The emotional challenges of being a working mum

Returning to work is something many mums look forward to. It can feel good to use your skills again, connect with others and have a change of pace. At the same time, it can feel like a big shift.

It’s common to feel many different emotions. Sometimes all in the same day.

You might feel:

• fulfilled by doing something mentally stimulating
• connected again with your work and colleagues
• relieved to have a break from caring for your baby
• tired from juggling work, home life and broken sleep
• under pressure to perform the same as before
• sad about missing time or moments with your baby
• guilty for enjoying parts of being away
• unsure if you’ve made the right choice

All of these feelings are valid.

If you’re breastfeeding, resuming work can feel more complex. You might worry about:

• whether your baby will take expressed milk
• how others at work will react to you expressing
• keeping up your supply
• your baby weaning earlier than you hoped

Even with good childcare, you might wonder if your baby misses you. You may feel that you’re the only one who can comfort them in the same way.

These thoughts are very common.

Many mums feel guilt when they return to work. This can come from making hard, everyday choices.

You might wonder about things like skipping an expressing session, taking time for yourself, or accepting help so you can rest. You might question whether it’s okay to want to be back at work. Or even wonder if that makes you selfish.

These thoughts can feel heavy. It’s common to feel pulled in different directions at once.

Having these feelings doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. They often come from caring deeply about your baby and wanting to do your best for them.

Many mums look back on this time and wonder how they managed it all. They often say it came down to determination and a lot of support from their partner, family and close friends.

In the middle of busy days and competing demands, breastfeeding can become a special time to reconnect with your baby when you’re together again.

For some mums, these moments help balance the challenges and tiredness that can come with working and caring for a baby.

You don’t have to work through these feelings on your own.
It can help to talk with someone who will listen without judgement. An ABA breastfeeding counsellor can support you. They can talk through your concerns and share ideas for managing breastfeeding when you’re back at work.

You’re balancing a lot.  It’s okay to have mixed feelings as you find what works for you and your baby.

© Australian Breastfeeding Association June 2026