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 picking out comfortable outfits in your new postpartum body. It’s an emotional, physical, and often overwhelming transition that touches everything from your identity and energy levels to your legal rights and workplace support.

In episode 179 of Chick Chat, we talked with Daphne Delvaux, also known as The Mamattorney, about how to co-plan your maternity leave so your return to work feels smoother and less stressful. If you haven’t listened to that one yet, definitely go check it out!

In today’s episode (part two of our conversation), we’re diving into what happens after baby: how to navigate the return-to-work phase with confidence and legal protection. Daphne shares what every mom should know before reentering the workplace and how to advocate for yourself if the support just isn’t there.

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, with her hands resting on her knees.

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

Daphne’s work has helped thousands of women feel more empowered and informed about their options for taking leave, protecting their jobs, and advocating for their families and futures. As a mom herself, she deeply understands the real-life challenges working parents face.

What We Talked About

This episode is all about the next chapter. What happens when you’ve had your baby, your leave is ending, and it’s time to return to work? Daphne covers each and shares legal protections, emotional prep 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 prepare emotionally for going back to work

Leaving your baby for the first time can be hard and heartbreaking. Daphne shares ways to prepare mentally and emotionally so you’re not caught off guard and so you can create space for your own healing, too.

The biggest challenges new parents face and how to overcome them

From lack of flexibility and support to outdated expectations, the return to work can be filled with pressure. Daphne talks through practical ways to set boundaries, ask for support, and reset your expectations of yourself.

Your legal rights during the return-to-work transition

Did you know you’re entitled to certain accommodations even for pumping? Daphne outlines the federal protections you have, including the PUMP Act, so you know exactly what to expect (and demand) from your workplace.

What to do if you face discrimination or lack of support

Unfortunately, not every workplace gets it. If you’re met with resistance, Daphne explains the steps to take, from documenting everything to going up the ranks and even consulting with her, and why it’s important to advocate not just for yourself, but for other moms, too.

The most overlooked part of preparing for maternity leave and return

Most moms focus on the time off—but forget to plan for the return. Daphne shares the #1 thing moms forget to do (and how it can help).

One proactive step you can take today

Daphne closes with one action step that any woman can take right now to ensure a smoother, more empowered transition back to work. Be sure to listen!

Final Thoughts

Returning to work after having a baby is hard. But with the right tools, the right mindset, and the right knowledge of your rights, it doesn’t have to break you.

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

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