Going back to work after baby? Start with a plan.
A printed field guide from a local Philly mom and ICF-PCC coach. Matrescence and going back to work nearly broke me. This is the guide I wish I'd had.
Ships within a week. Secure checkout by Stripe. Buying for a friend? Change the quantity at checkout.
Rather skip shipping? Pick one up for $24 at a local shop that carries it.
Going back is a transition, not a to-do.
It touches your sleep, your body, your relationships, your sense of self, and who does what at home. Most people get a return date and a benefits packet. This guide gives you the plan, and a place to be honest about how you're doing.
Not where you think you should be. Where you honestly are, right now.
Write in it. Tear out what you need. Share it with your partner.
An honest read on where you are
Rate eight areas of your life, see where you feel most stretched (self, home, or work), and pick one small intention for the week.
A home that runs without you holding it all
Childcare and backup coverage, an "if this, then that" plan for the hard days, and a fair split of the work at home.
A return you've already rehearsed
A transition plan, work boundaries, a pumping plan, and space to reset, so day one isn't a surprise.
Confidence in your rights
A legal rights checklist and a pointer to your state's laws, so you know what to ask HR for.
A 30-60-90 day plan you'll actually use
The boundaries you're committing to, the support team you name on purpose, mantras for the hard days, and check-in dates to keep you honest.
Most return-to-work checklists skip the part where you matter.
This one has room for it. You'll get clear on how you're actually feeling and doing, then plan for what you need.
Know what's actually heavy
Use the Wheel of Life and Focus Finder to see where the friction really is, instead of a vague feeling that everything is too much.
Plan for your own needs too
A private place to reset, a pumping spot, emotional backup, even a cry space and a step-away-and-return routine.
You deserve more than a place to work. You deserve space to feel and breathe.
Coral Edwards, local Philly mom
I'm a mother of two and an ICF-PCC evidence-based coach, and I live right here in the Philadelphia area. In 2018 I went back to work as the first birth parent in leadership in my company's history, with no transition plan. I built this guide from what I needed then and what I've learned since from coaching moms through the same season.
It draws on acceptance and commitment therapy, nervous system regulation, and behavior change. It is a reflection and planning tool, not legal, medical, or mental-health advice.
It stands for In My Humbly Honest Mom Opinion. It's the name of my coaching and writing practice for moms: honest, specific, and never a hack.
Before you order
How does it get to me?
I mail it to the address you enter at checkout, within a week. US addresses only for now. You'll get a receipt by email right away.
I saw it at a local shop. Can I still just pick one up there?
Yes, and it's cheaper: $24 at the stand, since there's no shipping. Scan the code on the stand, pay, and take one. This page is for when the stand is empty or you'd rather have it mailed for $39 with shipping included.
Is it only for first-time moms?
No. Every return is different, and the exercises work for a first baby or a fourth, whether you work in an office, from home, or a mix.
Do I need to do it in order?
No. Start wherever you are. Partial notes and messy truths are more useful than polished answers, and nothing in it expires.
Is it legal or medical advice?
No. It's a reflection and planning tool. The rights section points you to trusted sources for your state and reminds you to confirm details with HR or a qualified advisor.
Can I give it as a gift?
Yes, it works well for baby showers and new-parent care packages. Change the quantity at checkout and enter the address it should go to.
What if something is wrong with my copy?
Email hello@imhmo.com and I'll make it right.
Congrats again, momma. Let's make your return yours.
$39 for a printed guide you'll actually write in, mailed to your door. Or $24 to pick one up at a local shop.
Get my field guide, $39 Want it guided? See the Empower Your Return course