21 Creative Maternity Leave Out of Office Messages to Try

Crafting the perfect maternity leave out of office message is essential. It sets the tone for your maternity leave and helps you set boundaries. Before you sit down and create your automatic reply for when you are away, think about what you want to achieve: a bond with your baby, a slow return to work, or an approach that merges your baby and business.

Here is how to create an out of office maternity leave message that is specific to your objectives, warm, and intentional. Plus, we explore some of the best maternity leave out of office message examples, from funny ones to cute ones and professional ones that get to the point.

Here is how to manage expectations when expecting.

Find Your Perfect Out of Office Maternity Leave Message

Maternity Leave Out of office Message Key Components

The Key Components

Clear Dates: When your maternity leave starts and ends.

Good to note: Lots of things can happen as you approach your return date. Perhaps you had a medical challenge that would prolong your leave, or you and your manager would be able to work out a more flexible schedule for the first month back. Try adding the word “expected” before the return date to signal that there may be a need for flexibility. This is, after all, not your typical project but an incredibly important one.

Contact Details: Who is your point of contact while you are away

Good to note: Provide alternative contact persons for various responsibilities you currently hold. For some, this may just be one person who can triage your messages on your behalf to keep it straightforward. For others, you may need to put down multiple names (especially if you have clients/customers who will have new points of contact). Also, if you are open to being contacted for specific matters, you can add that here as well. Maybe you are open to being contacted toward the end of your maternity leave, you can add that. Be clear and intentional.

Tone: The feeling your writing evokes – think professional, funny, or cute.

Good to note: typically, you can set up different maternity leave OOO messages for internal emails and those from outside your organization. Your tone might vary depending on your audience. Your message is an extension of your personal brand. If you are an entrepreneur, your maternity leave might also involve a LinkedIn post. Use contractions, human language, and positivity if that suits your brand.

Tips for aligning with company policies

Before you hit “save,” check in with HR or your manager to confirm:

Do they require specific wording?
Are there any legal or compliance notes to include?
Should you mention whether emails will be forwarded, or say you’re not checking them at all?

Some companies offer standard templates—others give you full freedom. Know what applies to you so you can stay empowered and aligned.

Maternity Leave Out of Office Message Examples

7. Cute Maternity Leave Out of Office Message

I’m currently out of the office, trading emails for baby bottles! I’ll be on maternity leave until [return date]. For anything urgent, please contact [Colleague Name] at [email address].

“Thank you for reaching out! I’m currently on maternity leave, reveling in the magic and mayhem of parenthood. For any pressing matters, please contact [colleague’s name] at [contact information]. Looking forward to reconnecting soon!”

The little one has arrived (or is on the way!), and I’m officially on maternity leave. I’ll be back in the office after [return date]. For immediate help, please contact [Alternate Contact].

I’m currently under new management—8 lbs. of adorable! I’ll be on maternity leave until [return date]. For now, please reach out to [Colleague Name] at [email] for support.

I’m off welcoming a tiny new member to my family! I’ll be back from maternity leave on [return date]. In the meantime, please reach out to [Colleague Name] for help.

Currently out of office on maternity leave—and knee-deep in diapers, not deadlines. I’ll return on [return date], but [Colleague Name] can help you while I’m away: [email address].

I’m out of office on maternity leave, soaking up baby snuggles and lullabies. I’ll be back on [return date]. For anything urgent, contact [Alternate Contact]—they’re amazing!

7 Funny Maternity Leave Out of Office Messages

I’m currently on maternity leave and reporting to a new (very tiny and very loud) boss. I’ll be back in the office on [return date]. Until then, please reach out to [Colleague Name]—they’re much better at adulting than my new manager.

Thanks for your email! I’m currently out on maternity leave and responding only to babbling, not inbox pings. If your message can’t wait until I return on [return date], please contact [Alternate Contact].

I’m currently on maternity leave, which means I’ve swapped email notifications for baby cries and coffee that’s never hot. I’ll be back [return date]. Urgent? Contact [Colleague Name]. Not urgent? See you in a few months!

I’m on maternity leave and training my new intern to scream, nap, and make me question the concept of “free time.” I’ll be back in the office by [return date]. For real help, contact [Alternate Contact].

Currently out of the office on maternity leave. Brain function currently set to: diapers, pacifiers, and lullabies. For work-related matters, please reach out to [Colleague Name]. I’ll return on [return date], hopefully with matching socks.

I’ve left the office for a much messier one: my living room. I’m on maternity leave until [return date], working on keeping a small human alive. Please contact [Alternate Contact] for anything less cute than a baby sneeze.

Boom! Baby arrived. I’m on maternity leave and won’t be responding to emails unless you’re offering sleep, snacks, or an industrial-size diaper subscription. Otherwise, contact [Colleague Name] at [email address].

