Working women dilemmas

Hey everyone,

I am in my mid-30’s and expecting my first baby in July. I have been working since I was 15 years old and do define myself, at least in part, by being successful at work. However, I also want to to be a mother. I am sure many would say I am selfish for both wanting a career and to be a mother. I know that doing both will require sacrifices and missing out.

However, I am only 19 weeks along. I am starting to feel like I am letting my coworkers down because I am pregnant. Granted 3 of the 4 women I work with have children. No one has said I am letting the team down and no one is saying my work quality has gone down. This is more me feeling like I am letting people down because I will have to be out for leave. When I am out others will have to cover my work.

I get that this is self-imposed guilt and I shouldn’t feel guilty. I just really want to know if anyone else is experiencing this? Or even those who have been through it how you kept your sanity.

Being a stay at home mom comes with challenges too. I would not be successful as a stay at home mom. My career is as much a need as it is something I value about myself.