Emily’s journey to becoming a mother was challenging, as the couple had to consider whether they could afford the cost of infant care. Thus, at 12 weeks pregnant, she was highly stressed. Emily also said that everyone keeps giving advice, but no one gives the couple the golden advice to plan regarding childcare, as there is a lot to look after.
When Emily gave birth to her daughter, Priscilla, her mental health deteriorated significantly because of the constant stress, and rather than feeling better over time, her anxiety kept deepening.
Moreover, she also took six weeks of unpaid maternity leave and one week of PTO. Her husband, Tony, could only take a week off because of the company’s rules and regulations, as they did not offer paternity leave. Although the seven weeks after birth were bearable for Emily, with feeling so much at once and figuring out solutions to all problems being a new mother, she was able to cope. From breastfeeding struggles to the emotional highs and lows, she paved the way through each day with great strength. However, as days passed, she knew she had to get back to work, but what about the baby?
No one could look after the newborn with them, and Emily did not know a solution. She was hesitant to trust any random person to care for the baby.
Although she loved the sense of independence and her job, there came a point when she started to think of giving up on her professional life. Daycare charged high, so she saw no point in not staying with the baby, working hard every month, and giving all the money away to the daycare. How was it beneficial to her in any way?
Quitting the job was not a good option as she worked in an organization with an excellent reputation. The organization also offered the family’s health insurance, which was much needed. Rather than just giving up, she decided to talk to her manager. To her surprise, the manager and the entire management team were ready to welcome the baby with open arms to the office. Something unusual, but it was a blessing for her. Priscilla could also have a baby office, ” the manager said.
She felt lucky to be part of such an excellent team. Although the organization was small, with about 50 employees, its care for the employees’ well-being through a positive work culture and flexibility was heartwarming.
Without a second thought, Emily was back in the office, and for the next two months, she juggled caring for the baby and working simultaneously. She worked while Priscilla slept on her chest and took breaks to feed the baby and change diapers. However, Emily sometimes felt a bit low when disturbing people around her, as the baby got fussy for a few days, which made her miss meetings and ignore calls. However, the co-workers did it all for her!
They took care of Emily and Priscilla when Emily needed a break. From making her coffee to holding the baby, everyone did a good job of making Emily feel good. It took a few months, but the routine eventually became manageable when Emily’s father helped her. Moreover, she worked part-time and remotely on some days when the baby needed her.
Soon, they also found a daycare center where Priscilla could adjust easily for a few hours every day, and Emily could spend some time in peace without all the stress she had been under for so long.
Presently, the baby is fourteen months old and full of love and joy. She loves spending time with the center’s family, teachers, and friends. Emily is full of gratitude and is a loyal employee of her company, as they facilitated her to a great extent, which made things easier for her.
This story is a message to the organization to deal with compassion, not convention, as employees, too, need to deal with their personal lives. A baby in the office did not harm!
