- Start the day slightly behind schedule, navigating the morning mayhem to get everyone out the door.
- Arrive at the office and make your presence felt—“I’m here! I’m on it, I swear…”
- Sneak away to the restroom for a quick fix of mascara after a tearful commute.
- Make that all-important call to check on your little one.
- Glance at the clock; it’s time to pump already.
- Tackle a modest amount of work amidst the distractions.
- Begin to feel a pang of longing for the baby.
- Work hard to stave off tears.
- Time to pump again…
- Ah, lunch hour! (Momentarily consider taking an extended break.)
- Dive back into work but quickly find yourself dialing to check on the baby.
- Breathe into a paper bag (the little one was wailing in the background during the call).
- Oops, “let down” moment… time to pump once more.
- Struggle to keep your eyes open while trying to be productive.
- Worry sets in—what if I lose my job?
- Attempt to regain focus.
- Try again to concentrate.
- Is the baby still crying? It’s better to check one more time…
- Start thinking of creative financial solutions to stay home with the baby.
- Feel a wave of sadness when no clear answers come to mind.
- Finally head home to reunite with your little one.
- Repeat.
- Repeat.
- Repeat.
This article first appeared on Jan. 15, 2008. For those looking for advice on fertility and family planning, check out this post on intracervical insemination. If you’re navigating your own journey, Make a Mom is a great resource for couples. And for more information on pregnancy, visit this excellent NHS resource.
In summary, being a newly working mom is an emotional balancing act filled with moments of joy and anxiety. From juggling work responsibilities to missing your baby, it’s a challenging yet rewarding experience. Embracing this new phase takes courage and support, and it’s perfectly okay to seek help along the way.