How to handle #breastfeeding and work?
My personal story... 🧵
This week we celebrate the #WorldBreastfeedingWeek. I have been trying to balance breastfeeding and working on my projects for a few months now. Here, I want to share my very personal story about "work-milk-balance" and what I have learned so far, hoping to give strength to other women who are currently struggling with the balance. You are not alone!
#leadership #worklifebalance #workmilkbalance #carework #womaninleadership #dei
YOU DEFINE WHAT IS THE RIGHT BALANCE FOR YOU.
I always knew that I wanted to combine care work with my professional work and personal development. This was never up for discussion. Although many (!) people - who obviously know me better ;) - told me "oh, you will not want to go back to work once you have your baby". I think it is a very personal topic. Everyone is different and that is totally ok. I enjoy my work even though I had a baby.
If you want to breastfeed, that's ok.
If you do not want to breastfeed, that's ok.
If you want to breastfeed and work, that's ok.
Whatever your choice is, that's ok. And if you change your mind, that's also ok.
IT IS CHALLENGING...
Babies go through their growth spurts, have their ups and downs. Every day can be different. Some days I struggled a lot and some days I was extremely productive. Sometimes I doubted that I would be able to complete any of my projects. I learned not to expect anything and not to define any specific goals for each single day. I struggled with being interrupted multiple times, what's very time-consuming
#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #breastfeeding #carework #womeninleadership #dei
Especially in the beginning, I was #breastfeeding a lot. So I decided to try working on my laptop and breastfeeding at the same time. The baby on one pillow and the laptop on the other. It worked! I am sure there will be some critics in the comments section throwing tomatoes in my direction. I am just describing what worked for us.
I am also very lucky to have an extremely supportive partner on my side, going with me though all the ups and downs.
...BUT YOU CAN MAKE IT WORK
At the end of my pregnancy or right after giving birth, I committed myself to a few projects. This was my personal and conscious decision.
I AM REALLY PROUD that I have managed to accomplish a few projects while literally #breastfeeding. So far I have
- finished my rather intensive ICF coaching training
- completed a book chapter on digital transformation
- prepared and delivered a TEDx talk on leadership and change management just three months after giving birth
WHY
It is extremely fulfilling for me to have this kind of balance between #carework, professional work and personal development. Happy parents, happy baby. Do what makes you happy. I decided to share this very personal story to inspire other women and give them some hope and strength if they are currently struggling with their balance. Whatever balance is right for you
#CareworkSichtbarMachen #womeninleadership #dei #leadership #careerandfamily #WorldBreastfeedingWeek #breastfeeding
Rosanna Sibora