Maternity leave is a time to rest, recover, and bond with your baby—but it can also be a period of financial adjustment.
Whether you’re receiving paid parental leave, unpaid leave, or a mix of both, your income may dip while your expenses rise.
At eairwoman, we know that staying financially confident during this stage of life is just as important as planning for the future.
With a little creativity and preparation, there are smart ways to both save and make money while you’re away from the workforce.
How to Make Money on Maternity Leave
You don’t need to go back to full-time work to bring in extra income during maternity leave. Here are a few flexible options that other Australian women have used to stay financially afloat—without sacrificing precious time with their newborn.
1. Sell Preloved Items Online
Now’s the perfect time to declutter. Selling unused clothes, furniture, baby gear, or tech gadgets on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or eBay can bring in extra cash—and make room for baby essentials.
2. Tap Into Freelance or Remote Work
If you have skills in writing, design, admin, social media, or tutoring, consider taking on freelance jobs that you can do from home. Websites like Upwork and Airtasker can help you find short-term gigs that work around your schedule.
3. Turn a Hobby into a Side Hustle
Love baking, crafting, or photography? Many mums use maternity leave as a chance to test the waters with small business ideas that align with their passions. From handmade baby clothes to digital art prints, there’s a market for creativity.
4. Offer Virtual Support Services
Roles like virtual assistants, customer service agents, and online moderators are in demand—and they often offer the flexibility parents need. If you’re interested in this route, start by updating your LinkedIn profile and connecting with your professional network.
How to Save Money on Maternity Leave
Saving money during maternity leave is just as important as earning it. Here are simple and effective ways to keep your expenses low while making the most of this time.
1. Review Your Spending with the eairwoman App
Start by getting a clear picture of your current finances. With the eairwoman app, you can track your income, expenses, and essential outgoings, making it easier to adjust your budget based on your new lifestyle.
Our baby budget tool helps you plan for one-off and ongoing costs like nappies, baby gear, and medical expenses—so you’re not caught off guard.
2. Embrace Second-Hand and Borrowing
Babies grow quickly, and you’ll likely receive offers of hand-me-downs from friends or family. Say yes! Also, explore baby markets and community Facebook groups for nearly new essentials at a fraction of the cost.
3. Meal Plan and Cook at Home
Ordering in can be tempting when you’re sleep-deprived, but regular takeout adds up fast. Batch-cooking meals ahead of time or using a slow cooker can save money and reduce stress when time is short.
4. Take Advantage of Free Activities
Skip the pricey outings and explore local parks, mums-and-bubs groups, or free library events. These not only help you save but also offer valuable social connections during early motherhood.
Take Control of Your Parental Leave with eairwoman
Whether you’re planning your maternity leave or already in the thick of it, the eairwoman app is here to help you stay on top of your finances.
You can use the app to:
- Track your spending and savings goals
- Simulate career breaks using our “What-If” calculator
- Plan for your long-term future, even while you’re in the day-to-day of raising a child
With tools made for women—by women—you can make informed choices that support your life now and your retirement later.
Summary
Maternity leave may come with financial challenges, but with the right strategies, it can also be a time of empowerment.
Whether you’re saving smarter or earning a little extra, small steps now can make a big difference down the road. Download the eairwoman app and take control of your finances, your goals, and your future.
Contact us—we’re here to help.
