Returning to work after having a baby can be both rewarding and overwhelming. As May recognizes both Women’s Health Month and Mother’s Day, it also serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of supporting mothers not only at home, but in the workplace as well. For moms, the transition back to work includes balancing the demands of a young baby while navigating psychological changes and professional responsibilities. Medical experts say employers play a critical role in easing that transition and fostering a stronger, more supportive workplace culture overall.
Supporting Mothers Through the Return-to-Work Transition
“Having a baby is a beautiful and life-changing experience,” says Meheza Tchedie Pannla, a nurse practitioner with Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin – Little Chute. “At the same time, welcoming a new baby brings significant physical, emotional and practical changes, especially for mothers returning to work.”
According to Pannla, common challenges for working mothers of infants can include sleep deprivation, time away from their baby, finding reliable childcare and balancing breastfeeding or pumping schedules. Many moms also experience less visible challenges, including rebuilding confidence in their postpartum bodies and managing the constant mental load of balancing family responsibilities with the demands of their careers. In many cases, they may also experience mental health struggles and mood disorders. Postpartum depression affects about 1 in 7 women after childbirth, and postpartum anxiety affects 1 in 5.
Employers can help ease the transition back to work by fostering supportive environments where mothers feel comfortable discussing their needs. Pediatrician Dr. Karolina Stack with Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin – Ninth Avenue in Oshkosh encourages employers to normalize conversations around postpartum needs so employees feel supported rather than isolated: “Maternal mental health significantly contributes to parent-child attachment which affects the child’s anxiety, aggression, and other mental health disorders. If a parent is stressed and overwhelmed at work, they are unable to provide emotional regulation for their child, which can lead to a maladaptive home environment.”
Employers can support postpartum moms by offering benefits such as mental health resources and flexible work options, including remote or hybrid schedules when possible. Creating a workplace culture rooted in compassion and understanding can help mothers feel supported as they balance returning to work while caring for their growing families.
Ascension Wisconsin supports working parents by providing families with easy-to-access pediatric services that give parents peace of mind. We understand that busy families need flexible, accessible care. That’s why we offer convenient scheduling options, including same-day appointments, walk-in access and weekend hours, along with a welcoming environment where children feel comfortable and parents feel confident in their care. To help families feel even more connected to their care team, parents may schedule a complimentary consultation to meet with one of our pediatric providers before establishing care.
Why Workplace Flexibility Matters for Families
Dr. Stack emphasizes that flexibility in the workplace benefits not only employees, but also their children and families. “Flexibility in a work environment is essential with healthy family life,” Dr. Stack says. “Time off when children are sick, for vacation or for parental mental health is essential for the parent-child relationship, which impacts the wellbeing of both parent and child.”
Flexible workplace policies can ease the pressure for new mothers as they balance the demands of their careers with the responsibilities of caring for a young child. Dr. Stack notes that when moms feel supported through benefits such as flexible scheduling, remote work options and paid time off, they are often better able to provide emotional support and stability for their young children at home. Supportive workplace environments not only benefit families, but can also improve employee morale, engagement and long-term retention.
Why Creating a Family-Friendly Workplace Culture Benefits Employees and Employers
“Creating a family-friendly workplace begins with listening,” Pannla highlights. “Employers should engage working mothers in honest conversations about what support would be most meaningful and identify opportunities to improve workplace policies and culture.” When moms feel seen, heard and supported, they are more likely to transition back to work with confidence and feel connected to their workplace.
Family-friendly practices such as paid parental leave, flexible scheduling and compassionate leadership can also have long-term business benefits. Supportive workplaces often see stronger employee morale, increased engagement and improved retention. “Employees are more likely to remain with organizations that treat them with compassion and flexibility during important life transitions,” Pannla says. Dr. Stack adds, “by investing in maternity leave and employee personal time off, employers can reduce employee burnout and improve employee work performance.” Organizations that want to retain high-performing employees should recognize that working mothers are balancing multiple responsibilities outside the workplace. “If an employer wants employees to perform at top caliber, it is essential to treat them as multifaceted individuals and provide flexibility and understanding of their complex home environments,” Dr. Stack emphasizes.
As organizations continue to prioritize employee well-being, investing in working mothers can create healthier, more connected workplaces. Ascension Wisconsin is here to help employers design solutions that support employee wellness, enhance access to care, and create sustainable, long-term improvements in workforce health. Connect with Ascension Wisconsin Employer Solutions to develop strategic, customized programs that support employee well-being and strengthen organizational success.