Laying in bed chatting entrepreneur mat leaves, night nurses and the patriarchy
Aug 16, 2023
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Entrepreneurs Katie and Liz discuss their experiences with building a customized maternity leave that worked for them. They talk about the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, transitioning to childcare, baby showers, baby carriers, using bribes as parents, and their must-have baby products.
Setting expectations and prioritizing self-care during maternity leave
Recognizing and addressing guilt and societal pressures faced by new mothers
Importance of reliable childcare and finding products that support parenting and work responsibilities
Deep dives
Maternity leave and the challenges of returning to work
The podcast episode discusses the experiences of two mothers navigating maternity leave and the challenges of returning to work. They share their personal stories and emotions surrounding their leave and the decisions they made about when and how to return to work. They highlight the pressures and expectations placed on mothers, both as caregivers and as professionals, and the difficulties of balancing both roles. They also touch on the role of partners and the societal expectations around parenting and career. Overall, the episode provides a candid and relatable exploration of the complexities of maternity leave and the transition back to work.
The importance of setting expectations and self-awareness
The hosts discuss the importance of setting expectations and being self-aware during maternity leave. They share their own experiences of establishing boundaries and adjusting their expectations of what they could accomplish during their leave. They also stress the need for self-care and honoring one's own needs and limitations during this time. The hosts offer personal anecdotes and reflections, providing insights into the emotional and practical challenges faced by new mothers. They encourage listeners to prioritize their well-being and trust their intuition when it comes to navigating maternity leave.
Navigating the guilt and pressures of motherhood
The podcast explores the guilt and pressures experienced by new mothers. The hosts discuss the societal expectations placed on mothers and the internal pressures they feel to meet certain standards. They share their own struggles with guilt and the challenges of balancing their personal and professional lives. They emphasize the need for self-compassion and the importance of finding a support system to lean on during this time. The episode offers a raw and honest perspective on the emotional complexities of motherhood and the need to prioritize one's own well-being.
Baby products and the transition back to work
The episode briefly touches on favorite baby products and the transition back to work. The hosts mention the benefits of utilizing baby carriers, providing convenience and comfort for both the parent and the baby. They also discuss the importance of finding reliable childcare and the challenges of adjusting to a different routine. While the conversation is brief, it provides a glimpse into the practical aspects of parenthood and the need for quality products and childcare support while juggling work responsibilities.
The support and experiences of lactation consultants
The hosts briefly touch on the role of lactation consultants and the experiences of seeking their support during breastfeeding. They acknowledge that lactation consultants can be incredibly helpful for some mothers, offering assistance and guidance. However, they also highlight the importance of trusting one's own instincts and not feeling pressured to adhere to all recommendations. The hosts encourage listeners to make choices that work best for them and their baby, acknowledging that every parenting journey is unique.
In their first IRL episode, Katie and Liz get cozy and talk about their experiences with building a mat leave that worked for them and their businesses. They also dive into the transition of going back to work after having a child, mom guilt, their go-to baby products and Katie’s night nurse (aka her husband).