Feel Supported: Maternity Leave Planning for Small Business Owners
A practical approach to help you transition smoothly - before, during, and after maternity leave
Launching 2nd May
Imagine entering maternity leave feeling calm, supported, and spacious - knowing that your business is prepared, your clients understand what to expect, and you have a soft, flexible plan in place for your return.
This isn’t about overloading yourself with rigid strategies or trying to do it all. It’s about creating a plan that feels good; one that supports your wellbeing, honours your needs though matrescence, and gives you room to be fully present for this next chapter of life.
Because you deserve to pause with peace of mind, knowing that both you and your business are gently held.
A Gentle, Practical Approach to Maternity Leave Planning
This self-paced, step-by-step course is here to guide you through planning your maternity leave with ease, clarity, and compassion. You’ll be gently supported to:
✅ Create a clear, realistic plan for stepping away from your business—without overwhelm or stress.
✅ Explore your finances so you can feel more secure, prepared, and able to make empowered choices.
✅ Set up light-touch systems and automations (only if you want to!) to keep your business ticking over or simply communicate with ease.
✅ Map out a simple, flexible return-to-work plan that truly feels good for you—no pressure, no rigid timelines.
And maybe most importantly…
You’ll start to feel less overwhelmed, more grounded, and far more equipped for the transition ahead.
You’ll be supported through a mix of formats—short videos, calming audio guides, and downloadable PDFs—designed to meet you wherever you are, emotionally and energetically.
PLUS: You’ll have the option to take the bare minimum approach to goal setting! Ideal if your brain is full, your energy is limited, or you simply want to do just enough to feel calm and in control.
You’ve poured so much love and energy into building your business. And now, as you prepare for maternity leave, it’s totally natural for some big questions to surface...
💭 How do I step away without losing everything I’ve built?
💭 Can I really afford to take time off?
💭 Will my clients forget about me while I’m gone?
💭 How on earth will I return when I have no idea what life will look like?
If any of this sounds familiar? These worries are valid, and so many self-employed folks find themselves feeling the same way.
But taking maternity leave shouldn’t feel like an impossible puzzle. You don’t have to keep pushing through or try to figure it all out by yourself.
That’s exactly why Feel Supported exists—to help you gently plan your leave, feel more financially and emotionally prepared, and know that when the time comes, you can step away and return in a way that feels right for you.
Let’s talk about matrescence
Matrescence is the transformation someone goes through when they become a parent. A bit like adolescence, but waaaaay less talked about. It’s not just physical - it’s emotional, mental and spiritual. Your identity shifts. Your priorities change. The way you see the world, your work, your time…it all of it starts to move.
This course isn’t just about preparing your business for your time off, it’s about preparing you. It’s about giving you tools and space to navigate the uncertainty, the changes, the wobbles.
Because this season isn’t just about planning. It’s about becoming.
Feel Prepared, Supported, and in Control of Your Maternity Leave
With Feel Supported, you’ll gently create a maternity leave plan that feels realistic, spacious, and aligned with your version of ease. This isn’t about hustling to tick every box or keeping your business running at full pelt. It’s about making intentional, kind choices that support your wellbeing, your income, and your peace of mind…both while you step away and when you return.
This course invites you to slow down, tune in, and plan in a way that honours the season you’re entering, not just as a business owner, but as a human preparing for one of life’s biggest transitions.
Here’s what you’ll be supported to do:
✔ Shape a personalised maternity leave plan that reflects your business, your values, your income needs, and your wellbeing.
✔ Explore your finances and cash flow in a calm, practical way so you can feel more secure, adjust gently where needed, and plan ahead with clarity.
✔ Set up light-touch systems to support client communication and keep your business visible (if that’s something you want)—with options for automating, outsourcing, or simply pressing pause.
✔ Use the provided planning tools, templates, and content strategies to take the pressure off and free up headspace for what matters most.
✔ Develop a flexible return-to-work plan that helps you ease back in slowly and confidently—without pressure to jump back to full capacity before you're ready.
This is a self-paced course designed to move with you. You’ll have the freedom to work through it on your own terms, with the option to book reduced-rate 1:1 sessions for more personalised support along the way.
You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to get it perfect. You do get to make this process feel calm, supported, and true to you.
Who Is This For?
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Who Is This For? *
THIS COURSE is designed for self-employed women in business (pregnant or planning to become pregnant) who want to:
Confidently communicate about their pregnancy to clients without feeling guilty about taking time off.
Relax their expectations and embrace a slower, more intuitive way of planning that aligns with their values and current season of life.
Take care of themselves while navigating pregnancy symptoms without neglecting their clients' needs.
Feel financially secure during maternity leave, allowing them to focus fully on what matters most—spending time with their new baby.
Maintain a thriving business while navigating the exciting journey of motherhood.
Course Structure
Each module is self-paced, designed to be manageable, flexible, and supportive. You can move through the content in a way that suits your energy and capacity, with bite-sized lessons, templates, and guidance to make planning feel clear and achievable.
