Jenny

Mom to Ezra

Asst. Director, Group Fitness & Instructional Programs

Length of Maternity Leave: 12-weeks

Childcare: Family & Daycare

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

Keeping any kind of a consistent schedule. He was so unpredictable in the mornings/evenings and slept through the night while I was on maternity leave... he decided to stop sleeping through the night when I went back to work.

What do you find difficult about being a working parent?

I feel that I miss out on his milestones and that makes me sad. The first time he rolled over, sucked his thumb, etc. It breaks my heart that I don’t get to see it first.

What do you enjoy about being a working parent?

The adult conversation and critical thinking! I am a better mom by being a working mom. The time away from him recharges me and my heart to be able to give him my best!

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

100%. Work is amazing. I love what I do and the people I work with. I’ve definitely shifted my attitude though; what used to bother me or be “problems” are just specs of dust compared to keeping another human alive! Work stays at work, home is for family. I never thought I would feel this way.

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?

Even though Ezra will spend the majority of his awake time with someone else, he WILL still know me and love me. His giggles and smiles to me are worth EVERYTHING.

What did you choose for childcare, and how has it been for your family?

Family & Daycare

Pros; an app that logs his diapers, feedings, naps, and sends pictures.

Cons, waking up 2 hours earlier to get both of us ready to drop him off and make it to work on time.

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My baby was colicky from 7pm-10pm from months 2-5. As someone who exclusively pumps, It was impossible to rest, work, care for him/husband, and for my friends and family; I do the best I can and that is ENOUGH. It was hard. I love my baby, but I also resented him. I told myself I was a “bad mom” millions of times. Hang in there sister, find a friend who knows what you’re going through and whatever you believe in (God for me), cling on tightly!