Heather

Police Officer

Mom to Jack

Maternity leave: 5 months

Childcare: Family

What did you struggle with most about returning to work after having your kids?

“I was most worried about leaving him. ”

Jack was really colicky (hate that word and entire idea) as an infant. We discovered he was dairy intolerant and as a breastfeeding Mom I had to cut out all dairy. So due to him crying all of the time, his need to be bounced on a workout ball 24/7, I was most worried about leaving him. We knew he wouldn’t do well in a daycare setting since he demanded 24/7 attention. Luckily my in-laws are retired and we only needed them about one day a week.

What do you find difficult about being a working parent?

Being a police officer I never know if I will be held over late on an arrest or a call. Just last week my lieutenant and sergeant had to watch Jack for an hour and a half while I processed a prisoner and wrote my report. But in my line of work I’m most worried about my safety. The first week I returned I was bit by a bad guy, he broke skin and I had to follow up with blood work to be tested for HIV and Hep C. Anything I were to contract, Jack would too through my breast milk.

What do you enjoy about being a working parent?

It’s nice to still have something just for you, even if it is work. Hot coffee is something I will never take for granted.

I give stay at home Moms so many props! Being home with Jack for 5 months, I was losing my mind. I felt isolated, insecure, sooo sleep deprived. Since I’ve been back to work I feel more like myself. It’s nice to still have something just for you, even if it is work. Hot coffee is something I will never take for granted.

After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?

I’ve realized there's nothing more important than my family. No job worth my life. I’ve been hustling to try and build my own Yoga business since returning. I want to be around to watch my son grow.

Knowing what you know now, what’s one thing you wish you could go back in time and tell yourself as you were preparing to return to work or getting ramped up in your role?

"Don’t feel so overwhelmed. You deal with every obstacle as it comes."

Don’t feel so overwhelmed. You deal with every obstacle as it comes. I didn’t pump until I returned to work. I remember being so stressed about leaving him, how this whole pumping thing works. Jack is such a happy baby now and I believe it’s because he’s exposed to other people. He goes to anyone, smiles, waves and is very social. I never would have guessed he’d be such a well behaved easy baby those first few months.