JoyFM - Maternity 23rd June 2021

Sammy asked me to be on the show with a months notice. At first I passed it over but was encouraged to do it. It was a great experience outside of my comfort zone.

Lockdown pregnancy, maternity leave and birth have all been different to the first time round. #slowlife.

While on my second maternity leave I've been busy; keeping a toe in my "professional" world with #APConnect conference, #FEReadingCircle plus reading for pleasure #RfP, breastfeeding peer supporting training, return to work coaching, volunteering on Twitter for #MTPTProject and @Pboro&Hinch_MVP and most recently appearing on JoyFM's podcast about maternity.

I've also been binge watching TV series and reading! Along with rest when pre-schooler is busy!

Many women suffer in their career progression around the time they have children and while caring for them. Termed the motherhood penalty. This can also occur when caring for other  family members. 

While this hasn't directly affected me I am proactive in nature. Also people presume that I want to just focus on things outside of work.

I have to say my career has kind of paused naturally while off but continued upon my first return while utilising skills learnt when off. 

This time I'm trying to be smarter with plans and looking at the bigger picture and long term for my family.

It was lovely chatting to Sammy and Kayte about our experiences, 👶 the #MTPTProject which has been inspiring me while learning new skills and of course 📚.