A prolonged absence—whether it’s because you’ve decided to have a baby or go on sabbatical—doesn’t mean you have to hit the brakes on your career. If you promise to and do return to work healthy and back to your old reliable form, there shouldn’t be any reason why your career should not progress. Here’s how to successfully steer the course, even when detours come your way.

Read this article for more working mom advice:

• 10 Tips for Working Moms

(First published in Marie Claire Magazine, Career section as “From here to Maternity” in January 2009; adapted for use in Female Network; flashbox photo from As We Know It courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

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