In this episode of the BeHerVillage Podcast, Kaitlin talks with parental leave expert Jackie Cook about how to design a maternity leave that actually lets you rest, recover, and bond with your baby—without setting yourself up for chaos when you return to work.
They discuss:
💛 Why working on leave can leave you coming back with an “empty cup”
💛 How to define your comfort level with work during leave
💛 Simple steps to prepare your role and responsibilities before baby arrives
💛 Why it’s essential to decide who can contact you during leave—and when
💛 How to plan a smooth ramp back into work (even in roles like teaching and nursing)
Whether you plan to go completely off-grid or check in occasionally, this episode will help you set boundaries, lower your stress, and return to work feeling recharged—not depleted.
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