I wholeheartedly believe that a smooth and happy return to work after maternity leave starts before baby, by preparing practically and emotionally for leave. “Return to work is a process, not a one-time event” and I really wish someone had told me this before my return to work after with my first born. I felt so out of my depth that I nearly convinced myself that I didn't want or need a career anymore and that we could survive as a family on one wage. The shock to my system caused my anxiety to peak and the guilt that came with dropping my daughter off at nursery in tears was crippling.I just could not get my head back into work-mode and life at home felt chaotic and tense, as the rhythm we'd just spent the last 10 months trying to find had all gone to pot.I started 'mum mentoring' back in 2021 in the midst of the pandemic when I found myself on my second maternity leave in lockdown with twins and a 2 year old. Cripes - reading that back sounds bonkers! But I know that by helping other mums I was actually helping myself. I knew how it should be second time round and by getting it down on paper to guide and support new mums, I was actually setting myself up for the return I wish I'd had the first time round.That second time round I was definitely more prepared for the career transition ahead, (even with 3 kids under 3!) as I had learnt the hard way and muddled through on my own first time round.In 2021 everything had moved online, so I started supporting and mums with 1:1 coaching via Zoom, sending follow up activities and resources to go through between sessions.Over the last 3 years I’ve created so many career coaching resources for mums going on, on or returning from mat leave (which I love doing - it’s the teacher in me) that now is the time I collate them into fun, interesting and useful self-development workbooks, so that even more new mums can access the support that only usually comes with 1 to 1 coaching.I really love that I’ve been able to make maternity-return career support accessible and affordable, yet still as valuable and impactful as in-person coaching.The Coach Yourself WorkBooks are designed to guide you through thought processes, challenge you with pertinent questions as well as activities, tasks, templates and advice to help you design the right return to work for you and your family.There’s no getting away from the fact that motherhood is full-on, so I’ve created learning that you can work through in your own time and at your own pace. To browse the Workbooks I've written, click on the link in my bio.