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

One piece of advice that I wish I could offer my former expectant self would be … you are going to be on an emotional rollercoaster. Lots of crying, laughter and highs and lows throughout your pregnancy. Just take lots of deep breaths … these are all normal feelings.

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

I remember sharing the news with my employer by setting up a time to meet with my boss. I walked into her office and had a big smile on my face (I think I had that pregnancy glow) I was three months pregnant when I had the conversation. I wanted to let my boss know as soon as possible. She would have to find someone amazing to take over my classroom when I was on my maternity leave. I loved my class and my children and wanted to make sure my boss had enough time to find someone great.

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

Just three months … I wish I could have taken more. My back-to-work plan was nothing like the reality of going back to work. I was very emotional and remember waking up early to go to school and all I wanted to do was stay home with my baby.

How easy was it to put a childcare arrangement together and did it work for your family?

I was lucky enough to find a loving, caring, and honest nanny.

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

My biggest source of support in returning to work was my husband, mother, and our nanny.

Oh … gosh … my biggest pregnancy indulgence was a Haagen-Dazs Mint Chip Dazzler. I used to have my husband walk 15 blocks to get me one at least once a week.

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

I never expected finding such a #FabULyss community of moms to share tears and laughter with would be so easy.

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