What to Write in a Maternity Leave Card: Wording Ideas for Every Situation
Someone in your team or friendship group is heading off on maternity leave. Brilliant news! But now you're staring at a blank card wondering what on earth to write. Too formal feels cold. Too casual feels flippant. And you definitely don't want to accidentally say something weird about their body or their birth plan.
Here's everything you need to write the perfect maternity leave card message.
What tone should a maternity leave card have?
It depends on your relationship. For a colleague you're not especially close to, warm and professional works well. For a close friend or teammate, you can be more personal, funny, or heartfelt. The key is to focus on them (their excitement, their next chapter) rather than making it about the workplace.
Maternity leave card messages for a colleague
- "Wishing you all the joy, rest, and biscuits you deserve. We'll miss you, but not as much as you'll miss us. Enjoy every moment."
- "Congratulations! Wishing you a smooth arrival and a wonderful maternity leave. We'll keep your desk warm."
- "So excited for you as you start this new chapter. Enjoy every precious moment, we'll hold the fort!"
Maternity leave card messages for a close friend
- "You're going to be the most brilliant mum. I can't wait to meet the little one and bring you tea and cake."
- "This is the beginning of the best adventure. I'm so proud of you and so excited for you. Love you loads."
- "You've got this. And when you don't, I've got you."
What NOT to write
- Avoid comments about their size, bump, or body.
- Don't speculate about the birth or ask about their birth plan.
- Skip the "enjoy the time off" framing. Maternity leave is not a holiday.
- Don't make it all about when they're coming back.
Also thinking about their return? Read our guide on what to write in a back to work after maternity leave card.