I’ll be honest; I wasn’t fully prepared for the hurdles of being a working mom. I always knew I wanted—no, needed—to return to work after my first child arrived, but somehow, I underestimated the challenges that lay ahead.
I never truly grasped what sending my little one to daycare would entail. I didn’t foresee the weight of worry that would accompany leaving my baby in someone else’s care. I certainly didn’t realize that the competitive daycare landscape in my small town meant I’d be searching for childcare before I even gave birth! Balancing work and sleepless nights was a reality I was oblivious to, and these are just a few of the unexpected delights of being a postpartum working mother.
I found myself joining an exclusive group at work, mostly comprised of men and post-menopausal women. I had no idea how the personal struggles I thought I could keep separate from my professional life would spill over into my workday.
That crooked sign on my office door that says “Please Knock” doesn’t mean “Come in after knocking.” It’s a signal that I’m currently attached to a breast pump, desperately trying to relieve the pressure before I burst.
When it comes to conference calls, I’d much rather sit at my desk, gazing at pictures of my baby and stalking my daycare’s updates on Facebook. And those tears at my desk? I never imagined I’d shed them at work—yet here we are.
As for my wardrobe, those are not extra padded bras you’re staring at; they’re breast pads. And by mid-morning, I could toss a soaked one at you with enough milk in it to fill your coffee cup. So please, stop looking!
Taking on that extra job assignment? Not a chance. The thought of lugging my breast pump around and searching for a clean gas station restroom is far from appealing. And no, pumping in my car isn’t an option; unfortunately, my pump doesn’t plug into the cigarette lighter—believe me, I tried.
Every time I get an additional task, I feel a wave of tears welling up. It’s not just a feeling; I’m crying. And when you ask me to stay a few minutes longer, I start to panic inside. The late fees for daycare pick-up don’t balance out with the extra pay I’d earn.
Yes, I’m aware that my clothes fit differently since becoming a mom, and no, I haven’t had the time or energy to shop for new ones. I know my baby won’t take a bottle, and she’s been incredibly fussy, anxiously waiting for me to finish work. Please don’t kick me out of daycare!
I know I should be eating healthy, but I’m too exhausted to rush to the grocery store with a baby after work. Is takeout acceptable again tonight? And yes, I know I shouldn’t rock my baby to sleep every night, but letting her cry it out feels impossible when I’m so drained.
I’m aware that this phase will eventually pass, but that doesn’t make today or tomorrow any easier. So tomorrow, I’ll get up again, prepare for work, and drop my baby off at daycare. As I drive to the office, I’ll remind myself how fortunate I am for the opportunities I have. And of course, I’ll make a pit stop at the nearest Starbucks for a large caffeine boost to get through the day.
For more insights into the journey of parenthood, you might find this article on home insemination interesting. And if you’re exploring how to navigate the world of assisted reproduction, check out this resource. Finally, NHS offers excellent information about pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
In this blog, Jessica shares her candid experiences as a postpartum working mom, facing unexpected challenges like daycare logistics, navigating the workplace with a breast pump, and managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with balancing work and motherhood. Despite the struggles, she embraces her journey with humor and a sense of gratitude for her choices.