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I’ll welcome you and show you around the course so you know how to use it and where to access your resources. I’ll also let you know more about your optional (reduced rate) 1:1 calls with me, and the Telegram group!
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🌿 Create a maternity leave plan that feels intentional, achievable, and aligned with your needs.
This module will help you gain clarity on what you truly want your maternity leave to look like, so you can set realistic goals and prepare in a way that feels supportive—not overwhelming.
⏳ Time Needed: Approx. 1-2 hours
✔ Guided visualisation to help you map out your ideal leave
✔ Journal prompts to explore what balance looks like for you
✔ Gentle goal-setting to break your vision into actionable steps
✔ A "Bare Minimum" Plan for those who want to focus on the essentials
✔ Personalised intention-setting exercise to create a plan that feels good➕ Optional 1:1 Call: If you would like extra support in refining your vision, setting realistic goals, or simply talking through any feelings that come up, you can book a session to feel more guided and reassured.
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🌿 Feel financially secure by assessing your income, cash flow, and maternity allowance options.
Money can be one of the biggest worries when planning maternity leave, but having a clear plan can bring so much peace of mind. This module will guide you through realistic financial preparation so you feel in control of your finances.
⏳ Time Needed: Approx. 1 -2 hours (including financial planning exercises)
✔ Maternity allowance & financial support (links to official resources)
✔ Cash flow forecasting tool to plan income, expenses, and savings
✔ Identifying where to adjust spending and simplify expenses
✔ Options for passive income, pre-booking clients, and securing financial stability
✔ Money mindset check-in to ease financial worries and create a supportive plan➕ Optional 1:1 Call: Need help planning cash flow or sound boarding / creating passive income offers? You have the option to book a 1:1 at a special reduced rate of £25
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🌿 Keep your business visible while you step away, with simple, sustainable strategies.
You do not have to disappear while on leave (unless you want to). This module helps you set up simple systems to keep your business warm, communicate clearly with clients, and create a low-effort visibility plan that suits your energy levels.
⏳ Time Needed: Approx. 1-2 hours
✔ Email & client communication templates to set clear expectations
✔ Batch content strategy: how to pre-plan posts, blogs, and newsletters
✔ Options for scheduling, outsourcing, or pausing your online presence
✔ Gentle marketing strategies to keep potential clients warm without daily effort
✔ Customisable OOO message templates to maintain boundaries➕ Optional 1:1 Call: If you are feeling unsure about client communication, content planning, or how much visibility is right for you, a 1:1 session can help you find a strategy that aligns with your energy and business needs.
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🌿 Prioritise your wellbeing and ease back into work with confidence and clarity – while giving yourself space to grow into this new version of you.
Your return to work doesn’t have to feel rushed, overwhelming or like you’re “going back to how things were.” In this module, we’ll explore how to create a gentle, flexible return-to-work plan that works for you – with room for rest, reflection, and real life.
We’ll also introduce the concept of matrescence – the profound identity shift that comes with becoming a mother. This isn't just about adjusting your schedule; it’s about honouring the changes in your values, energy, and capacity, and allowing those to shape the way you work moving forward.
⏳ Time Needed: Approx. 1–2 hours
✔ Guided audio to help you mentally & emotionally ‘log off’ before leave
✔ A flexible return-to-work plan that fits your rhythm and real life
✔ Self-care toolkit with practical ways to prioritise yourself post-birth
✔ Personalised check-in framework to reassess your workload and make aligned adjustments➕ Optional 1:1 Call: Whether you need reassurance, space to talk things through, or help adjusting your plans, this is a space to return to yourself and what you really need – with support, clarity and compassion.
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You’ll be gently encouraged to review your progress, finalise all modules, utilise the resources and feedback on the course.
This is a beta-round, so your feedback is incredibly important to me, and is why I am offering this at a low introductory rate of £45.
Why I Created This Course
Hi - I’m Heather. Over the years, I’ve worked with pregnant business owners just like you to plan for their maternity leave. And if there’s one thing I know, it’s this:
You're only human - a wonderful one at that - and chances are you'll need some support to sort through all the planning.
I created this course because I want to guide you through this transition with clarity, confidence, and ease. It is not about doing more. It is about doing what truly matters in a way that feels manageable and right for you.
This is not a one-size-fits-all plan. It is a flexible framework designed to meet you where you are, so you can listen to your body, honour your energy, and take things at your own pace. Whether you want to keep things light and simple or go deeper into planning, you will have the tools and support to make the choices that feel best for you
Because you deserve a maternity leave that feels intentional, supported, and aligned with your needs, not something you have to “power through.”
What’s Included?
✔ Welcome and introduction to the course, helping you find your way around and where to access your resources. Plus a short intake form to help you measure your progress when you reach the end.
