8 Maternity Leave Out-of-Office Messages (+ 2 Paternity Templates)

About to have a baby and need to keep everyone in the loop? Read on for our list of professional and funny maternity leave out-of-office messages.
As you head into the final phases of your pregnancy, you may have a list of things to do that feels like it’s a mile long.

We’re about to help you scratch one item off that list.

Browse through our maternity out-of-office messages to find the one that suits your needs.

In this article: 📝

The 411 on maternity leave

Different countries have different rules around maternity leave.

If you live in the United States, The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may provide you with twelve weeks of unpaid maternity leave in a year, where your job is protected for that time.

To qualify for this leave, you need to meet certain criteria, such as:

• Work for a public agency, school, or company with 50 employees or more.
  
• Work for them for twelve months or more, and at least 1,250 hours over the past twelve months.

To help you navigate this part of the process, head here for details on when to tell your work you’re pregnant.

Do you put an out-of-office on for maternity leave?

That’s entirely up to you. For many industries and positions, it makes a lot of sense.

In a client-facing job where you’ll be gone for a few months, it’s good to keep everyone in the loop.

But even if this is not the case for you, the right message is a great way to keep all your colleagues up to date.

Sure, it’s about being professional, but it goes further than that.

Having an effective out-of-the-office message means you’re more likely to be given the space and time you need to navigate this awesome chapter in your life.

How do I tell my clients I am on maternity leave?

When you’re self-employed, maternity leave comes with its own set of challenges.

The best thing to do is be upfront and realistic about how much time you think you’ll need.

You may want to send out a letter to clients and collaborators before you go on leave that includes when you’ll be back and who to contact while you’re away.

It’s also a good idea to let them know if you’ll be checking emails if they do need to reach out.

If you’re uncertain of your plans, you also have the option to leave an out-of-office message with no return date (template below).

And here’s the clincher for self-employed workers — it’s totally up to you whether you let clients know the reason for your leave.

You may want to say you’re having a baby, but you don’t have to.

You can say that you’re leaving for medical reasons or simply that you won’t be around for a period of time.

It’s your call.

Out-of-office message for maternity leave

Clear communication can go a long way to ensuring that you focus all your attention on your new arrival.

When putting together your maternity leave message, choose something that fits your communication style and tone.

And don’t worry — we’re going to help you figure out what fits.

If you want to keep things very professional, we’ve got templates that’ll suit your needs.

But you may also want to keep things light-hearted with a sweet and/or funny message.

Like all things pregnancy, you do you!

Maternity leave email message

1. Taking care of business

Thank you for your email.

I am currently on maternity leave and expect to return on [DATE].

I will be checking my emails periodically, but if the matter is urgent, please contact [CONTACT PERSON] at [CONTACT EMAIL].

All the best,

[YOUR NAME]

2. Super friendly

Hi there,

Thanks so much for reaching out!

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to respond for a bit because I’m drum roll on maternity leave.

If you need anything urgently, please reach out to [CONTACT PERSON] at [CONTACT EMAIL]. They’ll be happy to help!

I look forward to catching up when I’m back in the office.

Until then, all the best.

[YOUR NAME]

3. Short and sweet

I will be out of the office from [START DATE] to [END DATE].

I’ll be checking in from time to time, but if you need urgent assistance, please contact [CONTACT PERSON] at [CONTACT EMAIL].

Thank you!

Regards,

[YOUR NAME]

4. For medical reasons

I’m away from the office for medical reasons but am expected to return on [RETURN DATE].

During this time, I will have limited access to my email.

While I’m away, please contact [CONTACT PERSON] at [CONTACT EMAIL].

Thank you for your understanding.

5. Maternity leave out-of-office: no return date

Hello!

Thanks for getting in touch.

I’m currently out of the office on maternity leave.

Please contact [CONTACT PERSON] at [CONTACT EMAIL] should you need immediate assistance.

Regards,

[YOUR NAME]

Cute maternity leave out-of-office message

6. Professional development

Hey there,

I’m having a baby! 🎉

And that means I can soon add no-sleep-survivor, nursery-rhyme-singer, and diaper-change-wizard to my resume!

I look forward to sharing the new, improved me with you when I return on [RETURN DATE].

Until then, keep well!

[YOUR NAME]

7. I’ve taken on a new client.

Hi!

I’ve just landed an exciting new client. It’s a baby. And I gave birth to them.

They may look small, but they do take up a fair share of my time.

So, while I’m getting this project off the ground, please reach out to [CONTACT PERSON] at [CONTACT EMAIL].

See you soon!

Warm regards,

[YOUR NAME]

8. The checklist

I will be out of the office until my brand new baby gives me the OK.

Yep, the most demanding boss I’ve had to date.

If you require a pick-me-up today, I’ll send you a picture of their smiling face.

(Believe me, it’s worth it.)

And if you need anything urgently, please contact [CONTACT PERSON] at [CONTACT EMAIL].

What is a good out-of-office message for paternity leave?

Finally, if your partner has been granted paternity leave, they may also want to set up an out-of-office.

Same rules apply here — you get to be as serious or funny as you like, and give away as much info as you want to.

9. Simple, clear, direct

Thanks for your mail.

I’ll be on paternity leave from [START DATE] to [END DATE].

I’ll be checking my emails intermittently.

If you need anything urgently, please get in touch with [CONTACT PERSON] at [CONTACT EMAIL].

They’ll be happy to assist.

Warm regards,

[DAD’S NAME]

10. Lighten it up

Hey!

Paternity leave is turning out to be a blast.

Who knew this little person could make a person so happy?

So while I’m busy smiling ear-to-ear, changing diapers, and learning the art of the bottle feed, please get in touch with [CONTACT PERSON] at [CONTACT EMAIL].

See you on [RETURN DATE]

Best wishes,

[DAD’S NAME]

Exciting times ahead!

So get them started with a maternity leave out-of-office message that works for you.

And remember, if you need support along the way, your Peanut community is there for you.