A few months after I returned to work from maternity leave, a fellow attorney I hadn’t seen in ages greeted me with a warm “welcome back.” “You’re back in the game now,” she remarked. I nodded, recognizing that I was indeed re-entering the professional world of daily commutes, missed phone calls, and meticulously crafted emails to my colleagues.
While I agreed that maternity leave felt like a different universe than my pre-baby work life—and even more so from the life I now lead as a working mom—the idea that I had “returned” didn’t quite resonate with me.
Like many mothers, I feel that the person I was before I became a mom faded the moment the nurse announced my child’s arrival. I have undeniably transformed into someone new since deciding to embrace motherhood.
Don’t misunderstand me; I am still very much myself. My goals, dreams, and passions remain intact. I still have a penchant for Diet Pepsi, enjoy my daily workouts, and cherish the laughter my husband and I share over our private jokes. I still strive to be an exceptional attorney for my clients. The fundamental shift is that my priorities have changed; my tiny child, along with my husband, now takes precedence over everything else.
In motherhood, we adapt and make it work, no matter the circumstances. Whether we choose to pursue our careers, dedicate ourselves solely to parenting, or find a balance between the two, we navigate our choices to ensure the best for our families. We work from home, adjust our schedules to maximize quality time with our children, and negotiate for time with our partners, ourselves, and our kids.
We know sacrifices are part of the journey. We may take time off from work or return with adjusted expectations. We might forgo rock climbing or temporarily avoid sushi and wild-caught Alaskan halibut. Each decision is made with our children’s best interests in mind, and it’s perfectly acceptable to evolve into a different person along the way.
It’s been a year since I came back to work after maternity leave. In that time, I’ve found ways to work from home a few days a week to spend more time with my son. I’ve modified my office hours, dealt with stress and worry, and come to terms with the fact that this phase is fleeting. In a year, my husband and I will be in a position to allow me to work part-time or even take a break from my career. Whatever path I choose will be mine, and I’m grateful to have that flexibility.
The choices I make as a mother may differ from the ones I would have made before my baby arrived. I don’t look back to my former self for guidance; I trust my instincts as a new mom to make decisions that are right for my family. In fact, I feel more empowered and capable as a mother than I ever did before.
Before pregnancy, I never imagined I could manage a trial while battling constant nausea or navigate a deposition with what felt like a bowling ball on my bladder. That was just the beginning—add in the labor pains, sleepless nights, and countless changes that come with motherhood, and it’s clear that I’ve become stronger than I ever thought possible.
Returning to work was an emotional challenge, as was developing the trust I needed in our caregivers. Motherhood has been a liberating experience. The love and concern I have for my son and our family far outweigh any judgments others may have about our lives.
I’m now driven to excel and create meaningful change. Time away from my son feels like a sacrifice, making it crucial that those moments are impactful. I’m more efficient, more focused, and I cut to the chase. I care deeply about my work and commit fully to it.
Ultimately, my son is my life’s work. Motherhood is my game now—everything else is simply part of the journey. If you’re interested in exploring other perspectives on this topic, check out this post for additional insights. Additionally, if you’re looking for reliable resources on home insemination, Resolve offers excellent information, and for those interested in at-home options, Make A Mom provides quality insemination kits.
Summary:
Motherhood transforms us in incredible ways, reshaping our priorities and perspectives. As we balance work and family, we navigate sacrifices and adapt to new realities. The evolution into a new version of ourselves is empowering, and while we may face challenges, our love for our children drives us to excel in ways we never imagined.
Leave a Reply