The Maternity Leave Starter Kit - Maternity Leave Checklist

Maternity leave isn’t just “time off” – it’s a huge life transition I’ll be honest: when I first started thinking about maternity leave, my brain immediately went to the obvious checklist items—finish work projects, pack the hospital bag, and stock the freezer with meals. But as my due date got closer, I realised it’s about so much more. From preparing emotionally for the identity shift of motherhood to figuring out finances and leave entitlements, it’s a lot to navigate. So, I’ve put together this starter kit for mums-to-be (and their partners) to help you approach maternity leave feeling prepared, supported, and even excited. It’s more than a checklist—it’s about setting yourself up for the postpartum season too. The Practical Side: Planning for Maternity Leave 1. Understand your leave entitlements From 1 July 2025, there are updated government supports for new parents in Australia: Primary carer (the person who gives birth): You may be eligible for Parental Leave Pay from Centrelink, which provides up to 120 days (24 weeks based on a 5-day work week) paid at the national minimum wage. (Learn more here) Secondary carer/partner: Eligible partners can claim Dad and Partner Pay for up to 2 weeks. Note: Check with your employer as well—many workplaces offer paid parental leave on top of government entitlements. 2. Budget and prepare financially Start thinking about how your household income may change during leave. Consider: 1. Using a budget calculator to plan expenses Some examples of new expenses to factor in: nappies, wipes, formula or breastfeeding supplies, baby clothes, healthcare appointments, unexpected medical costs, baby gear (like a car seat or pram), and even higher utility bills from being home more often. 2. Setting up an emergency fund for unexpected costs It’s worth putting aside a buffer for unplanned expenses, such as extra medical appointments, car repairs, or replacing household appliances. Even $20–50 a week saved during pregnancy can give you peace of mind during leave. 3. Exploring government resources like Centrelink’s Payment Finder This tool helps you check your eligibility for payments or benefits you may not have considered. It’s especially useful for finding one-off supplements or local family support programs to ease financial pressure. 3. Set boundaries at work Prepare for your transition out of work by: 1. Talking through your handover plan with your manager It can feel strange stepping away from work, but creating a clear plan for who’s covering your responsibilities can give you peace of mind. Write a simple handover document with key contacts, deadlines, and instructions so you’re not worrying about loose ends later. 2. Setting an out-of-office message that reflects your leave dates Keep it warm but firm. Let people know when you’ll be away and who they can contact in your absence. This sets the tone that your maternity leave is a protected, important time—not just “time off.” 3. Deciding how (or if) you want to be contacted during leave This is your season to focus on your baby and yourself. Some mums choose to completely disconnect from work emails; others are happy for the occasional urgent text. Whatever you choose, make your boundaries clear so you can fully embrace this time without feeling tethered to work. 4. Pack your hospital bag early Not sure where to start? Our Hospital Bag Essentials Pack takes the guesswork out of packing and has everything you’ll need to care for yourself after bub arrives. Emotional Side: Preparing Your Mind and Heart Maternity leave also comes with an emotional adjustment. You’re shifting from work mode to caring for a newborn—and that’s a big identity change. 1. Acknowledge the identity shift It’s common to feel a sense of loss around your career identity. Journaling on prompts like “What does a supported maternity leave look like for me?” can help you process this transition. 2. Prepare for relationship changes Your dynamic with your partner may change as you both adjust to new roles. Talking openly about expectations and sharing the mental load is key. 3. Care for your mental health Maternity leave can feel isolating at times. Plan ways to stay connected and cared for: - Create a support network of friends, family, and health professionals. - Read our Postpartum Care Tips for nurturing your body and mind. Postpartum Planning: Setting Yourself Up for Success Maternity leave isn’t just about stepping away from work—it’s also your chance to create a nurturing space for those tender first weeks at home with your baby. Taking the time to plan now can make a world of difference when you’re in the thick of newborn life. 1. Plan your feeding journey Whether you choose to breastfeed, pump, formula feed, or a mix of all three, having a plan (and a backup plan) can help ease the pressure. Check out our How To Prepare for Breastfeeding article for practical tips, and explore our Feeding Collection for products to support you on your journey—whatever it looks like. 2. Create a “soft landing” postpartum plan Think of this as a cushion to support you while you adjust to life with a newborn. Line up meal deliveries (or prep freezer meals), accept offers of help from friends and family, and stock your bathroom with postpartum recovery essentials like maternity pads, soothing sprays, and comfy clothes. Looking for ideas on nourishing meals and restorative foods for your recovery? Don’t miss our Healing Postpartum Foods & Nutrients article. Your Maternity Leave Starter Checklist - Check your leave entitlements (primary + secondary carer options)- Budget for the months ahead- Plan a smooth work handover- Pack your hospital bag early- Journal on your hopes and concerns- Build your support network- Prep your postpartum essentials Remember: maternity leave is as much about your emotional wellbeing as it is about ticking boxes. Give yourself permission to slow down and be cared for. FAQ About Maternity Leave Preparation What should I pack in my hospital bag for maternity leave? Your hospital bag is one of the most important things to sort before your due date — ideally by week 36. The essentials include maternity pads, disposable underwear, a perineal wash bottle, nursing pads, a change of clothes for you and bub, and any postpartum recovery items you know you will need. If you want to take the guesswork out of it completely, the Hospital Bag Essentials Kit has everything you need in one ready-to-go bundle. When should I start preparing for maternity leave in Australia? Most mums aim to have their practical preparation wrapped up by around 34 to 36 weeks, which gives you a buffer in case bub arrives early. This includes sorting your leave entitlements with Centrelink and your employer, setting up a budget for the months ahead, completing your work handover, and packing your hospital bag. The earlier you start, the more breathing room you give yourself to focus on the emotional side of the transition too. Our Hospital Bag Essentials Kit is worth adding to your list early so it is one less thing to think about closer to the date. What postpartum essentials do I need for the first weeks at home? The first few weeks at home are all about rest and recovery, so having the right supplies on hand makes a real difference. Stock up on maternity pads, disposable underwear, a perineal wash bottle, nursing pads, and postpartum hot and cold packs for swelling and discomfort. Meal prep or organising food deliveries in advance is also a game changer. The Hospital Bag Essentials Kit covers the physical recovery basics so you are not scrambling to find things when you are exhausted and adjusting to life with a newborn. How do I prepare emotionally for maternity leave? The practical side of maternity leave gets a lot of attention, but the emotional transition is just as significant. Stepping away from your career identity and adjusting to life with a newborn can bring up a mix of excitement, grief, and uncertainty — and all of that is completely normal. It helps to acknowledge the identity shift early, talk openly with your partner about how you will share the mental load, and build a support network before bub arrives. Planning your feeding journey ahead of time can also reduce pressure in those early days. Our postpartum care tips are a good place to start if you want practical guidance on caring for your mind and body after birth.

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