What No One Tells You About Returning to Work After Baby #2 (or 3!)
How the return-to-work process shifts as your family grows
Hi Mobsters, It’s Susie Powis here, MOB member, mum and Return-to-Work Coach.
Over the past few weeks I’ve been guest blogging a Mums Who Build mini-series designed to help mums who are on maternity leave and are thinking about how best to prepare for their return-to-work. I hope you’ve found the blogs helpful!
Today is the last in my mini series, and I’m focusing on how the return-to-work process shifts as your family grows! As always, please feel free to pop any questions in the comments box below!
Returning to work after maternity leave is a challenge no matter when it happens. But there's something distinctly different about going back after your second or third child that few people talk about openly. If you’ve recently welcomed your last baby into the family, you may find yourself at a unique crossroads, ready to refocus on your career with renewed clarity and purpose.
The emotional landscape is different
With your first baby, everything was new. The guilt, the separation anxiety, the logistics, all of it was uncharted territory. By baby number two or three, you’ve developed emotional resilience. This doesn’t mean it’s easier to leave your children, but you approach the situation with hard-earned wisdom rather than first-time nerves.
Many women report a greater sense of confidence after having multiple children, confidence they didn’t have the first time around. You’ve proven you can balance work and family. You know what childcare arrangements suit your family best. You’ve handled sick days, school holidays, and last-minute work challenges.
Your career perspective may have shifted
After several maternity leaves, many women find they have a clearer idea of what they want from their career. The ambitions you had pre-children might have evolved. Some discover a desire to take on more responsibility now that their family is complete, while others decide they prefer roles with more flexibility and less stress.
This is an ideal moment to reassess your career goals. Are you in the right role? The right company? Does your current position allow you to make full use of your skills and experience while supporting your family’s needs?
Negotiating with confidence
When returning after baby number two or three, you’re often in a stronger position to negotiate than you might think. You bring experience, organisational knowledge, and a proven track record. Employers are increasingly aware of the value of retaining experienced staff, especially parents who manage complex responsibilities every day.
If you know this is your last child then your bottom line, your backstop, of the negotiation may have changed and therefore your flexibility at work is worth negotiating again. You can read through my previous MOB blog ‘How to Negotiate for More Flexibility in Your Workplace’ for negotiation tips.
The logistics become more complex
With multiple children, you're likely juggling different routines, possibly different schools or childcare settings, and certainly different developmental stages. This added complexity calls for more robust systems:
Calendar management becomes essential - shared digital calendars that both parents can access and update in real time. Make sure both parents are on the contact details for the schools and childcare, it shouldn’t just fall to either one of you
Backup plans for your backup plans - having several emergency childcare options
Delegating and outsourcing - whether it’s meal prep, cleaning or errands, recognise where you need help
Your network matters more than ever
Other parents who have returned to work after having multiple children are an invaluable resource. They can offer emotional support, practical tips, and even step in during a childcare emergency. Nurture these connections deliberately:
Join parent support networks at your workplace if they exist
Connect with other parents at your children’s schools
Consider creating a local support system in your community, if you’re not lucky enough to be local to The MOB
Making peace with “good enough”
One of the most important realisations when returning to work after baby number two or three is accepting “good enough” over perfection. Your home might be untidier, dinners simpler, and work projects completed closer to the deadline than before.
This isn’t failure, it’s life. Set realistic expectations for yourself and communicate them to your employer, your partner, and even your children as they grow.
Looking ahead
With your family complete, you may be able to plan your career progression with more clarity. Many women find that their most successful and fulfilling years at work come after their childbearing years. Without the pauses of maternity leave or the physical demands of pregnancy, you’re free to pursue your goals with new energy and purpose.
Returning to work after multiple children is full of challenges, but they’re temporary. As your children grow, life often becomes more manageable. And the skills you’ve developed through parenting; multitasking, crisis management, negotiation, and resilience, are incredible assets in any workplace.
You’ve got this. Trust the choices you’ve made for your family, and move forward with confidence, both as a parent and a professional.
If you need more help negotiating your flexible working request, building your confidence prior to your return to work, or support in forming a new plan for your future career aspirations, then get in touch via instagram @hi.ho.coaching
About Mums Who Build
Mums Who Build is a supportive community for mums at every stage—whether you’re launching a business, returning to work after maternity leave, or simply seeking connection and confidence. From our free weekly Big MOB Mum Meet‑Up in London to our premium MOB+ membership, we offer practical guidance, expert-led workshops, and a network of like‑minded mums. Join us to grow your career, boost financial fitness, and prioritise your wellbeing alongside women who truly get it.
