Understanding the Journey Back to Work The day you return to work after having a baby can feel like stepping into a new world, one that’s both familiar and foreign. You might feel excited to use your skills again and reconnect with colleagues, but also guilty, anxious or overwhelmed about leaving your baby. These emotions are completely normal. Transitioning back to work after maternity leave isn’t just logistical; it’s deeply emotional. This period, often called the “re-en