What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?

Don’t let all the unsolicited advice and opinions about pregnancy, childbirth and raising a child get in your way. Every child, parent, and situation is different.

What was your primary motivation for deciding to return (or not) to work? How early did you tell your employer?

I told myself “HEY, YOU’RE pregnant!, HA!” Since I’m my own boss, that part was easy. I told my team at our holiday party. I ordered a champagne toast and told them right before everyone went in for a sip. They all went nuts; it was so fun!

How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?

As crazy as it sounds, I had Poppy on a Tuesday and went back to work that following Monday. Being the owner of a company can make taking a maternity leave quite difficult. I remember replying to emails a few hours after delivering Poppy–I’m the type of person who never stops. Looking back, I wish I had taken a few weeks before doing anything work-related, especially for my own personal well-being. That being said, since I went back to work so quickly, I know how to prioritize my time with Poppy and make sure every minute is cherished.

Who was your biggest source of support in returning to work? What was your biggest pregnancy indulgence?

My husband is incredibly supportive and understands my job couldn’t be put on hold. We had a nurse living with us as well, who was our savior during the first few months. As long as you have a partner who is a team player and is supportive in every aspect of your family, career, and relationship, you can manage it all.

Fill in the blanks: As a working parent, I never expected ____ would be so hard and ____ would be so much easier!

I never expected leaving her every morning would be so hard and trading late night e-mails for family time would be so much easier!

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