Returning to work after maternity leave with Daphne Delvaux

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Going back to work after having a baby isn’t just about finding childcare or choosing comfortable outfits for your new postpartum body. It is an emotional, physical and often overwhelming transition that touches everything from your identity and energy levels to your legal rights and support in the workplace.

In Episode 179 from Chick ChatWe spoke to Daphne Delvaux, aka The Mamattorney, about how you can manage your maternity leave to make your return to work feel smoother and less stressful. If you haven’t heard it yet, be sure to check it out!

In today’s episode (part two of our conversation), we delve into what’s happening after Baby: How to navigate the return-to-work phase with confidence and legal protection. Daphne shares what every mom should know before going back to work and how to advocate for herself when the support just isn’t there.

Table of Contents

Who is Daphne Delvaux?

A woman with long brown hair sits on concrete steps wearing a yellow blazer and a patterned skirt. She is smiling and looking at the camera, her hands resting on her knees.

If you missed part one, Daphne Delvaux is a litigator, legal expert and founder of The Mamattorneya platform dedicated to educating mothers about their legal rights in the workplace, especially during pregnancy, postpartum, etc Maternity leave.

Daphne’s work has helped thousands of women feel empowered and informed about their options, take leave, protect their jobs, and advocate for their families and futures. As a mother herself, she understands the real-life challenges working parents face.

What we talked about

This episode is all about that next chapter. What happens when you have your baby, your vacation comes to an end and it’s time to return to work? Covering all the topics, Daphne shares legal protections, emotional preparation tips, and powerful mindset shifts to help moms navigate this transition with more ease and less guilt.

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

How to emotionally prepare for returning to work

Leaving your baby alone for the first time can be hard and heartbreaking. Daphne shares with you how to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally so you’re not caught off guard and can also create space for your own healing.

The biggest challenges new parents face and how to overcome them

From a lack of flexibility and support to outdated expectations, returning to work can be fraught with pressure. Daphne talks about practical ways to set boundaries, ask for support, and reset your expectations of yourself.

Your legal rights during the transition to return to work

Did you know that you are also entitled to certain precautions when pumping? Daphne explains the federal protections available to you, including the PUMP Act, so you know exactly what to expect (and demand) from your workplace.

What to do if you face discrimination or a lack of support?

Unfortunately, not every workplace gets it. If you face resistance, Daphne explains the steps you need to take, from documentation to advancement to counseling with her, and why it’s important to advocate not only for yourself, but for other moms too.

The most overlooked part of preparing for maternity leave and returning

Most mothers focus on time off – but forget to plan when they return. Daphne tells us what moms most often forget (and how it can help).

A proactive step you can take today

Daphne concludes with an action step that every woman can do right Now to ensure a smoother and more confident transition back to work. Be sure to listen!

Final thoughts

Returning to work after having a child is difficult. But with the right tools, the right attitude, and proper knowledge of your rights, it doesn’t have to break you.

Daphne Delvaux’s work is a powerful reminder that you are not just a working mother, but a protected, empowered parent who deserves support. Whether you’re dealing with legal concerns, emotional struggles, or both, this episode will help you get back to work on your terms and with your confidence and boundaries intact.

Again, in case you missed it our first episode with Daphne (episode 179)Where we talked all about co-planning your maternity leave, listen to that too. It’s the perfect companion for this conversation!