Show notes
What up! In this episode, I share what I'm coining as my "work report card!" A new series where I share how the journey back to work after maternity leave is going.
Tune in to explore the emotional, physical, and environmental challenges I faced. Plus, my insights on the key areas that companies, managers, and coworkers forget about moms returning to the workplace.
If you are a mom returning to work, thinking about it, planning for it, or in the thick of it - I SEE YOU. YOU ARE NOT MISUNDERSTOOD HERE. And I am ROOTING FOR YOU w/ ALL MY HEART. Yes, all caps are necessary!
Highlights:
- The emotional and physical impact of separation from your baby
- Environmental changes and discomfort in the workplace
- Identity shifts and personal transformation post-maternity leave
- The importance of support and understanding from colleagues and managers
- Research on skills gained from motherhood that benefit work
- The experience of feeling out of place and the time warp effect
- The significance of community and shared experiences in motherhood
Episode sound bites:
- Returning to work after maternity leave is an ongoing, evolving process.
- Support from colleagues and managers is crucial for a smooth transition.
- Motherhood brings significant identity shifts that are often unseen.
- Physical separation from the child can be emotionally and physically taxing.
- Research shows moms return with enhanced operational skills.
- Sharing experiences helps reduce feelings of isolation and guilt.
- Preparation, support, and understanding can ease the return process.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and overview of the return to work journey
01:54 The emotional and physical impact of separation from the child
04:10 Research on skills moms gain from maternity leave
06:04 Environmental challenges and discomfort in the workplace
07:56 Identity changes and personal transformation
09:46 Mom guilt, anxiety, and the pressure to perform
12:03 The experience of feeling out of place and the time warp effect
13:57 Strategies for managing the return and seeking support
16:13 The importance of community and shared experiences
18:05 Reflections on the journey and future outlook
If this interests you, come hang out on Substack: MOMHOOD: https://gazay.substack.com/
National Working Mother's Week, learn more and register (Sept 21 - 25): https://www.motheredmedia.com/national-working-motherhood-week
My books:
This episode is brought to you by MOMHOOD, on substack. Exploring the vast ways birthing someone, births you. Tune in: https://gazay.substack.com/