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

You will always get a lot of advice, but you need to figure out what works best for your family and not worry about what the Smiths are doing. Sometimes staying at home works best and sometimes parents are better parents when they have a career. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or a flexible schedule.

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

I was able to take 10 weeks for both pregnancies. I worked at a smaller firm so I was always available for questions. I prepared for my “leave” right up until the day before the kids were born.

What was your biggest challenge going back to work?

The first time around with the corporate job it was the mom-work guilt. The guilt of missing out on what the kids were doing and having to leave work with projects not fully complete to relieve the nanny. This time around it’s a bit of the same thing except I own the business so the pressure I put on myself is even higher.

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