✔ 4 step-by-step modules covering planning, finances, business strategy and self-care (with a mix of videos, audios and downloadable pdfs)
✔ A guided workbook, checklists & templates to make planning simple
✔ A financial planning tool to help you stay in control
✔ Pre-written emails and content templates to set expectations and maintain visibility stress-free handover
✔ Lifetime access to the course and updates
Everything is broken down into small, manageable steps, so you can move through it at your own pace.
What Might Be Holding You Back (and How This Course Can Help)
🕰️ Not Enough Time
💭 "I am juggling so much already. Finding time to plan for maternity leave feels impossible."
✅ How This Course Helps: The planning process is broken into small, manageable steps that you can complete at your own pace—no pressure, no rush.
🤝 Feeling Alone in the Process
💭 "I am responsible for everything in my business. Preparing for this change feels isolating."
✅ How This Course Helps: While this is a self-paced course, you will have step-by-step guidance and ready-made resources to keep you on track. If you need extra support, you have the option to join the Telegram group and book 1:1 support sessions.
😵💫 Feeling Overwhelmed & Unsure Where to Start
💭 "I know I need a plan, but I do not know what to prioritise or where to begin."
✅ How This Course Helps: You will get a clear, structured framework that simplifies the process so you can make confident decisions without the stress.
😱 The Fear of Losing Clients or Momentum
💭 "I have worked hard to build my business. What if I lose clients or struggle to get work after my leave?"
✅ How This Course Helps: The course includes client communication templates and gentle marketing strategies to keep your business warm while you are away, so you have a smoother transition back.
📱 Social Media & Content Pressure
💭 "I do not want to disappear while I am away, but creating content in advance feels overwhelming."
✅ How This Course Helps: You will learn simple, realistic content strategies—whether that means batching, scheduling, or outsourcing, depending on what feels right for you.
🌀 Comparison & Self-Doubt
💭 "Am I doing this right? Have I planned enough? What if I forget something important?"
✅ How This Course Helps: There is no one right way to do this. This course helps you create a plan that works for you, without the pressure of following someone else’s path.
Maternity Leave Support Testimonials
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“I approached Heather for some help as I am a business owner and was approaching maternity leave. After interviewing about 7 other VA’s and, I found Heather to be the best fit by far. ...She is extremely thorough, and we worked alongside each other for a couple of months whilst she learnt the ins and outs of how to do the things I needed help with. Heather’s support has been invaluable to allow me to fully relax on my maternity leave knowing my business is in good hands... I’m so pleased to have found Heather and would recommend her to anyone.”
Kat Bithel, Nude Nutrition
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“I honestly don’t think I would manage being a pretty full time mum 2 kids under 3 whilst running my business without Heather. Whether it be having someone to bounce an idea off, some admin I just don’t have the time at my desk to do or something I just need taken off my plate, Heather is always compassionate, intuitive and bloody brilliant! I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Chloe Clarke, Finally Free Academy
Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here //
Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here // Self-employed maternity leave survey results are in // view them here //
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Ideally, begin 4-6 months before your planned leave date. This gives you enough time to implement systems and create content without feeling rushed.
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It’s tricky to determine how much time you’ll need exactly, as it depends on where you are with planning, what systems you already have, how much work you’ve got on etc. I have tried to estimate the time per module which you can find here.
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The program is entirely self-paced, and you have life time access. I would recommend that you complete the strategic planning early in your second trimester and implementation late second / early third trimester when energy levels are typically higher.
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That’s okay! The course is self-paced, with bite-sized lessons and a simple "bare minimum" plan if you only have time for the essentials.
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That’s why we cover maternity leave allowance, financial forecasting & simple income planning to help you prepare your finances.
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You’ll have lifetime access, so you can work through it whenever you need.
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This is the first round of Feel Supported: Maternity Leave Planning for Small Business Owners, which means I am offering it at a lower introductory price in exchange for honest feedback.
By joining now, you will get full access to the course while helping me refine and improve it for future versions. This means:
✔ You will benefit from the same valuable content at a fraction of the final price.
✔ You will have the opportunity to share feedback on what worked well and what could be improved.
✔ You will keep lifetime access to the course, including any future updates
🏷️ Beta pricing: Early Bird Discount of £45 when you sign up before midnight 5th April 2025 | £60 from 5th April 2025
🏷️ NEW LAUNCH price from 21st June 2025: £85
Join the First Round of Feel Supported
This is the first launch of Feel Supported: Maternity Leave Planning for Small Business Owners, and I want to make it the best it can be. That’s why I’m offering it at a special beta price, in exchange for your honest feedback.
Your insights will help me refine and improve this course so that it can support even more business owners preparing for maternity leave. By joining now, you get the same full experience at a fraction of the future price, while also helping shape the next version.
🏷️ Beta pricing: £60 when you sign up from 5th April 2025
🏷️ NEW LAUNCH price from 21st June 2025: £85
If you’re ready to plan your maternity leave with ease, I’d love to have you in this first group!