It's working for Elena W
Detroit, Michigan
2 children
"A high school doesn't really come equipped with private offices or restrooms. There just happened to be a tiny lounge off of our staff restroom. "
What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?
There will be moments when you feel like you’re not doing any of it right – parenting or working – but you have to get through the rough patches and you will come out on the other side.
How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?
My first leave was 12 weeks. My second leave was only 8 weeks, however I had the ability to take off 12. I was nervous both times for different reasons. The first time I was nervous just because it was all so new – how would I get enough milk produced? How would I feel leaving the baby? With my second child, I knew what to expect, however, he wasn’t as great of a sleeper as my older son, so I was more nervous about how I would get through long days on little to no sleep.
What was your biggest challenge going back to work?
Making it all work. Finding the time to be a good mom, but also still be a good teacher. The balancing act was what scared me the most.
Who was your biggest source of support in returning to work? What was your biggest pregnancy indulgence?
I just found advice through speaking with working friends; I didn’t have a mentor so to say.