I came back from my second maternity leave in January and honestly, even though I knew what to expect logistically, the personal side of it caught me completely off guard. The confidence dip, feeling like I didn't quite know where I fitted anymore professionally, the pressure to just slot straight back in like nothing had changed.
I started talking to other women about it and realised it's almost universal but it's just not something that gets much support. You get the flexible hours chat and maybe a catch-up with your line manager, and that's about it.
I work in leadership and development as a coach and I've put together a one-day programme called Her Edit specifically for women returning to work after maternity or caregiving leave...it's on 11th June at Berwick House in Shropshire. Small group (max 12), and it covers the stuff nobody really talks about: confidence, identity, handling tricky conversations at work, getting clear on what you actually want now.
Places are £159 for the pilot and I'd love to bring together a brilliant group of women for it.
Happy to answer any questions here or feel free to DM me. Link in comments.