Let’s get one thing clear from the start: one of the main reasons for maternity leave is to care for and bond with your baby whilst recovering from childbirth. That is the job. Full stop.
I’m putting this out there as a gentle disclaimer because so many mums (myself included) start to feel guilty or unaccomplished when it seems like all we’ve done during maternity leave is change nappies, manage nap times, and feed a baby on repeat.
Well… hate to burst your productivity bubble, but sometimes the highest achievement of your day might be a well-timed nappy change, a feed without tears (whether bottle or breast), or taking your baby out for a walk in the sunshine—and that is entirely okay.
Redefining Productivity on Maternity Leave
There’s a mindset that many of us—especially first-time mums—fall into: feeling like we need to “achieve more” or prove we’re doing maternity leave “right.” But the truth is, you’re already doing the most important thing: keeping a tiny human alive and loved. And let me tell you—that’s work!
Now that I’m approaching the end of my accrued leave, I’ve come to realise how much support plays a role in what a mum can do for herself and her baby during this time. That’s why I believe we shouldn’t beat ourselves up if all we manage to do is show up for our little ones each day. That’s more than enough.
So What Does “Making the Most” Even Mean?
To me, it’s not about smashing goals or launching side hustles. It’s about two things:
- Enjoying quality time with your newborn and family
- Showing up for yourself in small, meaningful ways
Let’s start with the baby.
Soaking in the Moments (Even If You’re Exhausted)
In the newborn phase (0- 3 months), making the most of my time looked like:
- Cuddles
- Contact naps
Honestly, I didn’t get out much. Walks were rare, and I prioritised sleep over everything else—and that’s absolutely fine.
But once my baby hit four months, the rhythm shifted. I booked us into our first baby sensory class. It gave us something to look forward to each week and helped me reconnect with the outside world. Eventually, I discovered local playgroups. They weren’t just good for my baby’s development—they were essential for my mental health too.
I met other mums, made friends, and found a community that made my maternity leave feel richer. We shared tips, attended baby birthday parties, and supported one another in small but meaningful ways.
And just recently? We started baby swimming lessons. I don’t even swim—but our first experience left me feeling refreshed, happy, and wondering why I waited so long.
Try not to get so caught up in mothering that you forget to actually bond with your baby.
That said, let’s be honest: not everyone is keen on getting out every day for rhyme time or walks. I’ve questioned my own decision to sit in rush hour traffic just to make a 30-minute baby class. But I kept going—because those moments of bonding meant something to me and, of course, to my little boy.
Now Let’s Talk About You, Mum.
How do you show up for yourself during maternity leave?
For me, self-care wasn’t always bubble baths and face masks. Sometimes, it was:
- Making sure I showered (yes, it can be midnight before you realise you haven’t!)
- Reading something that nurtured my brain (I used to love physical self-help books, but they’ve now been replaced with audiobooks I listen to while folding laundry or making breakfast for my little one)
- Planning my career timeline and actively taking steps towards some goals
Sometimes, self-care meant calling a long-time friend. These small actions were therapeutic. Because let’s be honest—care work is real work. And society doesn’t always acknowledge that.
Final Thoughts: Make That List
Make a list. Not a rigid checklist—but a flexible one. Fill it with things you’d love to do for you—whether that’s a coffee with a friend, updating your LinkedIn, or finally watching that show everyone’s raving about.
You’re not failing at maternity leave if all you’ve done is mother your baby. That is everything and the reason for the leave in the first place! But when you do find little pockets of time—don’t forget yourself and what you would want your future self to thank you for.
Thanks for reading today. If you’ve ever been on maternity leave, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. How did you make the most of your time?
Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll be sharing a list of activities you can do during your maternity leave.
Yours,
Dr Aarin – Your favourite doctor mum
