If you’re an expecting business-owning mom, one of the most nerve-wracking moments might not be the nursery prep or your due date — it’s telling your clients that you’re pregnant.
I’ve coached hundreds of women through this exact moment, and I remember my own experience vividly. The excitement, the fear, the “how do I even begin this conversation?” feeling.
Let’s walk through how to do it — with confidence, professionalism, and trust — so your clients feel supported and you feel proud of how you show up.
Step 1: Get Confident Behind the Scenes
The best way to calm your nerves is to get clear on the facts before you start the conversation.
Because here’s the truth: your clients can sense uncertainty. If you’re nervous and scattered, they’ll start to feel nervous and scattered too.
Before you make any announcement, take a deep breath and start with this question:
“What does my business look like while I’m out?”
Grab a notebook and make a simple list:
- What projects are currently open?
- What deliverables are active?
- What do I personally handle that could be delegated, automated, or paused?
When I did this exercise during my first pregnancy, I realized just how many tasks still ran through me — unnecessarily.
It was both humbling and freeing. Once I saw it on paper, I could start designing a plan that didn’t depend entirely on me.
This clarity creates confidence. And that confidence will show up in every conversation you have next.
Step 2: Create a Transition Plan (Before You Announce)
Here’s where most people go wrong: they tell their clients they’re pregnant before they know how things will work while they’re gone.
That uncertainty triggers fear — for both sides. Your clients start thinking about worst-case scenarios, and you start overexplaining to make up for it.
Instead, outline your plan first:
- Who will handle ongoing communication while you’re out?
- How will work be reviewed or approved?
- When will transitions begin, and what’s your return timeline?
Then, build in a training runway.
If you have a team member who’ll step in, start shadowing and handoffs early — ideally 4–6 weeks before your leave.
This gives your clients time to build trust with that person, so your announcement feels seamless instead of abrupt.
Remember, your client doesn’t want two surprises at once (“I’m pregnant” and “you have a new point of contact”).
Let them experience one change at a time — first the new workflow, then your news.
Step 3: Announce With Intention
Once you’ve got your plan, it’s time to share your news.
If possible, do it face-to-face or over Zoom.
This isn’t something to hide behind an email — your clients deserve your presence, and your story deserves to be celebrated with humanity.
Here’s a framework you can use:
“I have some really exciting news — our family is growing! I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make sure you feel fully supported through this next season, and I’ve created a plan that keeps your projects moving seamlessly. You’ll still have access to me for big-picture strategy, and [Team Lead Name] will be handling your day-to-day communication and deliverables. We’ll both make sure this transition feels smooth.”
See how that works? You’re leading with joy and reassurance.
You’re showing your clients that you’ve already thought of their needs — which is what they care about most.
Avoid phrases like “I’m not sure yet” or “we’ll figure it out as we go.”
Even if your timeline isn’t set in stone, communicate a framework:
“I’ll be taking around 8 weeks of focused family time, and we’ll have regular check-ins before and after to make sure things transition smoothly.”
You’re not just announcing your pregnancy; you’re modeling leadership.
Step 4: Frame It as a Win for Everyone
Clients want to know that their investment is protected.
Show them how this plan benefits them.
You might say:
“This setup will actually give you more dedicated support day-to-day and allow me to spend my time focusing on your strategy and results.”
When they see that your leave means more structure, more clarity, and more reliability, they’ll relax.
And that confidence you’ve built behind the scenes will do the rest.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between Growth and Space
When I found out I was pregnant with my first son, Frank, I was thrilled — and also terrified. My husband was deploying overseas, I had a full client roster, and no roadmap for what “maternity leave as a business owner” even meant.
But what I learned through that experience — and what I now teach inside Master Maternity Leave — is this:
When you plan with intention, communicate with clarity, and lead with confidence, your clients will follow your lead.
Because ultimately, you’re not just preparing them for your leave — you’re showing them what the future with you and your business looks like.
Next Step
If you’re ready to plan your maternity leave and want the exact system I use to prepare clients, delegate work, and design time off — watch my free workshop How to Plan Your Self-Employed Maternity Leave.
It’s a 60-minute training that walks you through the structure I used (and now teach) to hundreds of self-employed moms who want to take maternity leave without losing momentum.
Because you don’t have to choose between growing your business and growing your family — you can do both, beautifully.
See you soon!
Warmly,
Aly
