When preparing for the birth of your new little one, you might feel like you have a million things on your to-do list. Get the nursery set up. Check. Get the car seat installed. Check. The list goes on and on, but one thing you might be forgetting on your baby to-do list is setting your business up for maternity leave BEFORE baby comes. That's one thing I definitely wish I spent more time preparing for while anxiously awaiting the birth of my son in 2022...
When I was pregnant with my son, the concept of maternity leave seemed appealing, yet I was completely lost on how to prepare my business for it. There was a serious lack of resources or advice available for expecting Mama business owners. Looking back, I realize I didn't adequately prepare for such a significant life change. But sometimes you just don't know what you don't know, right?! And trust me, I had noooo idea what to expect about this crazy and beautiful season of life that was about to begin.
So, let's rewind a little bit: my little guy decided to make his grand entrance a whole month early, catching me totally off guard. And guess what? As a full time wedding photographer, I had weddings booked right up until my due date and even a few after... I mean, it was definitely a surprise (and some bad planning on my part)! I did manage to hire an associate photographer for the weddings after my due date and had an assistant ready to jump in if needed (which was totally needed).
With my preemie baby dealing with some health concerns the first few months, along with the challenges of being a new first-time mom, recovering from a c-section, trying to get some sleep, take in every sweet little moment and learning the ropes of newborn care, I didn't even want to think about my business. And editing those weddings? Whew! It was challenging to find moments to do work, and every moment spent away from my newborn baby felt excruciating (baby carriers for the win)! Looking back, I wish I had planned things out better so that I had more support and less on my plate, but hey, you live and you learn, right?
Going through my own tough experience as a new mom and business owner is why I'm passionate about helping other mama entrepreneurs prepare their businesses for maternity leave. In this blog post, I'm sharing seven valuable lessons I learned and things I wish I had done differently to ensure a smoother transition into motherhood as a business owner. My goal is for you to cherish precious moments with your newborn without feeling the weight of unfinished work hanging over you. This time is incredibly special and fleeting, and I want to empower you to be able to fully embrace it.
Delegate and Outsource: Identify key tasks and responsibilities within your business that can be delegated or outsourced to trusted team members or freelancers. This will help ensure that essential operations continue smoothly in your absence. If you've been thinking about hiring a VA, now is the time! The sooner you can get them trained and familiar with your business, the better!
Document Processes and Procedures: Take the time to document important processes and procedures within your business, including client communication protocols, project workflows, and administrative tasks. This documentation will serve as a valuable resource for anyone filling in for you during your maternity leave.
Set Clear Expectations: Communicate with your clients, collaborators, and team members well in advance of your maternity leave to set clear expectations about your availability and any changes to workflow or timelines. Transparency and open communication will help minimize disruptions and maintain positive relationships
Plan in Advance: Plan to START your maternity leave at least a month BEFORE your baby's due date. Don't make the same mistake that I did of planning to work right up to my baby's arrival. Not only did my son come a month early, but I also wish I had a month with no work tasks before my son's arrival to get more prepared and to relax & enjoy those last sweet moments of my pregnancy, it truly went by in the blink of an eye! Pick a date to start your maternity leave, put it on the calendar and stick to it, you'll never get this special time back!
Automate and Streamline: Explore automation tools and systems that can help streamline repetitive tasks and workflows in your business, allowing you to focus your energy on high-priority activities before and during your maternity leave.
Plan Your Finances: Review your financial situation and create a budget to cover any anticipated expenses during your maternity leave. Consider how you will manage cash flow, client payments, and any potential changes to your income while you're away. Consider creating a stream of passive income in your business, so that you can still make money while you soak up all the newborn baby snuggles!
Take Care of Yourself: Finally, don't forget to prioritize self-care during this busy time. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential for both you and your growing family. Make time for rest, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones as you prepare for this exciting new chapter.
Preparing your business for maternity leave may require some extra time and effort, but it's well worth the investment for the peace of mind it brings. By delegating tasks, documenting processes, setting clear expectations, automating workflows, and taking care of yourself, you can enjoy your maternity leave knowing that your business is in capable hands. Remember, this is a special time in your life, and with the right preparation, you can fully embrace it while ensuring your business continues to thrive.
To help you get started, I’ve created a free resource: the Maternity Biz Prep: Trimester Checklist. This checklist provides a step-by-step guide on what tasks to tackle each trimester to prepare your business for maternity leave. Download your free copy here and set yourself up for a stress-free maternity leave and a smooth transition back to business.
Looking for more personalized support to set your business up for maternity leave? I'd love to help! Fill out my 1-on-1 Coaching Application, and I'll be in touch soon!
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