13 Ways To Romanticize Your Maternity Leave

On the other hand, it can be an incredibly trying experience. You're likely sleep deprived and your hormones are all over the place, taking your everyday emotions along for the ride. It's a lot to handle.

I recently had my third baby. With two prior maternity leaves under my belt, I knew after giving birth how quickly the coming weeks would fly by. My previous leaves were not exactly glamorous. My son was born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and after my first daughter was born, my postpartum anxiety led to debilitating insomnia during the full month of December (not exactly a holly jolly Christmas).

I wanted this experience to be different. As someone who's always struggled physically and mentally with pregnancy, I recently used romanticism as a means to enjoy those long nine months. Overall, it was pretty effective. While I was more than ready to meet my daughter by the time her due date rolled around, I definitely enjoyed this third pregnancy more than my previous two.

Given the success of this tactic, I decided I would try the same with my maternity leave. I would turn everyday tasks into experiences and make room for special moments.

13 Ways to Romanticize Your Maternity Leave

I'm currently coming up on my tenth week of maternity leave. While these last two and a half months have had their challenging moments (my husband had to bring my son to the ER the night we brought our daughter home), I can proudly, honestly, and happily share that, for the first time in my life, I'm legitimately enjoying my maternity leave.

I'm spending quality time with my beautiful daughter, making daily choices that leave me feeling fulfilled as a woman beyond motherhood, and looking forward to each day. It's an experience so far removed from my previous leaves and I truly believe my decision to romanticize is the reason why.

Whether you're currently on leave or planning one, here are 13 ideas for making the experience more enjoyable through romanticism.

Upgrade Your Bedding

Sleep quality during my third trimester was atrocious (as I'm sure some of you can relate). However, when things did not improve postpartum, and when sleep was more important than ever, my husband and I recognized the need to invest in a new mattress. At that point, we decided to go the extra mile: a new duvet, duvet cover, sheets, the works. It was a huge upgrade from our sinkhole-bearing mattress and Target comforter set. Now, hopping into bed at night feels like an experience. One I look forward to all day long.

But you don't have to go to the extreme to feel a difference. Ask yourself: Is your pillow really that comfortable? Are your sheets in good shape or is the corner of the fitted sheet so stretched out it keeps popping off? If there are tiny upgrades you can make to transform your bed into a more welcoming, comforting environment, then do so. And do not wait. Small changes can make a huge difference, especially when you're only sleeping a few hours at a time.

Listen to Audiobooks While Feeding the Baby

Whether you're breastfeeding or formula feeding, nourishing your baby will, in fact, take up a lot of time. While I have found both feeding methods to be a wonderful way to bond with my children, there are also times when doing so can leave me feeling a little bored. Over the years, I have loved listening to audiobooks while I feed my babies as a means of keeping my mind active while on leave, broadening their language exposure, and working through my TBR.

Because I'm not someone who can listen to audiobooks (or music or podcasts or basically anything) while I'm working, this practice has begun to feel like a special treat that comes with being on maternity leave.

Wear Quality, Comfortable Clothing

Getting dressed during the fourth trimester is, objectively, not that fun. For most of us, it means not fitting into the majority of our wardrobe and factoring breastfeeding into the equation. Having learned from previous woes, this time around I made a point to add a few well-fitting, quality clothing pieces to my postpartum wardrobe and it made a huge psychological difference. Contrary to previous maternity leaves, I've actually been enjoying getting dressed.

For high quality that launders easily, I went with cotton cardigans (breastfeeding friendly), cozy yet trendy bottoms (think track pants), and leggings I could happily wear three to four days per week. Some of my personal wear-every-week favorites have included Hatch’s BodyFlex Legging and Quince’s Organic Cotton Oversized Cable Cardigan.

Take Mini Adventures

Romanticize your maternity leave by adopting an adventurous spirit. Will you be tired? Yes. Will getting out of the house take longer than you would like it to? Most likely. But the juice is worth the squeeze every time. Try a new restaurant for breakfast or lunch, visit a park or museum you've never been to, or simply go for a drive. When else will you be off from work and have the time to do so? Spontaneity keeps the soul young and, I believe, a mom to a newborn in good spirits.

Enjoy Coffee Out of the House

Take yourself out to coffee or, at least, take your coffee out. This might mean visiting a favorite coffee shop, enjoying a cozy diner breakfast, or putting your made-at-home drip in a to-go mug for a hot girl walk. Whatever you do, do not drink every caffeinated mug-full standing at the kitchen counter, baby balanced on your shoulder. It's not luxurious, romantic, or enjoyable in the least bit. Even something as simple as stepping outside while you're getting your morning jolt can provide a much desired feeling of spontaneity, whimsy, or adventure. The trick is making the ritual an experience.

Date Your Husband

I'm fortunate that my husband and I have had overlapping leaves following all of our children’s births. While I've always taken 12+ weeks away from work, the first six were particularly special as I shared them with my husband. If your husband is able to take some corresponding leave time, use it to your advantage. While the main priority during leave is bonding with your baby, it can also be a great time to get to know your spouse again.

During our shared leave time, my husband and I went out for countless breakfasts and neighborhood walks. Even grocery shopping became an activity we could enjoy together with the baby sleeping in her stroller and the other two kids happily engaged at daycare and preschool. We also used these precious weeks to catch up on some favorite shows during the evening hours, knowing that we might (would) be up during the night but would not have to work eight or more hours the next day.

