By Laykin Register
Anxious. Overwhelmed. Scared. Tired. Happy.
Those are just some of the words that can describe becoming a mom. Those feelings can be heightened when it’s time to go back to work. I started a new work-from-home job one month after my baby was born, and I thought it would be so easy because I didn’t have to leave my baby for hours at a time and miss him growing up.
Let me be the first to admit I was wrong. This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. From my baby screaming during meetings to breastfeeding while I’m in the middle of something important, I often wanted to pull my hair out and cry right along with my child. Add postpartum depression into the mix, and it’s a party I sometimes wished I hadn’t been invited to.
ANXIOUS. OVERWHELMED. SCARED. TIRED. HAPPY.
Those are just some of the words that can describe becoming a mom.
I’m slowly learning to cope with the challenges of being a working mom with my baby always attached to me. The most important things I’ve done were talk to my doctor when I recognized the signs of postpartum depression developing and carve out 30 minutes of self-care time a day. This time is a completely kid-free period for me to just sit and enjoy my coffee or catch up on my reading.
Those 30 minutes allow me to reset my energy and mindset to be a better mom, better fiancé and better employee. I know what you’re thinking: That it’s easier said than done. You’re absolutely right. When taking time away from your kids, you are constantly worried about them, so how can you possibly relax?
It’s okay to still worry and feel anxious, but try to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. You are a better mom because you took the time to take care of yourself. It’s hard, but hang in there. You’re doing great, mama!
Laykin Register is a certified peer support specialist with the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi.