Returning Well (1/2): The Challenges of Coming Back to Work After Maternity Leave

n this episode, we sit down with Kirstie Sneyd — organisational psychologist, return-to-work specialist, and author of Returning Well — to map out the challenges that come with going back to work after maternity leave. We explore her research-backed framework across three areas: being out of the loop, managing a dual role, and navigating culture and norms. Kirstie draws on her coaching work, her academic research, and her knowledge of the psychological dynamics at play — covering everything from lost confidence and missed career opportunities, to identity shifts, guilt, and the compare-and-despair trap. This is the first of two conversations; the second focuses on practical strategies for each challenge. Chapters: 00:00 — Understanding return to work challenges 01:21 — Framework for Returning Well 04:55 — Being out of the loop 14:31 — Managing a dual role 15:21 — Navigating identity changes in parenthood 23:37 — Balancing work and family expectations 32:06 — Individualisation of parental experiences Resources: Returning Well by Kirstie Sneyd #ReturningToWork #MaternityLeave #MotherhoodClinic #WorkingMums #CareerCoaching #OrganisationalPsychology #ReturningWell #PostnatalHealth