artificial insemination kit for humans
For over thirteen years, I dedicated myself to being a stay-at-home mom, a role I cherished deeply. On my last day of work before welcoming my first child, I walked out, clutching a bouquet of balloons, flowers, and a bag of molasses donuts—my pregnancy craving. I was relieved and never imagined I would crave a return to the workforce.
However, fast forward thirteen years, and I found myself feeling unfulfilled. Volunteering at school didn’t satisfy my yearning for something more. I even took up running, yet that wasn’t enough. I confided in my then-husband about my feelings of restlessness. I had taken charge of everything at home—managing the children’s schedules, social engagements, cooking, cleaning, and even pet care—while he focused on his business.
Despite rationalizing my role as a lucky stay-at-home mom, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted more. Now, I work full-time from home, but the guilt of transitioning from an ever-present mom to one with a structured work schedule still lingers.
As I navigated this change, I realized I was trying to maintain the same expectations I held in my previous role. I kept overcommitting, often to the detriment of my mental health and family life. This struggle is rarely discussed, especially among those mothers who seem to manage effortlessly.
I recently came across an enlightening article in Elle featuring Mia Harper, co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered. Harper shared her journey of motherhood and career, and she articulated truths that resonated with me. She became a mother later in life, after establishing her career, and faced societal doubts about balancing travel and work with parenting.
Harper expressed her determination to not let motherhood hinder her professional ambitions. “I still wanted to do those things, even when I couldn’t,” she reflected, acknowledging the identity crisis that often accompanies this transition. She recognized the pressure to keep up with her colleagues while juggling home life and the toll it took on her well-being.
She emphasized that pretending to manage everything perfectly leads to isolation. “If you act like you can do it all, no one will offer to help you,” she noted. This realization struck a chord; as moms, we have a responsibility to prioritize our families and ourselves, regardless of external expectations.
Harper’s advice was straightforward: “No one is going to ask you if you need help. The only thing that will stop you is you.” This statement encapsulated the pressure that many of us feel to perform without asking for assistance. When we take on too much, we risk our health and happiness—something that can impact our families too.
Her words remind us that we don’t need to apologize for adjusting our priorities as mothers. It’s okay to say no and focus on what matters most. After all, when mom isn’t happy, nobody is.
For more insights on this topic, you can check out this article from our other blog posts. Additionally, if you’re interested in enhancing fertility, visit Make a Mom for valuable resources. For comprehensive information about pregnancy, the CDC provides excellent guidance.
Summary:
The journey of balancing motherhood and a career can be challenging, as highlighted by Mia Harper’s insights on the pressures of being a working mom. Her experience reveals the importance of prioritizing self-care and recognizing that it’s okay to ask for help. As mothers, we often feel compelled to prove our capabilities, but it’s crucial to adjust our expectations and focus on what truly matters for our well-being and our families.
SEO metadata:
Empowering insights for working moms, balancing motherhood and career, self-care for mothers, Mia Harper, working mom struggles.