Maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions of your life.

So why does everyone just leave you to figure it out alone?

Hi, I'm Donna

Mum of two boys and the person behind The Maternity Plan.

I want to change the way women experience maternity leave, because I know first hand how overwhelming, confusing and genuinely nerve wracking it can be. I went through my own antenatal depression, a return to work that broke me, and eventually built a career, over fifteen years now, working with organisations on people strategy and workplace transitions.

CIPD qualified, and trained as a Train the Trainer in neurodiversity, I've sat on the employer side of these conversations too, and I know exactly where women get caught out.

That contrast, having lived it myself and having understood how organisations work from the inside, is what led me to create The Maternity Plan. To give you the clarity, structure and confidence you actually need at every stage, before you go, while you're away, and when you're ready to return.

Work with me

Maternity leave isn’t just time off.

That’s why The Maternity Plan supports you at every stage, before, during and after leave, so nothing feels missed, rushed or overwhelming

Before Leave - Plan your maternity leave with clear steps for work, finances and home, including when to tell your employer, how to manage your handover and
what needs to be in place before you step away.

During Leave - Navigate the reality of maternity leave with practical support around
routines, childcare planning, staying connected to work (if you choose to), and managing the shift in identity and priorities.

Back to Work - Prepare for a confident return with guidance on flexible working, employer conversations, childcare logistics and how to step back into your role without feeling unprepared or overlooked.

Here, you’ll find clear, practical guidance, workplace insight and structured tools to help you plan, navigate and return from maternity leave with confidence.

Everything is designed to give you the information, clarity and support you actually need without the overwhelm or guesswork.

Resources

Supporting working mums through every stage of maternity leave clear, practical guidance that actually works in real life.