Spotify | Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Audible
Returning to work after giving birth isn’t just about finding childcare or choosing clothes that fit 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 spoke to Daphne Delvaux, aka The Mamattorney, about how to co-plan your maternity leave to make your return to work smoother and less stressful. If you haven’t heard it yet, definitely go check it out!
In today’s episode (part two of our discussion), we dive into what’s going on after baby: how to navigate the return to work phase with confidence and legal protection. Daphne shares what every mom should know before re-entering the workplace and how to stand up for yourself if support just isn’t there.
Who is Daphne Delvaux?
If you missed the first part, Daphne Delvaux is a trial lawyer, legal expert and its founder Mamattorneya platform dedicated to educating mothers about their legal rights in the workplace, especially during pregnancy, childbirth and maternity leave.
Daphne’s work has helped thousands of women feel empowered and informed about their options to take time off, protect their jobs, and defend their families and futures. As a mother herself, she deeply understands the real-life challenges that working parents face.
What did we talk about?
This episode is all about next chapter. What happens when you have your baby, your leave is over and it’s time to go back to work? Daphne covers each and shares legal protections, emotional preparation tips, and powerful mindset shifts to help moms navigate this transition with more ease and less guilt.
Here are some highlights from our conversation:
How to prepare emotionally to return to work
Letting go of your baby for the first time can be hard and heartbreaking. Daphne shares ways to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally so that you are not caught off guard and create space for your own healing as well.
The biggest challenges new parents face and how to overcome them
From a lack of flexibility and support to outmoded expectations, returning to work can be stressful. Daphne talks about practical ways to set boundaries, ask for support and reset your expectations of yourself.
Your legal rights when transitioning back to work
Did you know you are 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 experience discrimination or a lack of support
Unfortunately, not every workplace understands this. If you encounter resistance, Daphne explains the steps you need to take, from documenting everything to stepping up and even consulting with her, and why it’s important to advocate not only for yourself, but for other moms as well.
The most overlooked part of preparing for maternity leave and returning
Most moms focus on the day off – but forget to plan for the return. Daphne shares the #1 thing moms forget to do (and how it can help).
A proactive step you can take today
Daphne closes with an action step that every woman can do right now to ensure a smoother, more dynamic transition to work. Be sure to listen!
Final Thoughts
Returning to work after having a baby is difficult. 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 dealing with legal concerns, emotional struggles, or both, this episode will help you get back 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 about planning maternity leave together, go listen to that too. It is the perfect companion in this conversation!
The Resources of Daphne
Best wishes for a smooth return to work!
