It's working for Amy P
Roslindale, Massachusetts
2 children
"It was easy to make my own schedule and pump, but the time every day cut into my getting everything done I needed to at work."
What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?
There is no good way to keep a good balance other than to keep working at it all the time with young kids.
FOR MOMS: If you breastfed, was there a place for you to pump that met your needs and was conducive to your success? If you breastfed, how did you decide to continue? FOR DADS: What, if any, adjustments did you (or your workplace) make to your schedule after having a baby? Was it specific to your manager or larger, whole work culture?
I made the time at work to breastfeed/pump because it was so important to me – more important than sleep, etc.
How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?
12 weeks, I felt it was too short and did not want to be back full time, but did not feel there was another option.
What was your biggest challenge going back to work?
How to balance work pressures and family pressure and the lack of time flexibility that now was on both sides. It felt like from both sides there was little flexibility and the stakes were raised.
Who was your biggest source of support in returning to work? What was your biggest pregnancy indulgence?
Yes, I have a friend who was pregnant with her first while I was pregnant with my second and felt I could help her navigate a bit.