Baby registry created. Check. Nursery painted. Check. Business set up to run on autopilot. Yeah... about that.
Ok, let’s be real here. Preparing for the arrival of your baby can feel like a full-time job. I get it. But with all the tasks on your to-do list, it can be easy to overlook one very important item: preparing your business for maternity leave. I learned this lesson the hard way when I was expecting my son in 2022.
Like most new Mamas, I was excited about maternity leave but totally clueless about how to plan for it as a business owner. The resources for moms running their own businesses? Practically nonexistent. I thought I could just “wing it.” Turns out, I couldn't. But hey, sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know, right?
Going back to 2022, my son decided to make his entrance into the world a month earlier than expected. At the time, I was a full-time wedding photographer, with weddings booked right up until my due date and even after. Yeah, I know. Not ideal. I did manage to hire an associate photographer ready to step in if needed, but looking back, I really wish I had spent more time preparing my business for my baby’s arrival.
My son had some breathing problems at birth (being a tiny preemie), so between my son’s health concerns, recovering from an emergency c-section, and learning the ropes of motherhood, the thought of editing wedding photos or answering client emails was daunting. Just to put things into perspective, I came home with SEVEN weddings waiting to be edited by me and an inbox full of clients waiting for a response from me. Every time I tried to squeeze in some work, it felt like I was missing out on precious moments with my baby.
The reality hit hard: I should have prepared better for this transition. But hindsight is 20/20, right?
This is why I’m so passionate about helping fellow mama business owners avoid the mistakes I made. With the right plan in place, you can enjoy your maternity leave without the constant stress of unfinished work or client demands hanging over you.
First things first, planning for maternity leave is non-negotiable if you want your business to keep thriving while you’re off snuggling your new bundle of joy. The last thing you want is to be answering client emails from the hospital bed (been there, done that, would not recommend). So let’s break it down and get you on the right track to balancing both your business and your beautiful baby.
Let me save you some stress and share what I wish I had done differently. Whether you're in the early stages of pregnancy or counting down the days until baby arrives, these tips will help you prepare your business so you can focus on your little one without feeling overwhelmed.
You don’t have to do it all yourself. Now is the time to start delegating key tasks to team members or hiring a virtual assistant (even if it’s just temporary). It’s better to get them trained up before your leave starts. Trust me, handing over responsibility for day-to-day operations will give you peace of mind knowing that things will keep running smoothly while you’re focused on your baby.
Create detailed documentation of all your important processes and workflows. Whether it’s client communications, project management, or admin tasks, write it all down (preferably in a Google Doc or online document that you can easily share). This will be a lifesaver for anyone stepping in to help while you’re away.
Communication is key. Make sure to notify your clients about your maternity leave well in advance. Be transparent about your availability and any changes to timelines or workflows. This will help manage their expectations and maintain good relationships while you take time off.
One of the biggest mistakes I made was planning to work right up until my son’s due date. Big no-no. You need a buffer, mama. I recommend starting your maternity leave at least a month before your due date (ideally two, if you can swing it). That way, if baby arrives early (like mine did), you’re not scrambling to finish projects at the last minute. Plus, that extra time gives you a chance to relax and savor the final moments of pregnancy.
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Take advantage of automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks. Whether it’s scheduling emails, setting up auto-responses, or automating social media posts, you want your business to run on autopilot as much as possible while you’re away.
Take some time to review your financials and plan for any gaps in income during your leave. Setting up passive income streams can be a game-changer, allowing you to continue generating revenue even while you’re knee-deep in newborn snuggles. Whether it’s through digital products, online courses, or affiliate marketing, there are ways to keep the cash flow going.
Last but not least, take care of you. I get it. As a mama and a business owner, you’re used to putting everyone else first. But your physical and mental well-being is just as important (if not more important) as keeping your business afloat. Make time for rest and relaxation, and give yourself permission to not be 100% business-focused during this time. It’s time to rest, recover, and enjoy your little peanut!
It doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems. The newborn stage goes by WAY too fast, and by setting your business up now, you can soak in every second with peace of mind, knowing things will still run smoothly—and even thrive—on autopilot. A little preparation now means a smoother transition into motherhood and the chance to fully embrace this special time without the weight of unfinished business hanging over you. It’s all about finding that balance and giving yourself the space to be fully present in your new role as Mama.
Feeling excited (or maybe a little overwhelmed)? 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.
We were never meant to do it all alone, and we don’t have to, Mama.
Rebecca Schor is a wife, boy Mama, and a passionate photographer turned business coach for Mamas.
When Rebecca became a Mama in 2022, she realized just how HARD it was to try to manage ALL of the things as a Mama and entrepreneur. Determined not to sacrifice precious time with her newborn son (and learning a lot of hard lessons along the way), she learned how to simplify her business, slashing work hours while boosting profitability. This resulted in Rebecca being able to be more present with her son, witnessing all of his special milestones during his first year.
Rebecca continues to strive to build her business around her life, not the other way around, and made it her mission to help other Mama entrepreneurs do the same. That is why she founded Mama in Biz in 2024, which is an online community, a podcast, 1-on-1 coaching, monthly virtual Mama meetups, and educational resources to support Mama business owners to THRIVE in both business and motherhood. We were never meant to do it all alone, and we don't have to, Mama.
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