Expecting a Baby? Here’s How to Keep Your Business Running
Before we became parents, Avram and I had this grand idea that we’d set up our business to run smoothly so we could take time off when our son, Lincoln, arrived. We were determined to do it right—put systems in place, delegate tasks, and create a business that could run without us for a little while.
Sounds great, right?
Well… let’s just say we learned a LOT along the way. Some things worked beautifully. Other things? Not so much. If you’re a business owner getting ready to take parental leave, I hope our experience helps you figure out what to do (and what not to do).
The Reality of Running a Business with a Newborn
We had a vision: by the time Lincoln was born, our business would run like a well-oiled machine. We’d take time off, soak in those newborn cuddles, and return to work when ready—without a mountain of stress waiting for us.
And to be fair, we did prepare.
We took a business accelerator program focused on delegation, refined our processes, and hired team members to lighten our workload. But here’s the reality check: no amount of preparation can fully prepare you for the exhaustion, emotions, and unpredictability of having a newborn and running a business.
What Worked Well: Setting Up Systems & Delegating
One of the best things we did was create repeatable systems for tasks that had been living inside our heads. This meant:
- Documenting workflows – We mapped out step-by-step guides for how things should be done. If it wasn’t written down, it wasn’t real.
- Hiring support – We brought in team members to take over critical tasks so things wouldn’t fall apart when we stepped away.
- Automating what we could – We set up systems so clients wouldn’t have to wait on us for things that could run on autopilot.
- Batching content in advance – This was a lifesaver. We pre-scheduled emails, social posts, and marketing materials so we weren’t scrambling in those first few months.
These things did help us step away without total chaos. But looking back, there were a few things we underestimated…
What We Wish We Did Differently
1. We Didn’t Account for the Emotional Load
As much as we prepared for the logistics of stepping away from work, we didn’t fully prepare for how emotionally hard it would be to let go.
I found myself checking in on things when I should’ve been resting. Even though our team was handling things well, I struggled to fully unplug because I felt guilty—like I should still be “on” even while navigating sleepless nights and newborn snuggles.
Lesson learned: Set hard boundaries and actually step away. Trust your team, trust the systems you built, and let yourself be in the moment.
2. We Didn’t Realize How Little Energy We’d Have
Before Lincoln was born, I imagined I’d have at least some mental space to check in on work here and there. Reality? LOL.
Sleep deprivation is real, and the last thing I wanted to do was make business decisions while running on fumes. We had set up support, but I wish we had overprepared even more—because even answering one email felt like climbing Mount Everest some days.
Lesson learned: If you think you’re preparing enough, do even more. The less decision-making you have to do in those first few months, the better.
3. We Didn’t Give Ourselves Enough Time
We thought a couple of months off would be enough. What we didn’t realize? The newborn phase is just the beginning.
Around three months in, we were still figuring out routines, sleep schedules (or lack thereof), and how to juggle work with parenting. It took longer than we expected to really feel like we could get back into the groove of things.
Lesson learned: Plan for more time off than you think you’ll need. Even if you ease back into work gradually, giving yourself that buffer reduces stress.
Advice for Business Owners Expecting a Baby
If you’re a business owner planning to step away for a while, here’s what I’d recommend for running a business smoothly:
- Start preparing early – Even before your due date, begin documenting processes, hiring help, and setting up automations.
- Plan for more time off than you think you’ll need – Trust me, you’ll need it.
- Have a ‘point person’ for emergencies – Whether it’s a business partner, assistant, or trusted team member, having someone handle urgent matters keeps you from being pulled back in.
- Let go of perfection – Things won’t run exactly as they do when you’re hands-on. That’s okay. Done is better than perfect.
- Give yourself grace – The transition to parenthood and running a business is a lot. Take it one step at a time.
Final Thoughts: You Can Step Away—With the Right Prep
Stepping away from your business to welcome a baby is possible—but preparation is key. Even with the best systems in place, expect surprises, adjustments, and a learning curve.
If you’re an entrepreneur expecting your first child, Episode 55 of the Babies and Business Podcast offers an inside look at what worked, what didn’t, and how to navigate the early months. This episode shares key lessons, tools, and strategies to help you stay organized, streamline workflows, and balance a growing family with a growing business
Because the work will always be there. But those newborn snuggles? They go by fast.
