#MoreThanAMom: The Art of Balancing Motherhood with a Thriving Career

By Katie Ryder Mother, Analytical Chemist, and Advocate for Maternal Empowerment

Motherhood is a profound journey, full of joy, challenges, and transformative experiences. For me, it has reshaped how I approach life and work. My name is Katie Ryder, and I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband, son, and two adorable kitties. After spending 15 years as an analytical chemist, I’m now exploring a career pivot into data analytics, focusing on areas like maternal health, mental health, parenting, or diabetic care. Balancing motherhood and my career has been a journey of growth, learning, and rediscovering myself.

Here’s my story—and what I’ve learned along the way.

The Transition to Working Mom: Challenges and Lessons Learned

When my son was born in late August last year, I knew life would change. What I didn’t anticipate was how hard it would be to return to work. After being disconnected during my maternity leave, I came back to an environment where I had to rebuild everything from scratch. My first step was to take things slow and focus on creating a supportive space for myself.

I set up my pumping schedule, brought snacks and supplies, and even invested in tools that made my life easier, like the Momcozy S12 Pro breast pump and a Ceres Chill milk storage system. These small changes were lifesavers, helping me balance the demands of a male-dominated workplace while prioritizing my needs as a mom.

However, the challenges were real—negative comments about my pumping breaks, juggling timed lab tests with my pumping schedule, and feeling unsupported. It took mental resilience and reminding myself of my rights to push through. Eventually, I realized the environment wasn’t aligned with my priorities and left my role to pursue a career more aligned with my passions and skills.

How Motherhood Transformed My Priorities

Becoming a mother has fundamentally changed how I view work and life. I’m no longer afraid to say “no” or stand up for my needs. Motherhood has been a process of matrescence—a complete transformation. I’ve embraced the idea that I am a new person now.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is to focus on what truly matters. This means setting boundaries, advocating for myself, and redefining success. For the first time in 15 years, I’m unemployed, which forced me to grapple with the question: Who am I without my job? I’ve learned that I am more than my work. I am a mother, a provider, a caregiver, and someone who is still learning and growing every day.

Strategies for Balancing Work and Family

Time management has been my greatest ally in balancing professional responsibilities and family commitments. Whether I’m working or job searching, I set strict hours and stick to them. Once I’m home, I’m fully present with my family.

Here are a few strategies that have helped me manage my time effectively:

1. Structured Schedules: I use a family Google Calendar to track appointments, daycare closures, and important dates.
2. Goal Setting: Joining accountability groups like The Society of Working Moms has been instrumental. I set weekly goals and check in with others for support and accountability.
3. Task Management Tools: Apps like Todoist help me stay on top of daily tasks and long-term projects.

Advice for Moms Returning to Work

Returning to work after maternity leave is tough. Here are some tips based on my experience:

1. Do a Dry Run: Before your first day back, rehearse your morning routine, including daycare drop-off. It’s a great way to troubleshoot and adjust.
2. Take it Slow: If possible, ease into work with a ramp-back period. Schedule your pumping times and stick to them.
3. Be Prepared for Illness: Daycare often means getting sick—a lot. Stock up on electrolytes, chicken soup, and over-the-counter meds.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: Stay hydrated, eat well, and lower your stress. Pumping is hard work, and it’s okay to ask for support.

Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to set boundaries. Learn to say no and focus on what matters most.

Leading with Empathy and Compassion

Motherhood has made me a more empathetic leader and coworker. I understand that life happens, and I approach challenges with compassion. At the same time, I’ve become more vocal about my needs. Advocating for my child has taught me how to advocate for myself—whether it’s asking for privacy to pump or voicing my priorities at work.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care has become a non-negotiable part of my routine. Whether it’s cooking, baking, or simply taking 10 minutes to myself, I make sure to recharge. Joining a supportive group like The Society of Working Moms has also helped me feel less isolated and more connected.

For moms struggling to find time for themselves, my advice is simple:

• Schedule It: Add self-care to your calendar, just like any other appointment.
• Delegate Tasks: Outsource what you can—meal prep, cleaning, lawn care. It’s okay to ask for help.
• Speak Up: Be vocal about your needs. You deserve time for yourself to be the best version of yourself for your child.

Final Thoughts: Thriving as More Than a Mom

Motherhood has taught me that life is about balance, not perfection. There will be weeks when your child needs more attention and weeks when work takes center stage. Learn to go with the flow and prioritize what truly matters.

At the end of the day, being #MoreThanAMom is about embracing every facet of who you are—mother, professional, advocate, and so much more.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You are stronger than you think. And with the right support and mindset, you can thrive in both motherhood and your career.