Can you handle this role after your maternity leave?…Have you ever been asked this patronizing question?
Let’s face it- every new mom faces challenges when returning to work after maternity leave, but do we really need to hear it again and again?... Absolutely not! ...We give birth to our kids not skills!!
Strangely enough, these interesting questions might also come from some of your female colleagues. Somehow they think they have the license to openly ask these questions under the pretext that we are all women and moms.
Managers often assume working moms don’t want particular challenges or opportunities because we are no longer dedicated, and we continue operating on survival mode. Let me tell you this hard working Mamas, if you ever face these challenges; I am sure you will find plenty of tips and articles online but here is what I personally found useful after 3 maternity leaves:
-Don’t expect your co-workers to understand (Including some of your female colleagues who went through the same journey)- People often confuse maternity leave with holiday. They conveniently ignore that motherhood is tough. Being a mom is 24/7 full time job and is very, very hard work! Don’t be shy to say it out loud..
-Set boundaries and stick to them: Talk to your co-workers and make sure everyone will respect your flexible calendar. If there is an emergency at work; you will surely hear it! I always book slots in my calendar to keep track on my kid’s schedule, pump when I am breastfeeding, parent-teacher meetings, etc
- Keep track of your wellbeing: Postpartum emotions can be messy and motherhood can come with a heavy mental load. Talk to your co-workers and other parents.
- Keep talking to your best team partner: My husband is my best ally. I know that he will always take my side no matter what happens at work. If you are a single mama; talk to your best friend :)
And ALWAYS remember your worth. We can be career-focused working mamas and passionate parent!
Mamas, we are Unstoppable! 🤰🏽👩🏽🍼🫄🏼👨🏾💻🧑🏻🔧🧑🏾🚀🧑🏽✈️👩🏼🏫🧑🏾🎤👩🏻🚒🧑🏾⚖️
XoXo
Hindy
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