So, let’s break it down. Whether you’re writing for a close friend, a co-worker you only chat with over the printer, or your boss, I’ve got you covered. From short and sweet lines to funny one-liners, you’ll find plenty of ideas here.
Why Maternity Leave Cards Matter
Cards are small, but they carry big meaning. When someone’s stepping away to have a baby, it’s a life-changing moment. Your words are a way to celebrate, reassure, and show you care. It doesn’t matter if you write just one sentence or a whole paragraph, the main thing is that it feels genuine.
Think of it like this: long after the office baby shower balloons deflate, the card is something they can keep. A keepsake to remind them of the support they had from colleagues or friends during a milestone.
What Do You Say When Someone Is Going Out On Maternity Leave?
This is the question that trips most people up. You want to be encouraging, but not overly soppy. You want to sound supportive, but not cliché. Here’s a quick framework you can use:
Start with congratulations – acknowledge the big news.
Add a touch of support or encouragement – remind them they’ll do great.
Close with a personal note – something unique about them or your relationship.
For example:
“Congratulations, Sarah! You’ll be an amazing mum, I can already see it in the way you look after everyone here. Wishing you lots of love and joy during this new adventure.”
Simple, personal, and heartfelt.
Short and Sweet Messages
Sometimes, you don’t need a long speech. A short, thoughtful line can say more than a paragraph.
“All the best on your new adventure, enjoy every cuddle and smile!”
“Wishing you lots of love, rest (when possible), and happiness.”
“So excited for you, your little one is lucky already.”
“Best of luck with your new chapter, can’t wait to hear the stories.”
“Congratulations! Wishing you and your baby good health and happiness.”
These are perfect if you’re signing a group card where space is tight.
Heartfelt Messages
If you’re closer to the person, you might want to write something more meaningful.
“It’s been a joy working alongside you, and I’ll miss our chats! I know you’ll be the most wonderful mum. Enjoy every precious moment with your little one.”
“This is such an exciting chapter. Remember, you’ve got a whole team cheering you on, even while you’re away. Wishing you and your baby endless happiness.”
“Motherhood is a wild, beautiful journey, just like you, it’ll be filled with strength, kindness, and laughter. Congratulations!”
“We’ll miss your energy in the office, but we’re so happy for the new life you’re bringing into the world.”
Heartfelt doesn’t mean overly serious, it just means honest and warm.
Funny Messages for Maternity Cards
Humour is a safe bet if you know the person well and they’ll appreciate a laugh.
“Good luck with the night shifts… babies don’t do weekends off!”
“Congratulations! Remember, nappies are like emails, ignore them too long, and things get messy.”
“Your new boss is tiny, loud, and demands attention 24/7. Enjoy your new role!”
“Looking forward to seeing you again, probably with less sleep but more stories.”
“Welcome to parenthood: where silence is suspicious.”
Funny works best when you know the person’s sense of humour. If in doubt, keep it light rather than sarcastic.
Professional Messages
If it’s for a manager, senior colleague, or someone you’re not personally close with, professional but warm works best.
“Congratulations on this exciting new chapter. Wishing you and your family happiness and good health.”
“Wishing you a wonderful maternity leave filled with special memories. We look forward to welcoming you back.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with you. Best wishes as you take this important time with your family.”
“Congratulations on your growing family. May this time be filled with love and joy.”
“All the best during your leave, we’ll keep things running smoothly here while you focus on your little one.”
Professional doesn’t mean cold, it just means polished and respectful.
What Is a Good Maternity Leave Away Message?
Sometimes it’s not just about writing in a card, you might be asked to help someone craft an out-of-office maternity leave message. These should be clear, friendly, and professional.
Example:
“Thank you for your email. I am currently on maternity leave and will return on [date]. During this time, please contact [colleague’s name] at [email] for urgent matters. I look forward to reconnecting once I return.”
Or if you want to keep it warmer:
“I’m currently away on maternity leave, enjoying time with my little one. I’ll be back on [date]. For work-related queries, please reach out to [colleague’s name/email]. Thanks for your understanding.”
How Do You Say Goodbye When Going on Maternity Leave?
If you’re the one writing the card for yourself (yes, people do this for farewell events!), here are a few ideas:
“I’ll miss you all, but I can’t wait to meet my new little team member.”
“Thanks for all your support, I’m off to the wild world of nappies and cuddles. Wish me luck!”
“Goodbye for now, I’ll be back, hopefully with fewer dark circles under my eyes.”
“I’ll think of you all when I’m knee-deep in baby bottles and laundry!”
This keeps things light-hearted and personal.
How to Wish Someone Well Before Giving Birth
If the card is before the baby arrives, you might want to add encouragement for the big moment ahead.
“Wishing you strength, calm, and lots of love for the big day.”
“You’ve got this, you’re stronger than you know. Can’t wait to meet your little one!”
“Sending you positive thoughts for a smooth and joyful birth.”
“May your journey into motherhood be safe and full of love.”
These messages strike a balance between encouragement and celebration.
Personalising Your Message
Here’s the golden rule: make it about them. Instead of using a cookie-cutter message, add one detail that shows you’ve thought about them as a person.
Mention an inside joke you share.
Refer to their personality (“Your calmness will make you an amazing mum”).
Acknowledge how much you’ll miss them at work.
Add a wish for something you know they care about (like “Hope your baby loves books as much as you do”).
A personalised line turns a generic message into a memorable one.
Quick Checklist: Writing a Great Maternity Card Message
Congratulate them first.
Keep the tone warm (funny, heartfelt, or professional depending on your relationship).
Avoid clichés like “sleep when the baby sleeps” unless you know they’d laugh at it.
Add something personal.
End on a positive, supportive note.
Final Thoughts
Maternity leave cards don’t need to be complicated. The best messages are those that feel real, whether that’s a heartfelt note, a funny one-liner, or a polished professional wish. At the end of the day, it’s less about crafting the perfect sentence and more about showing that you care.
So, the next time the card comes around the office and you’re stuck with a pen in hand, don’t panic. Just remember, say congratulations, add a little warmth, and sign off with sincerity. That’s all it takes.
And if you ever find yourself stuck for words in the future, well, that’s what little writing hacks and tools like Spinbot’s Article Rewriter are for.
Rachel combines her technical expertise with a flair for clear, accessible writing. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, she specializes in creating detailed tech-focused content that educates our readers about the latest in web development and SEO tools at Spinbot blog.