Motherhood is a challenging journey. Many moms are raising a family while also growing a career. Before my first baby, I was unprepared for the overwhelming feeling of failure that often comes with working motherhood. Being pulled in so many directions and struggling to figure out how to balance everything felt (and still feels) impossible. As hard as it is to be a working mom, each day is another step forward. You have the chance each day to have a great day and live out all your dreams. I firmly believe you can have the family and the career of your dreams simultaneously, and without compromise. If you are a new working mom or considering jumping back into the workforce after kids, you can do this. You are never alone in this journey, and you have endless support from other working moms cheering for you. This is the best advice for new working moms from the best source: real working moms who are rocking this working motherhood thing. You’ve got this, just like we do.
Working Mom Perspective Advice
“Ease yourself into it as much as possible! Start new routines slowly and remember that each phase is temporary. There will be tough times, but they will pass.”
-Holly Nordenberg, https://www.imwithholly.com
Be heart opened. Have the power to leave the worries at home and literally enjoy your hours away from home. I started working when my baby was 2, and it was challenging but also helpful. I started to feel good about the fact that someone needed something else from me (no food or changing diapers required) and I got the chance to use my skills in different ways. I am grateful that I got the chance to spend so much time with Elina, because I know that there are mothers who simply can’t afford this luxury, but it felt good to go back to work again. So my advice for you mamas, is to not be afraid that your child will not manage without you or to feel guilty in one way or another. Be confident and embrace your opportunities.”
-Nicole, https://fashionablemotherhood.com/
“My advice is that you will get through this! It is tough at first but you are always mom and your baby loves you! We all have doubts and fears but it is okay and you can do it!”
-Catherine Brooks, https://Mrsaccountable.com
Above All Else, Grace
“Give yourself some grace! Going back to work is hard. Take as many shortcuts as you can- make sure your partner (if you have one) pulls more than their weight at the beginning. Pull out freezer meals or buy ready made food. Let the cleaning fall to the wayside or hire help to get you through this. Soon you will fall into a routine and you will be able to add more to your plate but at the beginning you will need to let things go.”
–Robin at A Dime Saved, https://adimesaved.com/money-saving-tips-for-moms
“Give yourself grace. It is super important to stay organize and do what is necessary to get work done while managing new baby; but always remember that you are human and not every thing will get done when you want them to. Give yourself grace.”
–Keiani Thomas , www.Keethemamabee.com
Working Mom Prep Advice
“Preparation is vital! Everyday will be busy so it is best to be organized and have a to-do list. Before work, make sure all the baby necessities are packed for daycare. When at work, focus on your tasks completely so once you leave work it is not on your mind. Home is home, work is work. I strive to have balance and not mix the two. Also, make some time in the day for yourself to decompress, breath and relax – even it is just for 30 minutes.”
–Regina Butler, www.mommyfourlife.com
“If you can, pick up a second breast pump to keep in your desk! This kept me sane! There is big value in not packing up your breast pump and trying to tote it into work everyday with everything else! I got one used from a friend (it was a closed system, meaning milk didn’t touch that part) and used my bottles and pumps! So worth it!”
–Amanda, https://aplace4mamas.com/
Work Life Balance Advice
“You will not be able to focus on your work like you used to be. Your used-to-be important things at work like promotion, deadlines, etc. became nothing compared to your little one. Some people might sympathize, some might not. Some might complain about your performance and you can get stressed out because of that. I made the mistake of trying to be who I was before having a baby, I stayed late at work to complete the last-minute tasks, I tried to meet other people’s expectation, I came home after my son fell asleep. My son needed me, but I was at work. My husband needed me, but I was at work. I let those treasure moments slip through my fingers and nothing I could do to take them back. So my little advice is, just sit back and relax a little. Someone else can always do the work for you, but no one can be the mother to your child and your child need you.”
-Mai Pha, www.mommyinstinct.com
“Designate as set time/day (without any screens or devices) to be with your child. Leave your phone in another room, you can even set an alarm if you must. I have found that when working full time, this allows me to be completely present with my daughter. It’s special, uninterrupted time we share together where she knows she gets mommy’s undivided attention. It also takes the pressure off mom, no pings from work or other distractions, pure time to simply be mom.”
–Lindsey Harrison, www.homewiththeharrisons.com
“Make the moments count. They don’t have to be long or a big production. Spend some time once a month putting together a ‘moment bag.’ What goes inside will vary depending on your child’s age and interest. Some ideas: – small coloring pages with a few crayons that you can color together – simple puzzle – a few Legos (challenge who can use all of theirs in a the time permitted) – a poem – then discuss – invent a dessert to make later (pick up the ingredients next time you go to the store) The idea is to talk, to share, to laugh, and make a moment.”
–Susan Schmock, http://www.susanschmock.com/
You Got This
“1. Take time for yourself! 2. Adjust your expectations – write down your non-negotiables for each day and let the rest go! (Oh and by the way your negotiables may not be what you originally think they are. They may in fact include working out, reading your child a bedtime story, making school/work lunches, and 10 min pick up. And they may not include the dishes, laundry, clean house – those can wait! 3. Mindset shift – being a working parent is hard and there will be moments of unbalance and of mom guilt. Therefore we need to be really aware of our mindset and do the work we need to live out a wholehearted motherhood.”
Sarah Reckman, www.sarahreckman.com
“Always focus on what needs your attention the most at that time. Sometimes that might be work, and a lot of times that might be your baby. Trust yourself and know you can handle both. Turn your head to what takes priority in that moment instead of always trying to be in both places at the same time. You will feel more focused and less exhausted with the constant guilt and tug of war. You are the best mother for your baby, and you are where you are supposed to be in your career. You should not have to choose.”
-Katelyn, Freshly Brewed Mama
Whether you are a new working mom or a working mom looking for a new way, this advice for working moms can make things a little easier. Working motherhood is always a little easier with a little help from a friend. You got this, mama.
All the best,
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