Rethinking Work for Working Parents
The Birth of the Working Mom
Lauren Smith Brody suggests viewing the first 12 weeks after birth as a "fifth trimester," highlighting the challenges new moms face when returning to work too soon, often before they feel physically and emotionally ready, which can lead to feelings of "mom guilt."
Understanding the Benefits of Paid Parental Leave
Paid parental leave benefits families and society by promoting recovery, bonding, and sleep for parents, while also strengthening economies, as evidenced by the U.S. lagging behind other nations in providing such support despite its positive impact on future generations and gender equity.
Asking for (and Getting) What You Need
New parents often hesitate to communicate their evolving needs at work, but Lauren Smith Brody emphasizes that speaking up about flexible arrangements can enhance not only their own work-life balance but also benefit colleagues and overall company performance.
Retaining and Supporting New Parents
Many U.S. employers struggle to offer extended paid parental leave without regulatory changes, but Lauren Smith Brody suggests fostering a supportive culture through flexible policies, open communication, and individualized solutions to enhance employee well-being and commitment.
Knowing Your Value as a Working Mom
Moms, often undervalued despite their extensive skills in efficiency and multitasking gained from caregiving, should take time to recognize their worth and contributions in the workplace, as outlined by Lauren Smith Brody in her video lesson.
Five Ways New Moms Can Reduce Stress
New parents must prioritize self-care amidst their baby's needs, especially when returning to work; Lauren Smith Brody offers strategies like skincare, a curated wardrobe, redefining "me time," and preparing for emotional challenges to help reduce stress for all parents.
Every baby is unique, but the challenges confronting working moms are fairly common. And we don’t always support new parents as much as we should—or take advantage of their skills.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the gap between when new moms feel ready to reenter the workforce and when they actually return.
- Compare different approaches to paid leave.
- Evaluate supplements and alternatives to paid parental leave.
- Make your case for workplace accommodations.
- Articulate the value new parents provide to their jobs.