Maternity leave isn’t “leave” – it’s hard work

Emma Barnett's new book, Maternity Service , so named because postnatal months are anything but leave’ Do not, she implores, tell new mothers to “make the most of every second” It isn’t possible to enjoy every second of anything, let alone while also experiencing sleep deprivation, a loss of selfhood, overwhelming responsibility and the most intense love you’ve ever felt.

Barnett ’s book seeks to acknowledge maternity leave as it really is: “a period of leave from all you know: taking leave of one's mind, body, job and relationships”.

Despite the fact you are never alone, maternity leave can feel exceptionally lonely.

The conversations you have with other adults are constantly interrupted by your own baby.

Barnett longed for adult conversation, to discuss what was going on in the world.

When she finally put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) on the first draft of her book, she felt stressed, but also like a part of me had returned.