Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
It’s Sunday 01st September 2025. I am thrilled with joy as I return to work tomorrow to do what I love most. Helping, healing, hearing, it’s was I do. I almost can’t sleep as I think of reconnecting with old colleagues, working with new clients and just escaping from my every day family hustle…
Monday 02nd September 2025, the day I was so eagerly waiting for, anticipating with bated breath had finally arrived. I was back. Nadia, the counsellor, Nadia, the therapist was back, in full force.
Oh wait, my childcare has cancelled. They can’t make it. 3 children, 5, 3 and 1, what was I going to do. I came downstairs with a fierce blow to my head, I wanted to escape but I just found myself back in the busyness of mum mode, trying to think what am i going to say to the counselling lead, my manager. I looked at my children, the feeling of guilt overtakes me. ESCAPE. Those words stare at me bold, blue and cold. How could I feel like I want an escape from these little babies? The thought troubled me.
Fast forward two weeks, I’m still struggling with childcare, I discussed this with my manager and she was very understanding. I learnt if you don’t ask or share, you may not receive the support. I still feel guilty about wanting to escape, but I’ve learnt you can’t pour from an empty cup. Going to work helps me to refuel my energy and in return I can give back to my children with patience, energy and love.
Returning to work as a therapist has definitely been challenging. Juggling a household with small children, running a private practice and doing school runs in between working hours, you realise something’s got to give. And right now, the laundry is piled up and the dishes need a scrub but I’m trying to prioritise pouring into myself and what I love most.
Kind regards
Nadia Bari
Nadia created Talk & Survive with one simple but powerful belief: talking is surviving. She will be featuring her talks of her life, work and motherhood here.
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