A few months after I wrapped up my maternity leave and returned to my medical practice, I encountered a fellow physician I hadn’t seen since before my break. “Welcome back to the field!” she exclaimed, and I nodded, acknowledging that I was indeed re-entering the adult world of patient consultations, phone calls, and meticulously crafted emails to colleagues.
While I understood her sentiment that maternity leave felt like a different realm compared to my former professional life—let alone the new reality of balancing work and motherhood—the idea of having “returned” didn’t resonate with me.
Like many mothers, I feel that the person I was before my child arrived faded away the moment I held my baby for the first time. I am undeniably transformed since deciding to embark on the journey of motherhood.
Don’t misunderstand me—I’m still the same Dr. Carter. I still have many of my prior aspirations and passions. I still enjoy my morning coffee a bit too much, and I cherish my workout routines. I still love spending quality time with my partner, often laughing at our inside jokes. I remain committed to being an excellent physician and serving my patients well. However, my priorities have shifted, and now my child, alongside my partner, comes first.
In motherhood, we adapt in whichever way we must. Whether we choose to maintain our careers post-baby or focus solely on parenting—or a mix of both—we navigate our choices and circumstances to find a balance that works for our families. We work from home, adjust our schedules to maximize family time, and negotiate for moments of self-care and connection with our partners.
We recognize that sacrifices are part of the journey. We take time off work, return to our careers, and sometimes relinquish hobbies like hiking or gourmet dining. Whatever the trade-off, we make these decisions out of love for our children, transforming into entirely different individuals than we were before motherhood—and that’s perfectly alright.
It’s been a year since I returned to my practice, and during that time, I’ve worked from home several days a week to make the most of my time with my little one. I’ve altered my clinic hours, experienced stress, and grappled with worries, knowing that many of these challenges are temporary. In a year, I expect to have the opportunity to shift to part-time work or even pause my career for a while. Regardless of what I choose, I’m grateful to have that choice.
The decisions I make now as a mother diverge from those I would have made before my child. Just as I wouldn’t let my younger self dictate significant life choices, I trust my present self to make the best decisions for my family. In fact, I feel more empowered as a mother than I ever did pre-baby.
Before embarking on this journey, I never imagined I could handle the pressure of managing a high-stakes surgery while battling morning sickness or conducting consultations with a baby pressing against my bladder. And that was just the beginning—nothing could have prepared me for the sleepless nights and countless changes that followed my transition into motherhood.
Returning to work was a testament to my emotional resilience, as was building trust in our caregivers after my return. Motherhood is incredibly freeing; the love and dedication I have for my child far outweigh any external criticisms or judgments regarding our family life.
I’m driven to excel and make meaningful contributions. The time I spend away from my child feels like a sacrifice, heightening the need for that time to be purposeful. I’ve become more efficient, accomplishing more in less time. I’m focused and committed to my work, knowing that my little one is now my primary motivation. Motherhood is my game now, with everything else fitting into that framework.
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In summary, motherhood reshapes our identities and priorities, pushing us to adapt and grow in ways we never thought possible. The journey requires sacrifices, but it also brings profound love and purpose. As we navigate this new terrain, we become more efficient, motivated, and empowered, embracing our roles as mothers and professionals.