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Having It All
One Mom's Story of a Short Maternity Leave
By Susan C. Lavington
I always knew I would want to go back to work. Everyone told me that I wouldn't know how I felt about returning to work until I actually held my babies for the first time. They were right – I was surprised at how much I loved the girls, but I was more surprised that I yearned to be back at work right away.
I've struggled with these feelings. I feel guilty that I don't feel guilty about going back to work. I've determined that my feelings must be similar to what many new fathers feel. No one questions a father's desire to return to work after his children are born. It is expected. If no one questions that a working father can also be a terrific parent, then why are we so doubtful about working mothers? Why is it so hard to believe that a mother can love her children intensely, yet also want to work full time? It is important to me that people understand I'm not returning to work because I'm sick of taking care of my girls. I'll never get tired of them. I don't need time away from them, but I do need time to myself. My career gives me that.
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