The choices can feel overwhelming, but remember – you’re not alone. Get fresh inspiration and perspective with advice from real mamas.

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.

Where do you land?

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.

It is not like your hard-won professional skills have evaporated overnight the moment your child received their diagnosis.

This could be a great gig for a parent.

Even local travel options were challenging.

Employees at Starbucks, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook and Google get them.

86% of working moms say they handle all family and household responsibilities.

It's not really an even playing field.

Customers weren't mad, they were understanding.

5. It could save babies lives.

Some of us are invigorated by the day-to-day of motherhood. And some of us need something outside of motherhood to keep that cup full enough to be able to pour out all that our family needs to thrive.