It's working for Samantha Ettus
California
3 children
“I didn’t take maternity leave because I had a book deadline. I actually loved it. I was stimulated mentally while working my tail off physically with my new baby.”
What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?
Enjoy your sleep. Though a middle of the night wake up is rare, I always sleep on eggshells waiting for one of my three kids to need me. I don’t know that you ever kick that feeling once you have kids.
What was your primary motivation for deciding to return (or not) to work? How early did you tell your employer?
I was a full time author at the time working on a book called “The Expert’s Guide to the Baby Years,” so my pregnancy was right on brand at the time. My publisher was excited about the synergy!
How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?
I didn’t take maternity leave because I had a book deadline. I actually loved it. I was stimulated mentally while working my tail off physically with my new baby. It was a happy time! But if I was in a corporate environment, I would likely be the type who was working from home while momming–that is just my workaholic nature.
Who was your biggest source of support in returning to work? What was your biggest pregnancy indulgence?
A supportive spouse who believed in my dreams.
My indulgence? Watermelon. I ate at least a half a watermelon daily during each of my pregnancies.