When I was invited to chat with Woman Who about my work providing support for new mums, I felt both excited and emotional. It’s a topic close to my heart; not just because of my business, Mother for Life, but because of my own struggles as a working mum. If you’ve ever felt torn between your career and motherhood, or struggled to find support for new mothers returning to work; you’re not alone. If you’ve ever felt like you’re barely keeping your head above water; you’re not alone, and that’s exactly why I’m passionate about creating a community for mothers.

What Real Support for New Mothers Returning to Work Looks Like

Before founding Mother for Life, I was a lawyer at a top firm. On paper, I had it all – a successful career, a new baby, a supportive partner. But the truth? I was barely staying afloat. After maternity leave, I returned to work full-time, trying to cram five days of output into three, all while navigating postnatal depression and intense mum guilt.

Like many women, I had internalised the idea that I should be able to “do it all.” But no one tells you how to actually make that sustainable. I realised what I needed didn’t exist – so I created it.

Mother for Life began as a simple idea: what if we built businesses that support mothers emotionally, spiritually, and practically – starting with ourselves?

Why Workplace Support Still Falls Short

Thankfully, workplaces have come a long way in supporting new mothers. Flexible hours, remote work, and better maternity policies are becoming more common. But there’s still a gap, especially when it comes to emotional support. Many mums return to work feeling isolated, judged for needing adjustments, or torn between their roles as employees and mothers.

Here’s what I’ve learned needs to change:

1. Open Conversations. Employers should normalise discussions about motherhood without stigma. Mental health check-ins and Mother Circles in the workplace can make a huge difference.
2. Flexibility Without Penalty. Reduced hours or hybrid working shouldn’t mean fewer opportunities. Mothers bring invaluable skills – multitasking, empathy, resilience – that benefit businesses.
3. Role Models Matter. Seeing senior women who’ve balanced motherhood and career success shows it’s possible. Creating a community for mothers at all levels helps build confidence and belonging.

Celebrating Progress and Ourselves

One of the highlights of my journey was winning the Woman Who Solopreneur Award in 2024. As the judges said, this wasn’t just about my business; it was about believing in myself as much as I believe in the women I support through Mother Circles. Too often, mothers downplay their achievements. But we deserve to celebrate ourselves, even (especially!) when the path has been hard.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a mum returning to work or building a business, true support for new mothers returning to work starts with community.

For more of my conversation with Woman Who, including how I turned my struggles into a mission, you can listen to the full episode here. Let’s keep pushing for a world where every mother feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

With love,
Mandy