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7 Resources for Returning to Work After Having a Baby in Australia
Returning to work after having a baby can feel like a big transition. Along with adjusting to a new routine, parents may be trying to organise childcare, understand workplace rights, work out government payments, continue breastfeeding, or simply figure out how work and family life will fit together.
The good news is that Australian parents have access to a number of trusted services and resources designed to make the transition easier.
Here are seven Australian resources worth knowing about if you're preparing to return to work after maternity leave, parental leave or an extended period at home with your baby.
1. Fair Work Ombudsman
Best for: Workplace rights and flexible workIf you're returning to an existing job after parental leave, the Fair Work Ombudsman is one of the most important places to start.
Its resources explain employee rights when returning from unpaid parental leave, including the right to return to the same position in many circumstances. It also provides information about what can happen if your previous role has changed or no longer exists.
Eligible employees can also find information about requesting flexible working arrangements, which may include changing working hours, working part-time, adjusting start and finish times, or working from home.
How it can help
- Understand your rights when returning from parental leave
- Learn about flexible working arrangements
- Understand conversations you may need to have with your employer
- Find information about parental leave and workplace entitlements
2. StartingBlocks.gov.au
Best for: Finding and comparing childcareFinding suitable childcare is often one of the biggest practical steps involved in returning to work.
StartingBlocks.gov.au is an Australian Government supported website operated by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority. It helps families search for and compare early childhood education and care services.
Parents can look at information such as service quality ratings, fees, vacancies and what may be included in the daily fee. This can make it easier to create a shortlist before visiting childcare centres in person.
How it can help
- Search for childcare services in your area
- Compare quality ratings and service information
- Review available fee and vacancy information
- Access information about the Child Care Subsidy
3. Services Australia
Best for: Child Care Subsidy and family paymentsReturning to work can change both your household income and the amount of childcare your family needs, so it is worth checking how your circumstances may affect government assistance.
Services Australia provides information about the Child Care Subsidy, Family Tax Benefit, Parental Leave Pay and other family payments.
Parents receiving Parental Leave Pay can also find information about how flexible Parental Leave Pay days work and the rules that apply when combining payments with a return to employment.
How it can help
- Understand Child Care Subsidy eligibility
- Estimate how childcare costs may be subsidised
- Review Parental Leave Pay information
- Check Family Tax Benefit and other family assistance
4. Australian Breastfeeding Association
Best for: Breastfeeding and expressing after returning to workReturning to work does not necessarily mean breastfeeding needs to stop.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association has practical information specifically for parents combining breastfeeding with employment. Its resources cover topics such as expressing breastmilk, storing milk, planning feeds around work, using a breast pump at work and discussing breastfeeding needs with an employer.
The Association also provides access to breastfeeding support through services including the National Breastfeeding Helpline.
How it can help
- Plan breastfeeding around your work schedule
- Learn about expressing and storing breastmilk
- Prepare for pumping while at work
- Find support if feeding arrangements become difficult
5. Parent Pathways
Best for: Parents planning work or studyNot every parent is returning to the same job they had before having a baby. Some may want to change careers, study, retrain or gradually prepare to enter the workforce again.
Parent Pathways is a free and voluntary Australian Government service for eligible parents and carers of young children who are not currently in paid employment.
Participants can work with a mentor to identify personal, education and employment goals, then create a plan based on their circumstances. Eligibility requirements apply, so parents should check the current criteria before enrolling.
How it can help
- Explore future work or study options
- Create goals with a qualified mentor
- Identify training or education opportunities
- Access eligible financial or practical support
6. Raising Children Network
Best for: Preparing your family for the transitionThe practical side of returning to work is only part of the adjustment. A new work routine can affect mornings, evenings, childcare arrangements, household responsibilities and the amount of time everyone spends together.
Raising Children Network has dedicated guidance for parents returning to work, including preparing children for childcare, creating new family routines, sharing responsibilities at home and managing the emotional adjustment.
It is particularly useful if you're looking for practical parenting information rather than financial or employment advice.
How it can help
- Prepare your baby or child for childcare
- Establish new morning and evening routines
- Plan how household responsibilities will be shared
- Manage the emotional adjustment to returning to work
7. Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Best for: Preparing for a new job or careerIf you're planning to look for a new job rather than returning to your previous employer, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations provides information about government employment services, training and pathways into work.
This can be useful for parents who want to build new skills, change industries or gain confidence before applying for jobs again.
The Department also provides information about programs such as Parent Pathways and other employment services available to eligible Australians.
How it can help
- Explore employment support programs
- Find information about training and workplace skills
- Prepare for a new job or career direction
- Discover government programs that may suit your circumstances
Which Return-to-Work Resource Should You Use?
You may end up using more than one of these resources. The right place to start depends on the part of returning to work that you're currently trying to organise.
| Resource | Best For | Type of Support |
|---|---|---|
| Fair Work Ombudsman | Returning to an existing employer | Workplace rights and flexible work |
| StartingBlocks.gov.au | Finding childcare | Childcare search and comparison |
| Services Australia | Understanding family assistance | Child Care Subsidy and payments |
| Australian Breastfeeding Association | Breastfeeding while working | Feeding, expressing and support |
| Parent Pathways | Parents considering work or study | Mentoring and goal planning |
| Raising Children Network | Adjusting family routines | Parenting and transition guidance |
| Department of Employment and Workplace Relations | Finding a new job | Employment and training support |
A Simple Return-to-Work Checklist
Every family's situation is different, but preparing a few things in advance can make the transition feel more manageable.
- Confirm your planned return date with your employer.
- Review your parental leave and return-to-work rights.
- Discuss any flexible working arrangements you may need.
- Start researching childcare early and visit shortlisted services where possible.
- Check your Child Care Subsidy and other family payment information.
- Introduce your baby's new childcare routine gradually where possible.
- If breastfeeding, consider how feeding or expressing will fit around work.
- Plan morning, evening, meal and household routines with your family.
- Allow some flexibility during the first few weeks while everyone adjusts.
Returning to Work Is a Transition, Not Just a Date on the Calendar
Going back to work after having a baby can involve much more than simply returning to the office on a particular Monday morning. There may be childcare arrangements to make, workplace conversations to have, new routines to establish and plenty of emotions along the way.
Using reliable Australian resources can make some of those decisions easier. Whether you need to understand your workplace rights, compare childcare centres, work out government assistance, continue breastfeeding or prepare for an entirely new career, there is support available.
Give yourself and your family time to settle into the new routine. What feels complicated during the first week can gradually become part of everyday family life.
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