It's Working Project

"I went to work knowing I had to support our family - it was me, or no one. I had to be successful, plain and simple."

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

That I didn’t have to try so hard to convince people that I was “really ok” with leaving my kid at home to work. It is OK to acknowledge that it’s heartbreaking to leave your child. Not to dwell, but admit it to yourself, your spouse, your friends. Talk to someone about what that feels like.

FOR MOMS: If you breastfed, was there a place for you to pump that met your needs and was conducive to your success? If you breastfed, how did you decide to continue? FOR DADS: What, if any, adjustments did you (or your workplace) make to your schedule after having a baby? Was it specific to your manager or larger, whole work culture?

I believed strongly in breast feeding – I was so grateful I was able to continue to do so for 21 months, even with going back to work.

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