Let’s be honest—I was totally caught off guard by the realities of being a working mom. I knew returning to work after my first child arrived was a necessity, but I naively underestimated the hurdles I would face.
I didn’t consider what it truly meant to put my baby in daycare. I couldn’t foresee the overwhelming anxiety of leaving my little one in someone else’s care. The fierce competition for daycare spots in my small town meant I had to start searching for childcare before I even gave birth. I had no idea how to juggle a demanding job with those sleepless nights that come with being a new parent. All of these early experiences were just a few of the unexpected challenges awaiting me as a postpartum working mom.
I also didn’t realize I would find myself in a workplace that was predominantly male and filled with post-menopausal women. The personal struggles I thought I could keep separate from my professional life began to seep into my workday.
That makeshift sign that I taped to my office door saying “Knock, please” doesn’t mean you can barge in after knocking. It’s my way of saying: I’m currently hooked up to a breast pump, and I need to finish before my milk supply turns into a disaster.
And no, I don’t want to join that conference call—I’d rather sit at my desk, scrolling through pictures of my baby and checking for updates from the daycare’s social media.
If you see me with tears in my eyes, it’s not because I’m having a bad day. I never thought I would cry at work, but here we are.
Those breast pads you see? Not extra padding—they’re lifesavers, and by mid-morning, I could easily toss you a saturated one that holds enough milk for your caffeine fix. So please, stop staring at them.
As for that extra job assignment on the road? No thanks. Even though I’m here at work, I’m still tied to my breast pump every few hours. Finding a clean gas station restroom to use it? Not exactly my idea of a fun day out.
And while I wish I could use my breast pump in my car, it doesn’t run on the cigarette lighter, despite my best efforts.
Yes, when you assign me more work, it makes me want to cry; in fact, I probably will.
And when you tell me I need to stay late, just know my heart races. The dollar-per-minute fee for being late to pick up my baby doesn’t add up to my hourly wage.
I’m aware my clothes fit a little tighter these days, and I haven’t had the time or energy to shop for new ones since becoming a mom.
I know my baby is refusing the bottle and is fussy, waiting for me to finish work so she can eat. Please don’t kick me out of daycare.
I know I should be opting for healthier meals, but after a long day at work, the grocery store feels like a mountain too high to climb. Can we just do takeout again?
I also understand that rocking my baby to sleep every night isn’t a recommended practice, but after everything, I can’t stand to let her cry it out.
Yes, I know this phase will pass, but that doesn’t make the present any easier.
So tomorrow, I’ll wake up, get ready 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 I’ll be sure to swing by the nearest Starbucks for a much-needed caffeine boost to power through the day.
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Summary:
Navigating the world as a postpartum working mom can be overwhelming, filled with unique challenges and unexpected feelings. From the anxiety of daycare to the intricacies of pumping at work, every day presents new trials. Yet amidst these hurdles, there’s an opportunity to embrace the journey with resilience and a touch of humor.
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