Every now and then, a story emerges that really gets people talking—and this one has definitely caught the attention of the “sanctimommies.” A recent photo series featuring a member of the Italian Parliament, Isabella De Luca, who has been bringing her daughter Mia to work since she was a baby, is stirring the pot.
What is a Sanctimommy?
If you’re not familiar with the term “sanctimommy,” it refers to parents who believe their way of raising kids is the best and are unafraid to share their judgmental opinions. These opinions often come wrapped in a layer of passive-aggressiveness, which can make them tricky to recognize.
The Photo Series
A popular architecture and design Facebook page shared a series of photos of De Luca with Mia, captioning it: “Isabella De Luca, a member of the European Parliament, has brought her daughter Mia to sessions for the past two years. She’s shown that it’s possible to juggle motherhood and a demanding career—look at her thrive with a baby in tow!”
De Luca’s Perspective
In her own words, De Luca explained that she started bringing Mia to work out of necessity when she was still nursing. She quickly realized that her presence in Parliament with a baby was garnering more media attention than the important issues being discussed. “We’ve done so much in the European Parliament, but when I come with my baby, suddenly everyone wants to interview me,” she said. She also mentioned wanting to highlight that not all women have the luxury of bringing their kids to work, emphasizing the need for more discussion on the subject.
Mixed Reactions
The reactions to her photos have been a mixed bag, with some comments going overboard. One reader criticized, “That poor child would likely prefer playing outside. She should have taken two years off to focus solely on her daughter.” Others worry about the quality of time spent, suggesting that a nanny or daycare might be better for Mia, calling De Luca “selfish” for prioritizing work over her child.
The Double Standard
It’s tough for working moms to find that balance between home life and professional responsibilities. While De Luca is making a statement by bringing her child to work, she’s also facing the backlash that often follows moms in the public eye. Interestingly, a male politician in the U.S. brought his infant to work last year and received praise for his dedication. It’s a double standard that many moms know all too well.
A Simple Mantra
In the end, I’ve adopted a simple mantra for dealing with judgmental opinions: mind your own business. If you’re interested in more stories on this topic, check out some of our other blog posts, like those on intracervical insemination. Also, for anyone on a fertility journey, Make a Mom is a great resource, as is UCSF’s Center for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Conclusion
In summary, Isabella De Luca’s decision to bring her daughter to work has sparked a debate about the challenges of balancing motherhood and career, revealing the double standards that working moms often face.