Have you ever found yourself torn between who you were before becoming a parent and the new identity that emerges after welcoming a child?

In this episode we explore the deeply personal and transformative journey of maternity coaching.

Becoming a parent is one of the biggest life transitions anyone can go through. We reflect on our own experience of having children while holding onto a strong ambition for our careers and the inner conflict that came with trying to reconcile those two worlds.

We talk about the identity shifts that many parents face, the emotional complexities that can arise during maternity leave, and the challenges of returning to work in environments that may have changed significantly in your absence. Throughout the conversation, we reflect on how valuable maternity coaching would have been for us at that time. Having a confidential space to explore emotions, rebuild confidence, and navigate new responsibilities can be life-changing.

We also expand the conversation to include parental coaching more broadly, recognising that transitions affect all caregivers, whether through adoption, shared parenting, or new family dynamics. Coaching can support individuals in building resilience, having courageous conversations with line managers, and re-establishing confidence in their professional and personal identities.

This discussion highlighted for me how powerful coaching can be in safeguarding against burnout, improving employee engagement, and strengthening relationships at work. It left me appreciating maternity coaching not only as a personal lifeline but also as an organisational strategy that demonstrates care for people beyond their job role.

Timestamps:

• 00:51 – Why maternity coaching matters
• 01:21 – Identity conflict after becoming a parent
• 03:39 – What maternity coaching looks like in practice
• 05:06 – Emotional and cognitive changes during maternity leave
• 06:28 – Rebuilding confidence when returning to work
• 07:48 – Benefits for organisations and leaders
• 09:13 – Extending to parental coaching more broadly
• 11:56 – Productivity shifts after becoming a parent
• 13:21 – Exploring systemic challenges
• 15:39 – Why maternity coaching signals organisational care
• 16:35 – Do we need to label it “maternity coaching”?
• 18:02 – Emotions coaching and life transitions
• 21:46 – Invitation to learn more through our Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training

Key Lessons Learned

• Identity transformation is one of the most significant challenges during maternity leave.
• Maternity coaching offers a safe space to explore emotions without judgement.
• Coaching supports smoother transitions back to work, reducing overwhelm and burnout.
• Employers benefit through stronger engagement, productivity, and loyalty.
• Parental coaching is not limited to mothers, it extends to fathers, adoptive parents, and anyone navigating caregiving transitions.
• Coaching helps differentiate between personal beliefs and systemic realities in the workplace.
• Productivity often increases when parents return to work due to sharper focus and time management.
• Emotional coaching skills are essential for supporting clients during major life milestones.

Keywords:

maternity coaching, parental coaching, coaching for parents, identity shift after parenthood, return to work coaching, emotional coaching, workplace transitions, coaching for new parents, confidence after maternity leave, coaching in organisations,

Links & Resources:

• Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training: igcompany.co.uk/emotionscoaching