Introduction: No Spreadsheet Can Cover This
On Becoming a Working Parent, Thoughtfully and Intentionally
by Daisy Dowling, Series Editor
Your Transition to Working Parenthood
1. Planning Your Maternity or Paternity Leave
What to do before, during, and after.
by Rebecca Knight
2. Understanding Identity as a (New) Working Mother
Reconsider how you define success—and yourself.
by Janna Koretz
3. Mastering the Dad Transition
Update your life story at home and at work.
by Bruce Feiler
4. Five Questions New Working Parents Should Ask Themselves
Have open discussions about the roles you will play.
by Jackie Coleman and John Coleman
5. Divide Domestic Work Equitably Now—or It May Be Never
Getting it right leads to happier parents and better career outcomes.
by Eve Rodsky
Childcare Essentials for New Working Parents
6. A Childcare Primer for First-Time Parents
Know all the options and make the right choice for your family.
by Carrie Cronkey
7. Questions to Ask Yourself When Working with an In-Home Caregiver
Whether it’s a babysitter, a nanny, or Grandma.
by Daisy Dowling
8. Creative Strategies from Solo Parents on Juggling Work and Family
Four tips that can be useful for any family.
by Marika Lindholm
Returning to Work After Parental Leave
9. How to Transition Back After Parental Leave
You might not be the same professional you were before the baby.
by Rebecca Knight
10. When Returning to Work, Focus on Three Things
Think about your boss, yourself, and your company’s culture.
by Avivah Wittenberg-Cox
11. How to Negotiate Remote and Flexible Work Arrangements
Making the case—and the ask.
by Ruchi Sinha and Carol T. Kulik
12. Returning to Work as a New Mother of Color
Resist the urge to try to “fit in.”
A conversation with Christine Michel Carter
13. A First-Time Mom’s Guide to Pumping Milk at Work
Manage logistics and communication to bring home your “liquid gold.”
by Julia Beck and Courtney Cashman
Managing Stress, Exhaustion, and Overwhelming Emotions
14. How You Can Prioritize Sleep
Habits to follow when it feels like you don’t have the time.
by Amie M. Gordon and Christopher M. Barnes
15. Don’t Let PPD Undermine Your Return to Work
Postpartum depression often lasts long after parental leave ends.
by Julia Beck
There are two types of leader in each of us.
A conversation with Amy Jen Su and Kevin Evers
Your Career Ahead as a Working Parent
17. Ramp Up Your Career After Parental Leave
First, decide what you want.
by Lisa Quest
18. A Working Parent’s Survival Guide
Putting all the lessons together.
by Daisy Dowling
19. “The One Thing I Wish I Had Known . . .”
Advice for returning to work and beyond.
Contributed by 18 HBR readers