I’ll be honest—I wasn’t ready for the hurdles that came with being a working mom. While I knew I had to return to work after my first child arrived, I didn’t anticipate how tough it would actually be.
I hadn’t considered what sending my little one to daycare really entailed. I didn’t foresee the anxiety of leaving my baby in someone else’s care. I certainly didn’t think that the competitive daycare scene in my small town meant I’d be hunting for childcare even before I gave birth. And managing the sleepless nights while juggling work? That was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to the unexpected challenges of being a postpartum working mom.
I also didn’t realize I would become the sole member of a very exclusive club at my office, which was largely composed of men and women well past their childbearing years. The personal matters I thought I could keep separate from my professional life began to spill over in ways I never imagined.
That little sign taped to my office door that reads “Knock, please” isn’t an invitation to enter. It’s a plea for privacy while I’m connected to my breast pump, desperately trying to relieve some pressure before I’m ready to burst.
No, I don’t want to join that conference call; I’d rather sit at my desk, scroll through pictures of my baby, and check the daycare’s Facebook updates.
And just to clarify, I’m not crying at my desk—I’d never let that happen. At least, I didn’t think I would.
Those extra-padded bras? They’re not for fashion; they’re breast pads. And by mid-morning, I could toss one across the desk, filled with enough milk for your coffee break. So please, stop staring.
I’m also going to pass on that out-of-town assignment today. Even though I’m at work, I need to express milk regularly, and the thought of hauling my pump around, only to find a dirty gas station bathroom to use it, is less than appealing.
Using my breast pump in the car? Not an option—unfortunately, it doesn’t run on a cigarette lighter. Trust me, I tried.
Yes, I might feel like crying when another assignment is added to my plate. In fact, I am crying.
When you ask me to stay late, I feel a wave of panic. The dollars I owe for being late to daycare far outweigh the extra pay I’ll earn for those few minutes.
And yes, I know my clothes fit differently these days. Everything feels tighter than it did pre-baby, and shopping isn’t exactly on my to-do list.
I hear you, my baby won’t take the bottle. And yes, she’s incredibly fussy waiting for me to get off work to feed her. Please don’t kick me out of daycare.
I know I should be eating healthier, but after a long day at work, I’m too exhausted to make a grocery run with my baby in tow. Can we please just order takeout again tonight?
I also realize I shouldn’t be rocking my baby to sleep every night. But honestly, I can’t bear to let her cry it out when I’m so drained.
I know this phase won’t last forever, but that doesn’t make today or tomorrow any easier.
So, tomorrow, I’ll rise again, get ready for work, and drop my baby off at daycare. As I start my commute, I’ll try to remember how fortunate I am to have the options I do. And, of course, I’ll make a beeline for the nearest Starbucks for a hefty caffeine boost to survive the day.
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In summary, being a postpartum working mom comes with a unique set of challenges and joys that many don’t anticipate. From managing pumping sessions at work to dealing with daycare logistics, every day is a balancing act. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and every little victory counts.