This is a tough one for me and one I struggle with everyday.
I went back to full time work “quite quickly” after my first bub Alfie was born (5 months or less even) and I found that juggle a huge challenge, particularly as I was still very frequently breastfeeding.
I read this incredible quote that resounded with me so greatly around the societal expectation on women both in the workplace and at home. It’s along the lines of: “mothers in the workplace are expected to perform as though they do not have children, and when at home, are expected to perform as mother, as though they to not have a job outside of the household.” (I wish I could find the actual quote - it’s much more eloquent!!)
My number one tip, would be to ignore what is “apparently normal” or what is “expected” of new mums.
Who set the standard template that every mum should take one year off after their baby is born, before even considering a return to work? For many families, it is just not feasible.
For mothers who return to work earlier than one year, they may feel judged as it’s not our social norm. On the other hand, for mothers who stay on at home looking after their bub after a year, they can feel judged also, because women these days “should” be working and contributing to society and not “just” being stay at home mums....
....so stay at home, but just not for too long!?! You’re damned either way...
My advice? Ignore the comments and the expectations and just do your thing.
Do what you can to provide for your babies in the best possible way you now how - whether that’s home care for your kids or returning to work for your kids. We’re all just doing our best.
Who is your style icon?
I am recently stalking Andy Singer @andycsinger on Instagram, she’s a fashion blogger, her style is super classic and chic.
I’m lucky enough to work in the PR, lifestyle and fashion industries so I’m constantly surrounded by incredibly stylish women. I get a lot of inspo from the gorgeous girls I work with at AMPR (PR agency) and from industry folks.
For preggo inspo I follow a few accounts that give me some good inspiration such as @thebumpedit and few local Aussie mum bloggers. I like to follow whoever is keeping it real - mums with real bodies, posts, experiences and advice. No sponsored advice please!
What’s your “must-have” piece of maternity clothing?
A good, comfy, but cool pair of maternity jeans! Bring ON that stretchy waist band.
The Pea in the Pod jeans are incredibly comfy and fit really well right up until the very end of your pregnancy when nothing else seems to fit! Some styles with a lower waist band only last comfortably until early 30 weeks(ish) so the higher the waist band, the better!
Plus - a good bra: wireless and breastfeeding for functionality. It’s hard to find cute ones though...
What are you craving right now?
A margarita, all the champagne and CAKE (I have gestational diabetes so not allowed / supposed to eat any sugar!!)
What’s your go-to Netflix show when you’re on late night feed duty?
I’m a HUGE Potter-head and ALL the Harry Potter films were recently released on Netflix... Actual heaven.
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