The choices can feel overwhelming, but remember – you’re not alone. Get fresh inspiration and perspective with advice from real mamas.
1. Set expectations with your boss.
We need to do more to protect these women.
She makes a call for equal pay—and we're here for it.
You can't be what you can't see.
I saw working moms come in flustered at 8 a.m. and didn't realize the battles they'd already fought that day.
Being a working mom amplified everything I was experiencing as a female leader.
1. Consider your pumping schedule, then plan and prepare.
1. "My kids come first, but so do I."
When the company you're growing feels like raising another baby, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two titles—mama and entrepreneur—but you can succeed in both.
"I definitely witnessed prior to having kids that moms were just so effective at managing their time, having perspective, understanding what was an emergency," says Beauchamp.
Motherly cofounders used their instincts to help build a next generation business where remote teams—and parents—can thrive.
Leaving my baby to come back to work was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Luckily, I have amazing colleagues who made my transition back at work feel nearly seamless, and their efforts helped me realize that–it's the small things–that add up to make a big difference.
2. Start strong from day one—don't wait for permission to launch your full potential.
Each of these—children and work—can feel like a calling, we can feel devoted to both.
I still don't have it "all." What I do have is realistic expectations for what I can accomplish in a day.
Even if employers can't implement longer parental leave policies right now, there is one thing many could do to ensure that their employees are as well-rested as possible: Let them sleep in.
Some of the recommendations feel impractical—especially for working parents.
Sitting topless in the too-cold "family room" in my building, I cringe.
But, little by little I started remembering why I founded my business in the first place. I remembered how wonderful my clients were and how satisfying it felt to use the intellectual part of my brain.