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.
Ways to Make Money on Maternity Leave
There are several ways to make money that fit around your time, energy, and priorities while you are on maternity leave. You don’t need to return to full-time work to bring in extra income during maternity leave. The goal is to create small, manageable income streams that feel realistic during this stage of life.
Here are a few flexible options that 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 while making room for baby essentials.
2. Tap into Freelance or Remote Work
If you have skills in writing, design, administration, social media, or tutoring, consider taking on freelance work that you can do from home. Websites like Upwork and Airtasker can help you find short-term projects that fit around your schedule.
3. Turn a Hobby into a Side Hustle
Love baking, crafting, or photography? Many mums use maternity leave as an opportunity to explore small business ideas connected to their interests. From handmade baby clothes to digital art prints, there’s growing demand for creative products online.
4. Offer Virtual Support Services
Roles such as virtual assistants, customer service support, and online moderation are increasingly popular because they often provide the flexibility parents need. If you’re considering this option, start by updating your LinkedIn profile and reconnecting with your professional network.
5. Monetise Digital Skills or Content
If you already enjoy creating content or using social media, you could explore affiliate links, digital products, or small brand collaborations. This can be a low-pressure way to make money while working from home and taking care of your baby.
Choosing the Right Way to Make Money on Maternity Leave
The key is to choose something that works around your time, energy levels, and priorities during this stage of life.
Time Flexibility
Newborn routines can be unpredictable. Look for options that allow you to work in short bursts rather than fixed hours.
Energy and Mental Load
Some days will naturally feel more demanding than others. Choose work that doesn’t add unnecessary stress or pressure.
Income vs Effort Balance
Not all side income opportunities are equal. Focus on options that offer reasonable returns for your time and effort.
Long-Term Potential
If possible, choose something that could continue beyond maternity leave, such as freelance work or a small business idea.
The goal isn’t to maximise income during this time, but to find sustainable ways to make money while on maternity leave that support both your finances and your wellbeing.
How to Save Money on Maternity Leave
Now that you’ve explored a few ways to make money, combining them with practical saving strategies can help reduce financial pressure. Here are simple and effective ways to keep your expenses manageable while making the most of this time.
1. Review Your Spending with the eairwoman App
Start by getting a clearer picture of your finances. With the eairwoman app, you can track your income, expenses, and essential outgoings, making it easier to adjust your budget around your changing lifestyle.
Our baby budget tool helps you prepare for one-off and ongoing expenses like nappies, baby gear, and medical costs, 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 where possible. You can also explore baby markets and local community Facebook groups for quality essentials at a fraction of the retail cost.
3. Meal Plan and Cook at Home
Ordering takeaway can feel convenient when you’re sleep-deprived, but the costs add up quickly. Preparing meals ahead of time or using a slow cooker can help reduce expenses and make daily life easier.
4. Take Advantage of Free Activities
Skip expensive outings and explore local parks, mums-and-bubs groups, or free library events. These activities can help you save money while also building valuable social connections during early motherhood.
Take Control of Your Parental Leave with eairwoman
Whether you’re planning your maternity leave or already navigating it, the eairwoman app is designed 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 managing the day-to-day realities of raising a child
With tools made for women, you can make informed financial decisions that support both your current lifestyle and your future retirement goals.
Summary
Maternity leave can bring financial challenges, but with the right strategies, it can also become a time to build stronger financial habits and confidence.
Whether you’re exploring ways to make money while on maternity leave or focusing on smarter saving strategies, small steps now can make a meaningful difference over time. Download the eairwoman app and take greater control of your finances, goals, and future.
Contact us if you’d like additional support or guidance.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your individual needs, objectives or financial situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for you and seek professional advice where necessary.
