Working Mumma Carina O’Brien

Discover why carving out moments for yourself is essential for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This episode shares practical tips on managing your time, overcoming guilt, and building a sustainable ’me time’ routine.

Are you about to return to work and still breastfeeding and wondering how you will navigate this part of the transition? This episode will help you navigate breastfeeding and return to work. 
I speak with lactation consultant, Sarah Thijs-Smit, who shares great tips, strategies, and practical advice to help you maintain breastfeeding and return to work after maternity leave. 
It is important to do what works for you and your child, and everyone has different circumstances and preferences when it comes to feeding and pumping. What is important is that you and your child are happy with your situation.
Please know that in Australia, there are requirements for all organisations to provide a suitable space for pumping and if required breastfeeding while you are in the office. Here are some link to support you and give you additional information:
RES-Breastfeeding and Work - Your rights at work
Australian Breastfeeding Association - Pumping at work - what do I need? resource
 
Connect with Sarah via Instagram @thebreasthelp
 
Connect with Carina and Working Mumma
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
 

I chat with Mark Morris, a husband, father, and advocate for equity and inclusion with a special interest in gender equality. 

Mark shares his personal commitment to social justice and gender equality, highlighting his decision to take his wife’s surname and his active efforts to promote fairness in the workplace and at home.

Returning to work after maternity leave can be both exciting and daunting. It is important to acknowledge that your return to work will be a transition over several months. Preparing for this transition mentally, emotionally, and physically over some time helps set yourself up for success. 
In this episode, I explore practical tips and insights to help you navigate this significant change with confidence and ease, to help you transition from parental leave back to work as smoothly as possible.
From managing mum guilt to defining your "why," and communicating effectively with your employer, we cover all the essential aspects of preparing for your return to work.
 
***************************************
NEXT STEPS:
Let's connect on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Have you considered about the nuances of the mental load and its impact on gender equality? I chat with Maja Paleka, a mum of 2 and consultant, speaker, and advisor and previously held leadership roles in engineering, sales and operations across three continents.
We delve into practical strategies for challenging stereotypes and improving communication within families to achieve a more balanced division of labor, while also discussing tips for managing flexible work arrangements.
Topics we spoke about included: 
* Defining the mental load and how it contributes to gender inequality, both at home and in the workplace, affecting women's careers and overall well-being.
* The importance of effective communication and the use of systems and habits to reduce decision points and streamline family responsibilities.
* Tips for managing flexible work arrangements, including setting boundaries, using technology to stay organized, and communicating with employers and colleagues.
* The need to redefine relationships as a balance of deep care and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of accountability within families.
* How to challenge societal stereotypes around motherhood and the mental load, advocating for a more balanced and equitable approach to family responsibilities.
* Maja reflects on her journey in challenging stereotypes, highlighting the discomfort and growth that come with shifting societal norms.
* The ripple effect of change within families and society, highlighting the importance of incremental progress and continuous communication.
 
This episode offers many great valuable insights and practical tips to help you as a working mother navigate the complexities of the mental load, manage flexible work arrangements, and advocate for gender equality within your family and community.
 
Connect with Maja via LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/majapaleka
Follow us on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the Working Mumma Village and find your community of support to help you navigate the juggle of work/mum life 

I sit down with Laura Press, a relationship counsellor and mother of three, to discuss how to keep your relationship strong after having a baby and managing the mental load of working motherhood.