There's An Elephant In The Room, No Wait, It's A Baby In The Office

When I look around at mothers who are on maternity leave and soaking up their special times with their little ones, I can't help but be a little bit jealous. There is nothing easy about being a stay-at-home mum, but I would LOVE the opportunity to change out of my tracksuit if and when I choose. Instead I face the juggle that an increasing number of mums are facing - going back to work with your baby.

What you say? Working with a baby? Doesn't that take away from your quality time? Doesn't that affect your work? Some people act like I've just said I leave my baby in the car while I get my hair done, but believe me, it's a win win situation.

Being a small business owner, maternity leave just wasn't on the cards. I had planned to work from home for a few months, but staffing issues meant that just wasn't an option, so after having my second daughter Scarlett in mid April, I was back working full time about a month later. Down time didn't happen at all, and as I recall, I was sending clients emails during my labour (which was a speedy 45 minute session in the hospital).

Luckily for me, my daughter has been a dream baby, and has adjusted to working full time quite well.

For the first few months of her life, she fed at 8am and then napped till around midday. Then after her lunch feed she'd sleep until 5pm, feed again and then we'd head home for the day. I actually managed to get quite a lot of work done which meant I saved my business from falling to pieces. As much as wanted maternity leave, I also didn't want to lose something I had been working so hard for over the last decade. While she was so young, she also didn't lose any of my attention as she was either with me or sleeping.

I've also always let my clients know about my situation too, so they have the choice of waiting until I have baby-free days, or allowing me to bring Scarlett along to meetings and training sessions. They always choose the baby. Brilliant. I did have one group comment that they've never had someone breastfeed through a training session before though. Thank goodness for my poncho. Perfect for a little discretion.

Now that Scarlett is nearly 5 months old, she's also able to sit in the Bumbo (see pic top right). It's amazing for popping on the board table during meetings, or just having her next to me while I work. As soon as she gets a little more active though, the game plan will have to change again as the last thing I want is her falling off a desk. Hmmm. The challenges of modern-day parenting.

To be balanced, it's not all roses. I've been in meetings where Scarlett has had explosive nappies, vomited all over me, needed multiple feeds and had screaming sessions. You can't have the good without the bad I guess. That's just part of life. At least most people I come across have had kids of their own and just give me sympathetic looks when things go wrong. It's just life.

I have to say though, even though I'd love to be at home enjoying the joys of maternity leave, I also love having my baby in the office with me so I can enjoy her awake time and experience her growth and changes, while still having the flexibility that owning your own business allows you. I've made my own rules up once before with Ivy, I'm doing it with Scarlett, and I'd be the first person to recommend it to anyone if their situation permits it.

Now where is my tracksuit?