You are about to have a baby and now you have to write your maternity leave out-of-office for colleagues and clients. We have you covered on how to write it professionally and with care! Check out our examples for businesses big and small and feel free to copy and paste them or change them to your leisure.

Why You Need a Thoughtful Maternity Leave Out-of-Office Message

Taking maternity leave is one of the most important transitions in your career and personal life. Setting an out-of-office message is more than a routine task: it helps protect your time, communicate boundaries, and maintain professional relationships.

A clear, kind maternity leave message does three key things:

  • It informs others of your absence and return date.
  • It sets expectations for communication during your leave.
  • It creates peace of mind so you can focus on recovery and bonding.

Your message doesn’t need to be long: just thoughtful.

💡 What to Include in Your Maternity Leave Message

Clients and Colleagues are happy about your baby but they need some key information so they can continue doing their job in your absence. Before writing, jot down these must-haves:

  • Your maternity leave dates (start and return, if known)
  • A short, warm explanation that you’re on leave
  • Alternate contact information for urgent inquiries
  • Optional note if you’ll occasionally check emails (or not at all)
  • Professional yet friendly tone that reflects your work style

✍️ Tips for Writing a Maternity Leave Out-of-Office Message

Keep these quick tips in mind:

  • Stay concise — a few sentences are enough.
  • Avoid oversharing (no need for baby details unless you want to).
  • Match your company culture — formal vs. casual.
  • Be clear about contact — who handles what while you’re away.
  • End on a warm note — you’ll return refreshed and ready.

💼 Example 1: Professional Maternity Leave Out-of-Office Message

Subject: Out of Office: Maternity Leave

Hello,

Thank you for your email. I’m currently on maternity leave from [start date] to [return date] and will not be checking emails during this period.

For urgent matters, please reach [colleague’s name] at [email].

I look forward to reconnecting when I return.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

✅ Best for: corporate roles, HR, management, or client-facing positions.

🤗 Example 2: Friendly Maternity Leave Out-of-Office Message

Subject: Out of Office – Welcoming a Little One! 👶

Hi there!

I’m currently on maternity leave as we welcome our new baby. I’ll be offline until [return date], but [colleague’s name] can assist while I’m away ([email]).

Thanks for your understanding and kind wishes!

Take care,
[Your Name]

✅ Best for: friendly workplaces or teams where a warm tone fits naturally.

🧺 Example 3: For Small Business Owners or Freelancers

Subject: Temporarily Closed for Maternity Leave

Hello,

I’m taking time off for maternity leave until [return date] and will not be accepting new projects during this time.

Current clients can reach me at [email] for urgent needs, though responses may be delayed.

Thank you for your patience and continued support during this special time.

Warmly,
[Your Name]

✅ Best for: self-employed, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

🌸 Optional: Add a Personal Touch

If your workplace allows a personal note, you might say:

“We’re so excited to meet our new arrival and adjust to life as a family of three. Thank you for your understanding while I take this time to rest and bond.”

Keep it light and heartfelt. A touch of humanity is always appreciated.

💕 Final Thoughts

Writing your maternity leave out-of-office message is a small act that carries big meaning. It tells others that you’re organized, considerate, and confident about taking time to care for yourself and your family.

So whether your tone is formal, friendly, or heartfelt, let your message reflect your readiness for this new chapter.