Hi everyone! I’m going to ask a question that might seem controversial to some, but I’m really struggling.

So I work in a pretty high stress job that I love a lot. I’ve been a felony prosecutor for about 4 years, and I recently transferred to a division in our office where I’ve always wanted to work. I’m now a sex crimes prosecutor, which is something I’ve been working towards since before I started law school.

Things are going great, I’m engaged, I’m pregnant with my first child, and I’m finally (after years of hard work) doing my dream job.

I was always planning on taking my 12 weeks of FMLA prior to hearing about my transfer.

Now, though, I’m feeling like I’m ruining my career if I take that much time off. Now I’m considering only taking 6 weeks.

I’m so excited to be a mom, but I also am passionate about my career. I spent a lot of time and money getting to where I am now. I truly believe I can do both.

Has anyone taken shorter than 12 weeks and it been okay? I just need some advice.

Please don’t judge me. Of course my child is the most important thing, but I don’t believe that being a working mom ruins a child. I had a working mom and I turned out great.