For any mums who are self-employed or run their own business (or did before having kid/s)
Did pregnancy or the postpartum period ever put your business at risk? Whether that was through illness, mental health struggles, or just not having capacity to keep going?
I'm asking because I went through this myself, my pregnancy was pretty rough and I ended up stepping away but would love to hear about others' experiences.
If it sounds familiar, did you push through, pivot, or step away?
The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.
Learn more about our guidelines.
With my first I worked until I was comfortable and really took a step back (left a great team in my absence) obviously popped in throughout my maternity leave but took a good 6-7 months off. Got pregnant again (oops) and knew I had to go back asap to make sure the team would be ok for a second maternity leave. Left much later with my second pregnancy and returned much earlier as I was needed more.
If I were being honest, it has effected my relationship with my second born because I don’t think I have him the attention I have my first (obviously aside from already having a sibling), business started to struggle and it took priority almost as we needed the business to sustain our lives 😢
Exactly, I tried my level best after baby. Eventually ended up taking a break. It was not working out due to work timings.
I found it extremely difficult for the first 3 months or so after my son was born, I’ve slowly adjusted but it still so hard to swap between mum and business owner.
I run small animal boarding so it’s incredibly full on and can be 24/7 at times. I’m incredibly lucky that I work with my mum, so anytime I can’t do it, she covers me and the same goes for when I need to work, she looks after my son. Without her there’s no way I would have been able to continue.
I closed for a month but that was all the “maternity leave” I took, as I was worried about losing business.
I remember being so jealous of other mums of maternity leave, but even with how hard it’s been, I now get to stay with my son everyday, rather than needing to send him to nursery (obviously absolutely nothing wrong with that, it’s necessary for so many families!). So I actually wouldn’t change a thing, even with how hard it is, but I am lucky to have my mum or I’d have no chance!
Download the Peanut App
