How Postpartum Coaching Strengthens Businesses and Transforms Families
By Julia Cavanaugh, Founder of Anam Cara Postpartum Coaching
When companies think about employee benefits, postpartum support is rarely at the top of the list. Yet the data tells us it should be. The weeks after childbirth are one of the most vulnerable and decisive times in a parent’s life — and how supported they feel directly affects whether they return to work, how engaged they are, and how loyal they remain to their employer.
As a certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, and founder of Anam Cara Postpartum Coaching, I’ve supported families for over 17 years. What I’ve seen firsthand — and what research confirms — is that postpartum coaching isn’t just a wellness perk. It’s a smart business strategy.
The Business Case for Postpartum Coaching
Retention
1 in 4 women in the U.S. return to work within just 2 weeks of giving birth due to lack of support (Lerner, 2017).
Companies that invest in parental support see a 35% increase in retention among women (Bright Horizons, 2022).
In fact, 94% of employees say they would stay longer at a company that invests in their growth and wellbeing (LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, 2023).
Reduced Absenteeism
Postpartum depression affects 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers (CDC, 2023).
Untreated PPD is linked to an average of 32 missed workdays per year per parent (MMHLA, 2022).
Coaching and proactive support can reduce the risk of postpartum depression by up to 50% (Goodman et al., 2014).
Employee Wellness and Productivity
Employees who feel supported report a 23% higher sense of wellbeing, 17% greater productivity, and 21% stronger engagement (Gallup, 2022).
For every $1 invested in mental health support, businesses save $4 in productivity and healthcare costs (WHO, 2022).
The Human Value
Behind the numbers are real women navigating one of the most profound life transitions: motherhood. Coaching provides:
A safe space to process the emotional and physical shifts of postpartum.
Guidance on recovery, feeding, sleep, and newborn care.
Tools for resilience, confidence, and navigating the return-to-work journey.
When mothers feel held, they return to work not just earlier, but healthier, calmer, and more loyal to their employer.
Why Businesses Should Care
In today’s competitive talent landscape, family-centered benefits are no longer “nice to have.” They’re essential. 77% of working parents say family support benefits are as important as salary (Bright Horizons, 2022). Offering postpartum coaching doesn’t just help employees — it strengthens retention, reduces costs, and creates a workplace culture that values humanity as much as performance.
My Mission
At Anam Cara Postpartum Coaching, my mission is simple:
To help businesses support mothers so they can thrive at home and at work.
By partnering with companies, I bring holistic, trauma-informed postpartum coaching directly to employees. Together, we can build stronger families — and stronger workplaces.
📩 Let’s connect.
If you’re a business leader, HR director, or wellness coordinator, I’d love to talk about how postpartum coaching can support your employees and transform your organization. [Book a free consultation here].