Four tips on how to navigate maternity leave as a business owner

Balancing the demands of motherhood with entrepreneurship can be a complex challenge, especially when it comes to taking maternity leave.

For many business owners, the notion of personal maternity leave is often sidelined amidst the daily pressures of running a company. However, experts agree that planning ahead is key to ensuring a smooth transition.

Entrepreneurs Katie Hanton-Parr, co-founder of Baboodle, and Eleanor Bagust, co-founder of Letterbox Gifts, recently shared their experiences of managing maternity leave while running their businesses. Their insights, gathered by Capital on Tap, offer valuable advice for expectant mothers balancing the dual roles of parenthood and entrepreneurship.

Preparing for the Unexpected

For many entrepreneurs, maternity leave may not be a primary concern when launching a business. Katie Hanton-Parr reflects on this, saying, “[Maternity leave] is not something you think about when starting a company. There are so many unknowns and ‘what if’s’ that it didn’t feel as though I should give it any thought against all the other obstacles that I was facing.” However, once the news of pregnancy comes, preparing for this significant life change becomes essential.

One of the most effective strategies for business owners preparing for maternity leave is upskilling existing staff. By equipping team members with the skills to manage operations, entrepreneurs can ensure their business is left in trusted hands, reducing the need for costly recruitment or time-consuming adjustments.

Letting Go: The Challenge of Relinquishing Control

Both Katie and Eleanor found the most difficult aspect of maternity leave to be relinquishing control. “When your business has been your baby for years, giving up control can be tough,” Eleanor says, comparing the experience to motherhood itself. Despite the challenges, both women reported steady business growth during their leave, though Eleanor noted an increase in expenses due to additional staff hours.

Rebecca Alford, Finance Director at Capital on Tap, suggests that entrepreneurs consider applying for a business credit card to handle the uncertainties of increased costs during maternity leave. “It can simplify financial management and provide oversight on spending,” she advises.

Flexibility: The Key to Transitioning Back to Work

Both Katie and Eleanor had business partners who helped maintain operations in their absence. However, their maternity leaves coincided with major business projects and new collaborations, adding a layer of anxiety as they stepped back from day-to-day responsibilities.

For Katie, setting clear boundaries around her maternity leave proved challenging. “I’m working more than I thought I would during my maternity leave, but when you run your own business, it’s hard to switch off,” she admits. Looking ahead, Katie is preparing for her return to work by implementing flexible schedules to manage the demands of both business and motherhood.

Rebecca Alford underscores the importance of flexibility in this phase: “As you transition back to work, it’s vital to stay adaptable and find what works for you, your baby, and your business.”

Top Tips for Expectant Entrepreneur Mothers

Both Katie and Eleanor have offered practical advice for other expectant mothers navigating maternity leave while running a business:

• Stay flexible with your return-to-work plans: Eleanor emphasizes that every new mother’s experience is different. “You don’t know how you’ll feel, especially as a first-time mum,” she says, urging women to remain open to adjusting their plans.
• Avoid comparison: It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but Eleanor advises against it. “Some struggle more with becoming new parents than others,” she reminds new mothers, encouraging self-compassion as they adapt to their new role.
• Don’t feel guilty about focusing on your business: Katie stresses that it’s okay to spend time on the business during maternity leave if that’s what feels right. Every woman’s journey is unique.
• Communicate openly with your team: Clear communication is crucial. Katie recommends being transparent from the start. “People tend to help more when they know you’re pregnant,” she says, advocating for early conversations with your team to foster support.

Maternity leave should be an exciting and enriching time for new mothers, and that includes entrepreneurs. With careful planning, open communication, and a flexible approach, women can navigate this period successfully while continuing to nurture both their businesses and their new families.