How to Communicate Your Return from Parental Leave

While everyone’s emotional and logistical return to work after having a baby is different, one thing is for certain: Reentry is intense! By the time you’re staring down your return date, chances are you’ve already tackled the heavy-hitting to-dos, like finding childcare and helping your little one take a bottle in your absence. But there’s one more crucial step: Effectively communicating your return to your employer, team, and clients. Here, your quick and easy guide to navigating this process with confidence.

A Few Weeks Before Return

It’s recommended that you touch base with your supervisor a few weeks before you’re scheduled to return to work. At this point, it’s a good idea to:

Ask about any significant office or workplace updates.
Reiterate your reentry plan for transitioning back into work. In all likelihood, you’ve already hammered out the specifics of your return—such as gradual return versus resuming full-time work—before parental leave began.
Set expectations for your return. Restate your need for breaks to pump throughout the day and/or changes in your schedule due to childcare coverage.
Schedule an in-person meeting. Get a catch-up meeting on the books now.

Sample Email to Send to Your Employer

Subject: Returning from Parental Leave / Touch base

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Hello! I’m writing to confirm my return from parental leave on [date]. I’m looking forward to rejoining the team and diving back into work. But before my big return, I’d like to schedule a meeting to discuss my transition, including:

Any significant developments that came up in my absence
Status of current projects and priorities
My schedule
Accommodations for nursing breaks

Please let me know a few convenient times for us to virtually meet next week. Thank you for your support during my leave! I’m looking forward to a productive return.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Email to Send to Your Clients

Subject: Returning from Parental Leave / Let’s reconnect

Dear [Client’s Name],

I’m so pleased to reconnect with you—and to let you know that I’ll be returning from parental leave as of [date]. I’m all set to touch base with [Manager’s Name] on [date] to get a status update, and I would also love to pencil you in for a check-in after that to:

Catch up on developments in your projects
Discuss your current needs and priorities
Ensure we’re aligned on upcoming deadlines and deliverables

Let me know a few convenient times for a virtual or in-person meet-up the week of [date]. I look forward to our continued collaboration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

When You Return to Work

Touching base with stakeholders is just the first step! You’ll also want to establish an open line of ongoing communication as you shift into your new role as a working parent:

Schedule one-on-one meetings. Do this with each member of your team. Here, you can ask about significant office updates and…
Share the details of your schedule. Be clear and direct about how and when you will work, noting specifics like, “I need to leave every night by 5pm, so we’ll need to make sure the last meeting of the day concludes by 4:30pm.”
Acknowledge the transition period. There’s no need to pretend that you are exactly the same person as before. When face-to-face, know that it’s okay to acknowledge that the few weeks (or months) may be bumpy. It’s not weak to share that you’re finding your legs! A little honesty, coupled with an “I’m still committed to my job” attitude should help to build your return-to-work bridge.

Sample Email to Send to Your Employer

Subject: Back from maternity leave / Ready to reconnect

Dear [Manager’s Name],

The day has arrived! I wanted to let you know that I’ve officially returned from maternity leave. I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and once again contributing to our team’s success.

We’ve got a meeting scheduled for [today/tomorrow] at [time] so we can catch up on additional developments and review my current projects and priorities.

I’ve attached an agenda along with the work schedule we discussed earlier. Thank you again for everything.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Email to Send to Your Team

Subject: Back from leave / Let’s catch up

Dear [Team member ],

Hello! I’m back from parental leave and am excited to reconnect. Let’s meet at [time] to go over some key points, like:

Status updates
Priorities
Duties you may be willing/interested in holding onto
My revised schedule

I’ve attached an agenda here and have sent you a calendar invite. Looking forward to chatting!

Best,

[Your Name]

Sample Email to Send to Clients

Subject: Back From Parental Leave / Check in & agenda

Dear [Client’s Name],

I’m emailing to let you know that I’ve officially returned from parental leave! I’m looking forward to our scheduled touch-base on [date/time]. Please see the attached meeting agenda. Feel free to ping me with other topics we should go over.

Thank you again for your continued support. I'm looking forward to reconnecting.

Best regards,

[Your Name]