STEM moms?

Question

Any Moms working here in STEM fields? 
Edit - just wanted to see how long of a maternity leave you are taking or considering taking a break from work? 
I will be taking 3 months off. I wish I could take a couple of years off till my baby is a toddler but as a research scientist I feel like I will lose time and will have some trouble playing catch up when applying for jobs again. 
Of course all of that is secondary- I’m an immigrant so not working is not an option anyway, LOL.

Answer

Are you in academia or industry? Living in the US or elsewhere? I’m a clinical researcher in biotech in Boston so the industry is booming here and there are more jobs than qualified people. I took 14 weeks but I wish I would have taken a bit more. Possibly 6 months when my baby started sleeping better. I don’t think I would have had trouble at all finding a new job even if I took a year off. I also hate our BS paternal leave policies in the US so a part of me wants to set an example for future women (with my next baby) because I am able.

Answer

I am a trained research scientist but I quit the lab for several reasons including limited family time, especially for women. Most of the women faculty I encountered either didn’t have kids or were struggling to balance home life and the rigorous demands of academia. 
I’m sure there are women who have done it but, unfortunately, I think it would be very hard to take substantial time off for kids and still be competitive.

Answer

I’m also a research scientist in the health field. I’m going back when my daughter starts school, but in the mean time I am working from home implementing public health protocols.

Answer

Hey Shar! 
I am a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and my husband is a Power Lineman Technician.  I hope to be an entire STEM/STEAM family someday 🥰
I go back to work on the 24th and I’m super nervous. I’m going to have to do some practice nights away. I have to work call shifts and be away for a day and a half. It’s going to be really hard!

Answer

I'm an engineer, I took 3 months with my first and will take 3 months again with my second. I might like to take 4 or 5 but certainly wouldn't want to take a couple years. I don't want to forget everything I knew about my field.

Answer

Scientist in industry in Ontario...with my first I took a year, this time I'm taking 18 months, legally I have to get my job back, and with the nature of what we do they will have to hire a temp to replace me while I'm gone....I have no idea how you momma's can go it with only a few months...with my first I think I was still a hormonal mess by then

Answer

Felt the same and only took the 3 months I was allowed by FMLA (US). I am an environmental consultant...formerly in academia. It was hard but I think it was worth it to go back. I still wish I was a sahm every Monday morning but gets easier once I get to my office..

Answer

Yep, engineer working on road safety :)

STEM moms?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey