Navigating the realms of motherhood while also maintaining a career can feel like a high-wire act. For many mothers, there's a pull between fulfilling their professional aspirations and being present for every irreplaceable moment with their children. However, the journey of a working mother, laden with its challenges, also comes with unique benefits. Let's look at both sides of the coin in this blog post for new moms. Whether you are pregnant and looking to the future, currently on maternity leave, or you have returned to work after having a baby, these working mom statistics and tips will help you, your baby, and your career thrive.
"We need to understand that there is no formula for how women should lead their lives. That is why we must respect the choices that each woman makes for herself and her family." - Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The Benefits of Being a Working Mother
Personal Fulfillment: For many women, their profession is a significant part of their identity. Returning to work allows them to remain connected to this vital aspect of who they are. Many women who feel proud of their work feel that it allows them to fill that part of their cup. This means bringing a more fulfilled version of themselves into the home.
Economic Independence: A study by the Pew Research Center found that 40% of households with children under 18 have mothers who are either the sole or primary source of income. Having and growing skills that can provide economic independence is a value of many women who want that freedom.
Quote: "The balancing act of motherhood and a career, and being a wife, is something that I don't think I'll ever perfect, but I love the challenge of it." - Kerri Walsh Jennings
Role Model: A working mother can set a powerful example for her children about the importance of hard work, ambition, and pursuing one's passions. According to a study by Harvard Business School, daughters who grow up with working mothers earn as much as 23 percent more over their lifetimes than daughters of stay-at-home moms.
Social Connections: A career allows mothers to maintain social relationships outside of the home. This can be beneficial for her mental health and provide a sense of community and support.
Improved Mental Health: Studies have shown that working mothers often have lower rates of depression than their stay-at-home counterparts. This is highly dependent on the circumstances surrounding the working mother. Work-related predictors of mental health included: access to paid maternity leave, work-family conflict, total workload, job flexibility, and coworker support.
The Challenges of Being a Working Mother
Guilt: The tug-of-war between work and home can lead to feelings of guilt for not being 'enough' in either domain. Missing out on a work engagement or home engagement can leave a mom feeling like the time crunch is impossible.
Childcare Woes: Over 32.7% of families pay more than 20% of their household income on childcare, as per the Center for American Progress. Additionally, in a recent survey, RAPID-EC finds that consistently from January to October of 2022, over 75% of parents looking for child care had difficulty finding center-based, home-based, or other types of care. High costs, limited slots, and care that fails to align with parents' needs in terms of location or hours could be to blame.
Anecdote: Sarah, a marketing executive, recounts, "I remember missing my daughter's first step because I was away on a business trip. It crushed me. But then, I also remember the joy on her face when I showed her around my office. It's a give and take."
Health and Wellness: Balancing work and motherhood can sometimes take a toll on a mother's health, both mentally and physically. Because of time and responsibilities, they may have less time for exercise and mental breaks.
Workplace Discrimination: Despite advancements, many working mothers still face discrimination, whether it's in the form of missed promotions or biases about their commitment to their jobs. This can be accentuated by the mother still carrying the brunt of sick-day pickups, time off for baby Dr. appointments and more.
Maternity Leave in the United States
The U.S. stands out when it comes to maternity leave policies, and not for the right reasons. Unlike most developed nations, it doesn't guarantee paid leave for new mothers under federal law. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) ensures 12 weeks of unpaid leave for mothers in companies with 50 or more employees. However, many mothers either don't qualify or can't afford to take unpaid time off. Many women find themselves returning to work sooner than they’d like, making the transition even more challenging.
5 Tips for Working Moms of Babies
1. Establish a Routine:
Babies thrive on routine, and so do working mothers. Structured nap times, feeding times, and playtimes can create predictability. If you are breastfeeding, adding your needed pumping sessions to your work routine will help keep baby feeds (and your boobs) in a healthy rhythm. Must-Have: All the good for pumping while going to and from work- see the Amazon list here.
2. Prioritize Self-care:
Remember to take out time for yourself. Whether it's a 5-minute meditation, reading, or even a skincare routine, it matters. And when you get refreshed, you're able to bring a more positive and engaging energy to your family. Make it easy: CrateJoy offers many boxes that can make self-care moments easy. InsightTimer is my personal favorite app for a quick (or long) mindfulness reset.
3. Open Communication:
Whether it's with your partner, family, or boss, communication is key. Discuss flexible work hours and share responsibilities at home. This is not the time to try to be super-mom. Get clear about your needs for success and communicate them with the key stakeholders in your life.
4. Meal Prep:
Preparing meals over the weekend can save time and reduce stress during the workweek. RELATED BLOG POST: Meal-Prep Tips for Busy Moms
5. Remote Work Options:
If possible, explore remote working options or flexible hours, which can help in balancing work and baby schedules. Now to be clear, I've found that working at home WITH the baby is quite a challenge. And, having the discipline to not be distracted by the dishes and laundry can be tough for some women, so navigate this with understanding your unique personality and goals.
The dance between motherhood and career is intricate, requiring grace, patience, and often, a change in rhythm. It's about finding a harmony (I don't like to say balance) that respects both your love for your child and your passion for your career. To every mother reading this, as you embrace this challenging yet rewarding journey, know that every step you take is a testament to your strength and love. Shine on! What's most important is finding what works best for you and your family, and seeking out communities and resources that support your choices.
