After four months of maternity leave, I’m back at work with fresh energy and plenty of new ideas for Feelou®! My leave was a unique journey, and I quickly realized how essential comfort is during this period. With our maternity underwear, we aim to make life easier for moms. Because when your bra fits perfectly, you can focus on the things that really matter in your life.
During my maternity leave, I also discovered some amazing brands and products that made my life so much easier. In this blog, I’m sharing my must-have essentials - hopefully, they’ll help you enjoy your leave even more!
Maternity leave essentials
During maternity and parental leave, we all need a little extra support sometimes. Here are a few of my favorite brands that helped me relax and recharge:
🍼 TinyLibrary
If you don’t feel like scrolling endlessly through online marketplaces for baby essentials, check out TinyLibrary. This platform rents out nearly everything you need for your baby. We rented a crib and baby chair for six months, saving us both time and space. Plus, it’s eco-friendly since the items are passed on to the next family.
🎧 Repeat - Circular Headphones
A must-have for those long walks while rocking your baby to sleep! These headphones got me through countless podcast sessions, both during maternity leave and now on my commute to work and during video calls. It’s so nice to have something just for yourself that you can keep using.
☕ Brute Bonen
Coffee is your best friend when your nights get a little shorter (it certainly was for me). Brute Bonen is perfect for that all-important first cup in the morning. Bonus: the coffee contributes to nature restoration. A win-win for my energy levels and the planet.
👖 Atelier Melon
Looking for a great pair of maternity pants? These pants from Atelier Melon were my go-to during leave, and I practically lived in them. Bonus: now a friend of mine gets to wear them, so they’re getting a second life.
Gift ideas for maternity leave
Are you reading this for yourself, or perhaps for a friend who’s about to go on maternity leave? Essentials like these make perfect gifts for any mom-to-be. After all, a comfortable mom is a happy mom, and that makes the time before and after birth just a little sweeter!
Tips for maternity leave as a freelancer
Being pregnant while running your own business can be a challenge, and so is planning your maternity leave. For me, it meant not only preparing for my baby’s arrival but also making arrangements for my business during my absence. Here are my tips and experiences as a woman and freelancer during maternity leave:
1. Plan Ahead
As a freelancer, good planning is key to starting your leave without stress. Try to work ahead and finish major deadlines well in advance. Communicate with your clients and, if possible, appoint a temporary contact person. This ensures everyone knows what to expect.
2. Organize Your Finances
It’s helpful to have your finances in order before going on leave. Calculate how much income you’ll lose and check if you’re eligible for benefits, such as through a disability insurance plan. Also, look into the ZeZ (Maternity Allowance for Self-Employed) program in the Netherlands. Having a small financial buffer can provide extra peace of mind, especially during an unpredictable period like maternity leave.
3. Invest in Helpful Products and Services
During maternity leave, you want to focus on recovery and bonding with your baby, not on logistics. Choose products and services that make your life easier, like the essentials mentioned earlier. They truly make a difference!
Wrapping It Up
Did you enjoy this blog? Check out our other post with ideas for things to do during maternity leave. Whether you’re looking for a maternity leave gift for yourself or a friend, or you’re a freelancer preparing for maternity leave, I hope these tips help make this special time a lot more comfortable.
Much love,
Noor