Women's participation in the labor force has increased over the past decades, although, for the majority of Brazilian women, professional activities are added to family and household chores. While children are infants, family demands are intense. Thus, it is predictable that the period following maternity leave will be difficult. In this study, forms of support available in the workplace were investigated, on the basis of interviews with 40 school teachers, mothers of children under 2. The majority of the teachers received little support at work. As a result, many experienced difficulties with important work tasks. The respondents recommended the introduction of supportive public policies, to reduce workplace demands during this critical period of family life.