Planning Parental Leave: Tips From an Expert
Going back to work after having a baby can feel overwhelming (cue juggling your job responsibilities with pumping sessions, bottles, and caregiver schedules). So we spoke with Lori Mihalich-Levin, author, lawyer, and founder of Mindful Return—an online program that provides resources and support for new parents—about how to make the transition back to work more successful, and less stressful, for everyone.
Why did you create the Mindful Return program?
LML: The program started for moms because I wanted to help employers retain women who have children and then leave the workforce. Then employers told me they also needed something for new dads. Now, we have courses for new parents, parents of special needs children, and an on-demand course to help managers transition employees back into the workplace following a parental leave.
What do moms-to-be need to know about planning a parental leave?
LML: Create a written document about everything you do and who’s going to fill in for you on your leave. A lot of work goes into planning a leave—the hidden office housework that often falls on women—so take credit on your annual review for a well-executed one. Don’t feel guilty about taking the time away from your job. Becoming a parent is a huge transition, and you’re not going to get that time again. Before your leave, connect with other working moms at your organization and in your community to form a support network—don’t wait until that baby comes!
Helpful tips for new moms returning to work?
LML: If you can transition your baby into childcare before you return to work, do it! On your first day back, have lunch with another working mom. Join—or start!—a working parents group at your workplace so you can feel heard and seen. It’s helpful to think of your return not as an “event” but as a “process.” It’s a yearlong process of reintegrating and adjusting. And remember: becoming a parent means your leadership skills are growing stronger, not weaker. Moms are honing kickass leadership skills—because they’re moms, not in spite of being moms.
What policies would make the biggest difference for working families?
LML: Paid parental leave. And treating childcare as an infrastructure issue because the cost of childcare is ridiculous. We also need to de-gender leave and move away from using the terms “primary” and “secondary” caregivers. The more engaged dads are early on, the better women are able to navigate their careers.
Mamava designs solutions to empower breastfeeding and pumping parents on the go, like our freestanding lactation pods, Mamava’s lactation space locator app, and other helpful resources.
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