I considered whether to publish this blog on returning from maternity leave for months. But this is something we have to be open about. So I’ve taken the plunge with @WomenICM

Returning to work or want to support someone who is? This #thread is for you!

https://ficmlearning.org/coffee-afternoons-baby-yoga-and-a-masters/#more-1771

Mat leave. Not the baby yoga and coffee afternoons break I expected. Keeping me and my new tiny human alive, fed, and washing my hair more than once a week was a win. Our Joshua was and still is as stubborn as his Mama. Picture of our adorable little sleep thief

Returning from mat leave? It’s an uphill struggle. Organising rotas around childcare requires superhuman levels of organisation. Compounded by sleep deprivation and mummy guilt. There’s a lot of plates to keep spinning. So remember to look after yourself. Self-care is not selfish

It’s normal to feel out of your depth on return to work. It takes time to find your feet again and that’s ok. It’s not forever. There are now dedicated programmes to upskill on your return to work that can help with returning supernumerary or accessing funding for courses.

You’re not going crazy. The more you talk to other women, the more you realise that what you are feeling is totally normal. There are communities of doctor mums such as Physician Mum’s Group UK on Facebook which are an amazing source of support.

Own your new skills. You now have ninja level skills in organisation, time management and prioritisation. You might be more assertive, more empathic. Maybe you have broader perspective and more able to see the bigger picture.

“I thought about giving up, and then I saw who was watching”

The woman who has it all? Psst...little secret. She doesn’t exist. So stop striving towards a mythical ideal. Being a strong female role model for your new tiny human? Way better aim and you’ve got in the bag

And remember...you’ve got this.
Full blog is here. Huge thanks to @WomenICM @FICMNews for publishing #womenICM #FEMinEM #FEMinPHEM https://ficmlearning.org/coffee-afternoons-baby-yoga-and-a-masters/#more-1771