Being a working mom is a challenge. Being a working mom in 2020, in these unprecedented times, takes the challenge to a whole new level. We asked our experts for their top piece of advice for working mothers in 2020. Read what they have to say —
Julie Burt Nichols – The Wizard, Twiniversity: “If you’re breastfeeding, buy a micro-fridge for your office to store your pumped milk so you don’t have to keep it in the communal refrigerator. When shopping for a baby monitor, consider one that can be viewed over the internet through a private IP address so you can access the feed from the office.”
Natalie Diaz – The Big Cheese, Twiniversity: “Plan to have child care start 1-2 weeks prior to your back to work start date to give yourself plenty of time to make a smooth transition back to the office. Go through your closet one month prior to going back to work to see what pieces still fit and what needs upgrading for your new, fabulous body.”
Elina Furman – Elfin Media: “With school closures, lack of routines, and zoom calls at odd hours, it’s so important for mothers to reshuffle the division of labor at home. While taking on the brunt of the invisible load left us frazzled and tired before the pandemic, an unequal division during these times is simply not sustainable. Families need to create detailed lists of every household to do and divide accordingly. This is an excellent time to reframe and equalize the household labor playing field, and women need to learn to delegate and give up perfectionism in the name of sanity.”
Jessica Hill – Founder, The Parent Collective: Invest in finding mom friends with kids the same age as yours. While I realize this will take time you might not feel you have, we all need those people to enjoy and survive motherhood with – they keep you company during the sometimes-monotonous early days with a baby and provide support as you juggle your work life balance (made harder now that many of us are home and attempting to do it all simultaneously). Friends managing the same phases with kids will be able to relate to your joys and struggles in a way no one else will.
Kelly Mariotti – Executive Director, JPMA: Families are spending much more time at home and that will likely continue so be sure to check for safety hazards around the house that might be inviting to curious kids when you are multitasking and can’t be right with them.
Jada Shapiro – Maternal Health Expert and Founder, Boober: My advice to moms who are working, taking care of their babies, nursing and pumping (and for many right now at home doing all of this at once!) is to recognize that the struggle is real and that reaching out for help can make a huge difference in your mental health or in adjusting your feeding/pumping routines; sometimes a little expert advice and support is all it takes to start feeling better!
Lori Caden – Co-Founder and CEO, Proof: “Push back against perfectionism. There’s no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one.”
Tara Campbell Lussier – Founder, Arrow Birth: “Find your village. Working mothers can feel isolated and lonely juggling their numerous work/life responsibilities, especially in 2020. When you connect with people in a similar life season who inspire you to be the best version of yourself – wisdom, community, resources, and relief are abundant. They’re out there, so follow your own intuitive mothering instinct to find them.”