Go for Screen-Free Walks

There's nothing more cleansing than outdoor time away from your phone. What used to be commonplace is now a luxury. My first baby was born at the end of the fall. Living in upstate New York, it was quite cold outside, so I didn't get out as much (as I now realize) as I should have. After my second and third child, I made a point to get outside (almost) every day. Even if it was snowing or raining. Truly, it's amazing what even fifteen minutes of fresh air can do for the mind and body.

Create a Cozy Bedtime Routine

Maternity leave is, for lack of better phrasing, “not normal.” It's simply not illustrative of your typical life. Routines, habits, and usual activities are temporarily thrown out the window. While it may sound contradictory to romanticism, I do believe that creating mini routines can help the larger experience feel more comfortable and enjoyable.

Even though you may be getting up several times during the night, an indulgent bedtime routine is romantic and, unlike most infant caregiving, something you can control. To optimize the sleep I was getting during those first few weeks and put a positive spin on the evening hours, I enjoyed a cup of herbal tea before bed and made sure my coziest pajamas were always freshly laundered. Wash your face, brush your hair, and apply your favorite moisturizer. Adopt simple practices that you'll look forward to.

Shop: LAKE Poplin Chloe Long Sleeve Pajama Set in Classic Green Ticking Stripe, $138

Listen to Classical Music

I can testify firsthand that classical music helps calm a fussy baby. But my experiences aside, you can defer to science. Studies show classical music can reduce a baby’s stress levels and even encourage brain development. I recently put on a playlist of classical music for my baby and, as I was inadvertently listening along, asked myself why I don't do so more often.

As someone who takes classical piano lessons, I imagine I spend more time interacting with this music style than most. But even I forgot how listening to the works of Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and the like can not only be really relaxing but leave your day feeling more elevated.

Enjoy Your Favorite Shoes and Accessories, Regardless of Where You're Going

Realistically, you're probably not adventuring every day of your maternity leave. On some days, the furthest you'll get is the grocery store or even to the end of your driveway. It's normal and it's more than fine. On these less than adventurous days, it's easy to find yourself grabbing for uninspiring pieces (i.e., stale sweatpants and an oversized tee) before then shoving your feet into whatever is closest to the door.

But I'm a big believer in dressing like the main character in your life. It's a great way to express yourself and make every day feel a little more special. I know this can be difficult when most of your wardrobe doesn't fit. But that's where reaching for quality clothing (see previous point above) and your favorite shoes and accessories come into play. Reaching for favorites as opposed to whatever is convenient keeps the outfitting magic alive. Yes, even if you're only running errands.

Statement shoes (think metallics or unique colors) instantly add interest to the most basic outfits, and large, fashionable totes and crossbodies can stand in for your typical (likely uninspired) diaper bag.

Shop: Madewell The Belted Satchel Bag, $258

Shop: Everlane The Day Mary Jane, $125

Eat Fresh Foods

Maternity leave might as well have the words “casseroles” and “take-out” included in its dictionary definition. And while I love a good one-pan dinner or crockpot recipe (just ask my family), there's something to be said for nourishing your body with fresh, wholesome foods. It's good for the mind, body, and soul. Have fresh fruit with your breakfast, prep salads for lunch, and, whenever possible, enjoy a toasted slice of sourdough alongside your dinner. Physically, eating well can aid in your healing from childbirth and postpartum weight loss and, mentally, make your meal-times feel a bit more luxurious. 

Don't stress about cooking, but take part when you can. Nothing hits quite like a home-cooked meal and you may enjoy the routine of creating it more than you anticipate.

Adopt a Productive, Optimistic Mindset

If you're like me, you might struggle to sit still. I struggled big time following the birth of my first child. Spending entire days feeding and caring for my baby often left me feeling as if I was not “accomplishing” anything. In retrospect, my non-hormone-addled brain has assured me this was not true. I was performing the most important job there is: keeping a small, helpless human alive.

Even though I now have three kids, this feeling of unaccomplishment and accompanying anxiety sometimes creeps in. When it does, I change my mindset. I remind myself that I am doing an important job. That I am irreplaceable in my baby’s life. This small psychological shift instantly calms me, which in turn helps me better enjoy myself. Lying next to my baby while she bats at her play gym and practices tummy time is not time spent lying around. It's a collection of special moments that will never again be repeated.

Take Photos (With a Camera)

I love that smartphones grant us easy access to photography. But even with the best intentions in heart and mind, picking up your phone to snap a photo of the baby can quickly turn into sending selects to your MIL, checking Instagram and TikTok, and, before you know it, losing a half hour (or more) in the blink of an eye. If you have a camera at home, dust it off and start using it to document your baby’s growth and this special time you're spending together.

Taking part in this analog activity is a fun way to bond with your baby and a romantic way to pass the time. While I'm partial to digital cameras (my thrifted Sony Alpha is still one of my most prized possessions), film cameras can provide a particularly romantic experience.

Shop: Target Fujifilm instax mini Evo Instant Film Camera, $235

Look Forward to Every Day

The exhaustion, stress, and anxiety are all very real. I cannot tell you how many nights I spent watching my first baby’s every breath, particularly through the night. In many ways, I feel as if I rushed that first maternity leave. While I was not eager to return to work (sending my baby off to daycare was so incredibly difficult), I was admittedly eager for the newborn phase to be over. If only I had realized deep in my bones, as I do now, that this phase in life is so, so temporary.

The best way I've found to romanticize and enjoy this period of time is to wake up truly excited to start the day. Even when I'm sleep deprived. Even when the house is an utter disaster. Even when my older kids are home from school and daycare and everything feels like entirely too much. I wake up and I remind myself just how truly blessed I am. To be a mom with healthy children. To have the option of maternity leave. To have this precious, once-in-a-lifetime, romantic period to spend with my new baby.