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

Slow down and focus on yourself. I was so worried about how others would perceive me while I was pregnant, so I pushed myself harder and worked until my due date. While this didn’t harm me in anyway (thankfully) I think my body could have benefited from a lot more self-care during those days.

What was your primary motivation for deciding to return (or not) to work? How early did you tell your employer?

I told my direct employer at about 12 weeks and waited until about 4 months to tell my main bosses. It was definitely a nerve-wrecking feeling as it was a male-dominated company. But I went in with a plan and made sure the lines of communications were open.

How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?

I intended to take 12 weeks off but took a turn when the magazine that I was the EIC of at the time folded. When that happened I decided it was good reason to take a step back and ease into work with some freelance and then decided to make a big jump by launching my own business, Well Rounded NY,  6 months later with my friend and business partner Jessica Pallay.

Who was your biggest source of support in returning to work? What was your biggest pregnancy indulgence?

My mom and family. I’m very lucky to be a New York native and have family nearby. When my son was born it was all hands on deck and I had huge support from my mom, sisters and my oldest niece who is a college student with a love for kids.

My pregnancy indulgence was late night eating. Pregnancy taught me to listen to my body signals and fuel when necessary.

Fill in the blanks: As a working parent, I never expected ____ would be so hard and ____ would be so much easier!

I never expected keeping balanced would be so hard and that finding reasons to continue being a working mom would be so much easier.

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