Are you struggling to balance motherhood with running your business? Wondering how to plan for maternity leave without sacrificing your income or client experience? In this episode, I share my raw, unfiltered experience of navigating maternity leave as a business owner, including the challenges of returning to work, maintaining income during leave, and finding work-life balance with a newborn. Listen to the episode below, or keep reading for a summary of what’s covered.
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Podcast Refresh Update
I’m excited to announce the refresh of All Angles Photography podcast, complete with new intro music, podcast cover, and overall feel. Since launching in 2022, I wanted to create an atmosphere that feels like chatting by the fireside while still providing professional, direct guidance. The new elements better reflect my brand’s welcoming, uplifting nature while maintaining the valuable business insights you’ve come to expect.
Planning vs. Reality of Maternity Leave
While I meticulously planned my maternity leave (detailed in Episode 55 – Planning for Maternity Leave as a Multi-6 Figure Entrepreneur), the reality after giving birth was quite different. Though I was fortunate to have an uncomplicated birth and healthy recovery, I quickly learned you can’t fully prepare for this new season of life. I initially planned for six weeks completely off, followed by working one hour per week, but realized at six weeks I wasn’t ready to return. The newborn bubble is sacred, and with sleep schedules and breastfeeding challenges, I needed more time.
Financial Success During Leave
One of the most common questions I receive is about maintaining income during maternity leave. Thanks to properly scaling my business beforehand, I consistently generated five-figure months ($20,000+) while on leave, without touching my savings. This was possible through:
- Recurring payment plans and pre-enrollments in my education business
- Digital product sales
- My associate team shooting weddings in 2024
- Proper systems and workflows established before leave
All of these ways I scaled I teach in depth in my mentorship program, Scale It. It’s so important to start scaling now if you desire less work, more income, and more time for having a family without sacrificing income. It’s never too early to scale!
The Reality of Returning to Work
Returning to work around 9-10 weeks postpartum presented unexpected challenges. While I initially considered a co-working space, I instead created a cozy home office. However, working during baby naps proved challenging with my son’s short 30-minute nap schedule and no local family support. As the primary caregiver from 9-5, I found myself stretched thin trying to balance work, self-care, and being present for my baby.
A Major Business Pivot
After much consideration and prayer, my husband and I made the decision for him to leave his 9-5 job and join my business as COO. This allows for greater flexibility, better work-life balance, and the ability to scale the business further while maintaining quality time with our son. As my father beautifully put it, it’s like “two different streams joining together into one river.”
Key Takeaways:
- Plan for more maternity leave time than you think you’ll need
- Start scaling your business well before planning for leave
- Build a strong team and systems before taking time off
- Be flexible and open to pivoting your return-to-work strategy
What’s Covered In This Episode:
- Podcast rebrand update
- Maternity leave planning vs. reality
- Financial strategies during leave
- Challenges of returning to work
- Business pivots for better work-life balance
Resources Mentioned:
- Episode 55: Planning for Maternity Leave
- Scale It Mentorship Program (waitlist)
- Free Guide: The Secret to Scaling Your Photography Business
Thank you for joining me in this honest conversation about navigating motherhood and business ownership. If you’re in a similar season, I’d love to connect with you on Instagram @itsclairehunt.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!
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