This was my reality at a point in my life. Because of the pressure from clients and fear of losing them in my newly established company, I usually resume work 6 weeks after giving birth.
I drive my newborn and the nanny to work every day, from Amuwo Odofin to Lagos Island.
I work and breastfeed. Sometimes, while at work, I clean/wash and put the baby to sleep if the nanny is finding it difficult to do.
Sometimes, with an emergency nanny exit, I drive baby to work alone until I find a replacement.
Sometimes, I would drive, stop, breastfeed, pacify my crying baby, or put him/her to sleep before I continued driving.
I mastered driving and singing just to distract or keep the baby calm.
Sometimes, I would pass through the market to buy an emergency food item for dinner.
Sometimes, I would drive with baby to check the activities of our branch in Ikeja before or after going to my office on the island.
My first child is only a year older than the second, so at a point, I was going to work with 2 children. It felt like I had twins, and my son’s activeness was on another level. Putting them in daycare was not an option cos there was no one to be doing the school run.
Before I had my 3rd child, I got an office in Festac, very close to home. My first 2 children were in school, and it was much easier for me.
I always looked stressed, but I tried to maintain steeze and composure, and I managed to look demure๐๐
These memories just popped up on FB. It was a pleasure to watch them, wondering how I was able to do all that. I can’t share them without Inspiring someone, especially the young ladies who are yet to enter this phase of their lives.
Motherhood comes with a lot of challenges. Combining it with work is super challenging, especially when it’s a newly established business that you’ve invested a lot in.
With determination and focus, and by the special grace of God, you can find your balance in both.
Some quit one for the other, but I tell you, it’s a whole lot of sacrifice. Starting a career after having children may be more challenging than doing both at a time. Then, pursuing a career at the detriment of building a family is not an option for me. So I chose to do both at a time, and I’m not regretting it. It’s a matter of choice anyway, cos a lot of factors are to be considered before making that decision. After all, some women are okay and happy being housewives.
And to those who are already in this phase, keep pushing with determination and strong will. It gets easier by the day. It’s only a matter of time before you cross the finish line of this phase and face the next. You can do it, God’s grace is sufficient!
Looking back, I am super happy that I did it. I’m thankful to God for His grace in abundance and for the wonderful team that supported me at Chykeann Consults in each phase.
โ๏ธ Amara Ann Unachukwu
