I am one of three senior directors – the others both male – who head up a very large sales team at an insurance company and I am about to go on maternity leave for a generous amount of time upon the birth of my first child. I have heard stories before of women coming back from maternity leave and finding things have changed in the workplace, with their role being largely sidelined. I have always been a worrier and am concerned that this might happen to me as, to be honest, the environment here has always been a bit cutthroat. I am reluctant to broach the subject with the regional director for fear of giving a bad impression. What do you suggest I do? Are there any preparatory steps I can take before I go?