

Disabled leave after giving birth often lasts about six weeks. Depending on the nature of their work and the availability of childcare and other services in their community, some mothers may feel ready to return to the workforce sooner.

What happens if I don’t return to work after maternity leave?

If you decide not to return to work after your maternity leave ends, you will still be paid for any unused vacation days, including those taken during your leave. You are still eligible to receive statutory maternity pay even if you choose not to return to work during your maternity leave.

What happens with maternity pay if you get pregnant again?

Even if you lose your job, you do not have to refund any of your SMP or Maternity Allowance, and you can continue to receive it for up to 39 weeks.

How long do you get paid for maternity leave?

If you’ve been with the company for a while, you might be able to extend your maternity leave. Whether you’ve been there for less than a year or more than five, if they’re a government agency, you’ll get the same 26-week severance package.

The length of time you work for a private company will determine the amount you receive; typically, workers receive 14-16 weeks of salary at 90% of their regular rate (for example).

This is all laid out in the contract. Additional benefits, such as higher statutory pay (up to two weeks per kid till the moment they start school), may also be specified.

What is the average maternity leave in the US?

Most full-time working moms in the United States receive only twelve weeks of unpaid maternity leave, as stated by the Department of Labor. It’s true that certain jurisdictions and businesses do provide some form of paid family or maternity leave, but these are the exception rather than the rule.

The United States is one of only a small number of nations where parents are not guaranteed any sort of paid leave from their jobs upon the arrival of a new child.

What is the minimum maternity leave?

If an employee has been with the company for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the due date, she is eligible for at least four weeks of paid maternity leave.

To be eligible for benefits, new hires must complete 26 weeks of continuous employment with their employer within the first 52 weeks of employment.

How long is maternity leave in Kansas State?

The availability of maternity leave benefits is not uniform across the United States. Because every family has unique requirements, maternity leave benefits might extend much beyond the traditional concept of time off work.

The mother and child benefit greatly from a supportive atmosphere that can only be provided by taking time off for maternity leave.

There may be options available to help working parents who cannot take advantage of paid maternity leave through their employer or disability insurance cover some of the costs associated with caring for a newborn.

Can you take longer than 52 weeks of maternity leave?

Yes, you can take up to 104 weeks of maternity leave. You’ll still get paid the same as you would during a full year away from the office (52 weeks), but your annual sick and vacation days may be reduced as a result of the additional time off.

It’s true that some countries allow mothers to take as much as 104 weeks off to care for their newborns. The quantity of money you receive will be the same as it would have been during the 52 weeks you were away from work, but the number of sick days and vacation days you are entitled to each year upon your return to work may be reduced.

When do I start receiving maternity pay?

After I inform my job that I am expecting a child, they may require me to sign a form swearing that I am not pregnant so that they can keep paying me until the kid is born (my contract may say differently).

Although this may be standard procedure in some companies, no one has ever been fired for refusing to participate. Statutory maternity pay (SMP) does not kick in until 11 weeks before your expected week of labour. In the event of a preterm or late birth, this may alter; visit the HMRC website for specifics.

Can I get a second job while on maternity leave?

Although working part-time on maternity leave is doable, there are a few things to think about first. The first consideration is how long your child will need to be watched by the daycare or babysitter after school.

Maybe it’s not the best idea to find a second part-time job if your child care provider can’t babysit them till late at night.

Problems arise when trying to juggle two jobs, each with its own vacation policies and requirements. All doctor’s visits and other mandatory appointments should be preplanned so that if an employer has to cancel at the last minute, you won’t be thrown off schedule.

There is no one-size-fits-all maternity leave, but this should be a good reference

When a real infant is the center of your attention, your day becomes complicated for many reasons. But pin this image to your boards if you’re interested in using this list as a guide to accomplishing some of your goals.