Dear Future Leaders,
Tomorrow, I will face an incredibly difficult decision once again. I will have to leave my newborn, a reality that shatters my heart, despite my hopes that this would be different for the fourth time.
I often hear that I should be tougher, that I should feel fortunate to have a job. The advice comes that teaching is one of the easiest professions and that my schedule is ideal for a working mother.
While I am grateful for my job and the flexibility it offers, the truth remains: I am preparing to leave my precious baby yet again.
Morning will find me racing against time, trying to accomplish as much as I can for my children before heading off to work. I know I am not alone in this struggle; countless working mothers share this heart-wrenching experience.
Yes, I work hard. I have built a photography business, launched a fitness venture, and embarked on a writing career while teaching full-time. However, this doesn’t elevate me above others; it merely reflects my commitment to my family. I strive to ensure they have what they need, and I feel fortunate to help keep our household stable.
We are a typical middle-class family. My husband and I both have fulfilling jobs, and we work tirelessly to provide for our four children. They have a warm home, full bellies, and all the essentials. Yet, each month is a tightrope walk, balancing our mortgage, student loans, and bills.
If you were to ask our children what they desire the most, their answer would be simple: they want us—especially their Mommy.
Tomorrow, I will wipe away tears, prying toddlers from my legs, and reluctantly part from my new baby. I won’t be there for her cries, to soothe her, or to witness her precious moments. I will don my brave face, but I know that tears will escape despite my efforts.
As I step out the door, I will glimpse my children’s tear-streaked faces and hear my baby’s cries, making it nearly impossible to put one foot in front of the other. Yet, I must push forward. I will enter a classroom filled with eager second graders waiting for me to inspire them, even as my heart aches.
My newborn is beginning to interact with the world—lifting her head, smiling, and recognizing my voice. She knows that I’m her comfort, the one who rushes to her side when she needs me. Tomorrow, I must leave her, and the thought of this fills me with anguish.
The lack of paid maternity leave in the United States is unfathomable. We are one of the few developed countries without this essential support. As I prepare to return to work, I will miss the bonding moments that come from nursing—moments that are irreplaceable. Instead, I will be rushing to pump in a small space while teaching, all the while trying to mask the emotional turmoil within me.
I urge you, Future Leaders, to prioritize this vital time for mothers and newborns. Protect the bond that is essential for both mother and child, for it shapes their future in immeasurable ways.
Tomorrow, I will join countless women who must leave their newborns behind, embracing the role of a gladiator. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if we didn’t have to fight so hard just to be there for our children?
As a mother speaking for many, I hope you will consider the importance of supporting working mothers in our nation.
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In summary, working mothers face immense challenges, and the current lack of paid maternity leave in the U.S. compounds the emotional and physical strain of returning to work too soon. It’s time for future leaders to advocate for supportive policies that allow mothers to bond with their newborns without sacrificing their careers.