From Diapers to Deadlines: Juggling Life’s Latest Transitions

Have you ever found yourself trying to seamlessly blend the joys of baby snuggles with the demands of a bustling career? That’s the balancing act I’m currently working towards. Throughout my life, I’ve navigated various transitions, each one empowering me to redefine my purpose and identity. From high school to university, I tackled the challenge of discovering my passions amidst societal expectations. Moving from student to professional, I learned to balance my personal interests with career goals, striving to merge passion with practicality. Then came the transition from being single to partnered and then married; bringing a blend of intentional and unintentional changes, transforming our individual lives into a shared journey of love and connection. Every transition has contributed to my personal growth and development, shaping me into a more powerful version of myself. But no transition has been quite as demanding as the one I’m currently in.

After spending a year adjusting to and embracing the role of mother, I’m now juggling the challenges that come with returning to work after maternity leave. 82% of mothers in 2019 reported that they were planning to return to work within 18 months of having their child (source). So like many new moms, I am making the shift from full-time baby cuddles to full-time office work, and let me tell you, it has been more than just a lifestyle change; it’s a high-wire act balancing professional responsibilities and family life. This journey has highlighted the importance of work-life balance and staying attuned to both my needs and those of my daughter.?

Over the past few months, I’ve been navigating this complex shift and wanted to share some of the experiences and insights I’ve gained along the way.

Planning for a smooth transition

Before my return to work, I actively engaged in self-reflection, and dove headfirst into the google rabbit hole of? "How to balance work and baby while maintaining sanity". On two occasions during my maternity leave, I met with my boss to discuss what my return to work would look like, and let’s just say it was less of a “Let’s get down to business” meeting and more of a “How can we make this work for everyone” brainstorming session. We explored whether a new role might better align with my family’s needs and my career goals, and we worked together to find something that would encourage my career growth without compromising my family time.

I was also invited to participate in a Strategic Planning Session with the rest of the staff prior to my return, helping me to feel engaged and connected with my work, colleagues and our clients. I was grateful for the opportunity to switch out my mom leggings for my work blazer and dust off some social and professional skills. Additionally, participating in the Strategic Planning session not only helped me in reconnecting with my workplace, but also supported me easing back into the roles and responsibilities I would soon be taking on at the office.?

It was also important to me that my transition to work have as few disruptions for? my daughter as possible. For example, I was committed to continuing our breastfeeding journey, ensuring she received breastmilk even when I wasn’t there to feed her. You see, our nursing journey has been one of the most fulfilling and deeply connecting experiences of my life, and not only did it feel like my daughter wasn’t ready to transition away from nursing, but I wasn’t either. Therefore, before returning to work I decided that instead of weaning her from breastmilk, I would start pumping to maintain supply and continue this beautiful connection we get to share.

I was fortunate enough to find the Freestyle? Hands-free Breast Pump by Mandela, a discreet pump that allows me the freedom to move around and continue working while pumping. However, working and pumping don’t just automatically happen at the same time. I quickly learned that I had to schedule pumping times as diligently as any important meeting, especially since my pump wasn’t pulling on my shirt every few hours like my daughter did. I quickly learned to organize my schedule to include dedicated pumping times, making sure to block these times out in my calendar. Additionally I made a handy sign for my office door to signal that while I was pumping, I was still happy to meet with colleagues and work together (so long as they were unbothered). The support and understanding of my colleagues has been vital in making this adjustment smoother. I’m grateful for their openness and respectful curiosity—especially when they’ve managed to keep a straight face during my unintentional one-woman show of "How to Pump and Type Simultaneously." Their willingness to embrace the ups and downs of working parenthood has made navigating this new chapter a lot less daunting.

The Game Changer 4-day work week

One key to my success in achieving work-life balance lies not just in my own efforts, but in the incredible environment fostered by my workplace. Thanks to the 4-day work week they offer, I’m able to work just 32 hours while enjoying every Friday off. This approach, which emphasizes efficiency without extending our days, has felt like discovering a hidden cheat code—transforming what once seemed challenging into a much more manageable and fulfilling experience.

Honestly, having an extra day off each week is nothing short of revolutionary, and something I wish every workplace would consider. For my family, Fridays have become our designated “adventure day,” where we try to cram in as many kid-friendly activities as possible before bedtime. We’ve dabbled in everything from Kinder Field at the Irving Field House to splashing around at the Aquatic Centre and exploring uptown. Instead of racing against the clock to fit everything into a two-day weekend, Fridays now let us relax and enjoy these outings without a hint of stress.

That extra day off isn’t just a small perk; it’s a superpower that turns chaos into calm. It’s a mini-vacation every week that keeps us all from feeling like we’re perpetually running on a treadmill.?

Building a sacred routine

Perhaps the most significant way in which I’m finding balance in my return to work, has been in navigating reconnecting with my daughter after a busy day in the office. My first week back to work was a rollercoaster of emotions—we both seemed to have an all-access pass to the meltdown club, and it was no fun. Clearly, we needed a new routine to help us both find our footing.

Now, every day when I return home from work, we set aside at least 30 minutes in her softly lit nursery for reconnection. This special time usually involves nursing and cuddles, but also includes reading together and rocking in our chair. These moments of reconnection have been incredibly helpful in easing both my stress and her meltdowns, supporting a much smoother transition from work to home. In fact, it’s become one of my favourite parts of the day, a ritual that functions as a gentle reminder of the value of slowing down and savouring precious moments together.

Teamwork at Home

Returning to work has been a whole new adventure, but luckily, my husband and I are co-captains of this ship. To ensure that our daughter’s needs are met when I come home from the office, we’ve developed a routine where I attend to her while my husband takes charge of preparing dinner, allowing me to be fully present during our new after work ritual. This arrangement not only helps maintain a sense of normalcy for our daughter but also ensures that both my husband and I are contributing to the family’s well-being in meaningful ways.

Night-time duties are another area where teamwork shines. Our daughter’s sleep schedule could rival a roller coaster ride, but by sharing the load of late-night wake-ups and comforting her, we’ve managed to distribute the demands more equally and reduce stress on both sides. Additionally, carving out quality time for just the two of us after our daughter has gone to bed has been crucial. These moments of reconnection allow us to recharge together. It’s our chance to laugh, chat, and remember that we’re not just co-parents but also partners who deserve a bit of downtime.

Embracing the Transition

Returning to work after maternity leave has been like mixing a batch of complicated recipes—career goals in one bowl, baby needs in another, and trying not to end up with a disaster in the kitchen. This period of adjustment has been a reminder of how each stage of life shapes us and how crucial it is to be proactive and communicative. By working closely with my boss to find a role that fits my new circumstances and making space for both career and family, I’ve managed to navigate this shift with more ease and confidence.

At home, keeping the communication lines open with my husband has been crucial. We’ve set up routines that help us avoid a daily game of “Who’s Doing What?”. The additional day off from work is a wonderful gift, allowing us to enjoy more quality time together as a family. And though I was bracing myself for the challenge of juggling a new role and missing out on afternoon co-naps with my daughter, my colleagues have shown me incredible patience, and I’ve been welcomed back to work with open arms and understanding hearts. Honestly, their support has made this transition feel much more manageable.

Navigating the transition back to work has really driven home the importance of self-reflection, flexibility and balance- realizing that this whole process is more about adapting than having it all figured out. Despite the occasional misstep, I’m genuinely grateful for the chance to grow and find my way through this exciting, if somewhat chaotic, new phase of life.