5 Short, Sweet, and Professional Out-of-Office Maternity Leave Message

I’m currently out of the office on maternity leave until [return date]. During this time, I won’t be checking emails. Please reach out to [Colleague Name] at [email] if you need support.

“Thank you for your message! I’m currently on maternity leave, cherishing every moment with my little one. If you require assistance during my absence, please contact [colleague’s name] at [contact information]. Can’t wait to catch up when I return!”

Thank you for your email. I am currently on maternity leave and will return on [return date]. For immediate assistance, please contact [Colleague Name] at [email address].

Thank you for reaching out. I’m currently on maternity leave and will respond when I return. In the meantime, please contact [Alternate Contact] for assistance.

2 Maternity Leave Messages Without a Return Date

Thank you for your message. I’m currently on maternity leave and will return at a later date. While I’m away, please contact [Colleague Name] at [email address] for assistance. I appreciate your understanding during this special time.

I’m currently out of office on maternity leave with no confirmed return date just yet. I won’t be checking emails during this time. For any urgent matters, please reach out to [Alternate Contact] at [email address]. Thanks for your patience and support!.

Bonus Section: Preparing for Maternity Leave

women crafting a maternity leave out of office message

Maternity leave is not a vacation. Maternity leave can be messy, magical, and sometimes isolating for women. It can be filled with endless washing, changing relationships, and sleepless nights. Women might also feel job anxiety or embark on a hormone rollercoaster. If you are about to go on maternity leave, help your colleagues understand your need to pause and connect with your baby. Here is how to prepare for maternity leave.

Set Clear Expectations

Let your company know about your pregnancy and leave plans well in advance. Communicate your return-to-work expectations with your team.

Set Communication Expectations

Let your team and manager know they can communicate with you during your maternity leave. Prepare a handover document for important questions. Let them know if you will be accepting calls or emails, or if they should wait for you to reach out.

Manage Passwords

Make sure you share all necessary passwords and important documents before you leave, so there are no emergency phone calls or emails during your maternity leave.

Find a Networking Group for Working Moms

Think about finding a networking group or support group for your new journey. Meet them before your maternity leave starts so you can start to build connections and ask questions.

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Learn From Inspiring Mompreneurs and Working Moms

Some of the most inspiring mompreneurs have managed to run businesses and raise families while acknowledging the ongoing struggles in both areas.

FAQs: Out of Office Message for Maternity Leave

How do you write an out of office letter for maternity leave?

Writing a great out of office note is all about setting expectations. Follow this formula:

1. Greet the sender
2. State you’re on maternity leave
3. Include your return date (or say it’s TBD)
4. Share a contact person for urgent needs
5. Sign off warmly

It can be formal or friendly, depending on your role and personality.

What is a good message for maternity leave?

A good maternity leave out of office message is clear, professional, and kind. It should:

Let the sender know you’re on maternity leave
State your return date (if you have one)
Provide an alternate contact for urgent matters
Keep it brief and polite.

Here’s an example:
“Thank you for your message. I’m currently on maternity leave and will return on [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague Name] at [email address].”

Should I say maternity leave or parental leave?

Both are acceptable—it depends on your tone and your company culture.

“Maternity leave” is common and clearly understood.
“Parental leave” is more inclusive and may reflect broader company values or your personal preference.

How can I find out how long my maternity leave is?

If in doubt, check how your employer phrases it internally.
This depends on your country’s laws, your employment contract, and company policy. To find out:

Speak with your HR department
Review your employee handbook
Research your local labor law (e.g., FMLA in the U.S., Statutory Maternity Leave in the UK)

Make sure to clarify whether your leave includes paid, unpaid, or part-time phases, and when you’re expected to return.

Can you say “enjoy maternity leave”?

Absolutely—if it’s said with care and empathy. While maternity leave involves a lot of hard work, love, and adjustment, wishing someone joy in this transition is thoughtful.

You might say:

“Wishing you all the best as you enjoy this special time with your new baby!”
“Hope you get some magical moments (and a few naps) during your maternity leave!”

Just avoid sounding dismissive of the challenges. For example, don’t say enjoy the holiday or time off. Maternity leave is not a holiday, it is challenging and deeply personal. Lead with warmth, compassion, and respect.

The Main Message for Your Maternity Leave

mompreneurs balancing business with holding a baby

You are about to enter a beautiful chapter in your life. Congratulations. When writing your out of office message for maternity leave, think about how you want this time to look and feel. From there, you can manage your colleagues’ expectations by crafting a maternity leave out of office message that communicates your availability, duration, and intention. Communication and transparency create trust, so make your message intentional. And don’t forget to manage your expectations for your maternity leave – it is the hardest project you will work on, give yourself grace.