Playtimes HK Magazine October 2017 Issue | Page 41

In my experience …
“I went back to work after my first child
and couldn’t manage breastfeeding. I felt
so guilty. Funnily enough I stayed home
with my second child and it turns out I
couldn’t manage to breastfeed her either.
So much time wasted on guilt.” Susan,
mother to Andrew & Edward  
“I was chasing my tail trying to do and be
who I used to be. Talking to my boss and
working out a new schedule changed
my life.” Vanessa A. working mother of
Emma + Jane
“I couldn’t figure out if I was running
away or honouring myself. Or both,”
Susan H. working mother to Cindy 
“I was lucky to be able to arrange an
additional four weeks unpaid maternity
leave after my first child was born to give
me more time to settle into a routine.”
Louise mother to Thomas
of your own doubts, you don’t people
that feed them. Instead, make time for
those who lift you up and feed your
positive energies not zap them.
• Learn to say no. Your time is as
valuable as anyone else’s and your
demands many, so get used to saying
“no”. Between juggling all your new
roles the last thing you need to do is
take on more responsibilities. So you
may have to say no to things you used
to do or decline a social invitation, it
may feel uncomfortable at first, but you
will build a thicker skin as time goes on,
and you’ll significantly lower your stress
load by not taking on more than you
can handle. Plus learning to say ‘no’ is
great practice for future parenting!
• Practice your new routine. Getting
used to a new “normal” takes time
and practice. The best way to deal
with it is to develop a routine that is
efficient and well organised. No, it
will not run smoothly every day, but
having a routine in place will give both
Mama and baby realistic expectations.
“I didn’t go back to work until my
daughter was 8 months old. This worked
for me because it means I look forward
to seeing her when I get home from
work and weekends have become very
valuable!” Kate mother to Sophia
Not working wasn’t an option for me.
When I returned to the office, my super-
visor supported me by allowing me to
work flexible hours (the number of hours
were the same but the flexibility accom-
modated my looking after the baby and
the older kids). And it provided a nice
quiet place for milk pumping! Florence,
mother of Hedia and Iriel.
October 2017
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