Did You Face ‘Back To Work’ Judgement After Having Your Baby? trucc
Returning to Work After Motherhood: Breaking the Stigma and Balancing Choices
In a recent episode of the Mum’s The Word podcast, presenter Sian Welby opened up about the subtle judgment she felt after returning to work just three months after giving birth to her daughter, Ruby. While no one directly criticized her, she admitted there was an “undercurrent” of judgment. “There’s no stigma for a man to go back to work the next day,” Sian remarked, “but when I returned after three months, even though no one said anything outright, I could feel the whispers.”
Sian’s experience highlights a broader conversation about the societal expectations surrounding new mothers and their return to work. For some, going back to work is a personal choice, while for others, it’s a financial necessity.
A Different Time, A Different Perspective
The podcast also featured perspectives from other women, including Gloria, who returned to work just two weeks after giving birth. Reflecting on her decision, Gloria said, “It was a different time. There wasn’t really an option to take extended leave. I went back because it was expected, and honestly, I didn’t feel judged. I just got on with it.”
However, Brenda noted that having the flexibility to choose when to return to work is a privilege not everyone can afford. “If you’re self-employed or the main breadwinner, taking extended time off just isn’t possible,” she explained. “With my first child, I went back after three months, and with my second, just two months. There wasn’t a choice, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t happy to do it.”
The Balancing Act
For many mothers, the decision to return to work comes with sacrifices. Colleen shared her experience of missing key moments like school nativity plays or sports days due to work commitments. “I remember as a child looking out into the audience during a school play and realizing my parents weren’t there because they were working. I loved them, but I never forgot that feeling,” she said. “With my own kids, I tried to be there as much as I could, but sometimes work just had to come first.”
Breaking the Judgment Cycle
The conversation also touched on the judgment often directed at mothers for their choices—whether they return to work early, take extended leave, or choose not to work at all. Brenda pointed out, “Everyone’s circumstances are different. No one has the right to judge a parent for the decisions they make. Some people go back because they love their jobs, others because they have to, and some stay home because they want to. It’s all valid.”
A recent survey found that 49% of UK parents with children under four felt overwhelmed most of the time in the past year, highlighting the immense pressure on families to balance work, finances, and parenting. For many, the early years are a matter of survival rather than thriving.
Thriving Beyond the Early Years
The panel agreed that while the early years of parenting can be overwhelming, it often gets easier as children grow older. Gloria shared, “When my youngest started school, I finally felt like I could breathe again. It’s a lot to juggle when they’re young, but you get through it.”
Ultimately, the podcast emphasized the importance of supporting parents—whether through better maternity leave policies, flexible work options, or simply withholding judgment. As Sian concluded, “Every parent’s journey is unique, and no one has the right to define what’s best for someone else. Whether you go back to work after two weeks, three months, or a year, it’s your choice, and no one else’s.”
The conversation serves as a reminder to celebrate all parents navigating the delicate balance between work and family, breaking the stigma one story at a time.
‘He genuinely doesn’t have any mates…’: Roman Kemp hits back at fan fears over I’m A Celeb star Martin, 64 — revealing his dad has only his wife and kids as his ‘friends’… and insisting the Spandau Ballet legend is actually ‘REALLY loving’ life in the jungle… - suong
ROMAN Kemp has revealed how his I’m A Celeb campmate dad Martin “doesn’t have any friends”, as he hits back at fan fears over the star.
It comes after some viewers showed concern for Spandau Ballet star Martin, 64, during his time in the jungle.
Now, the star’s son Roman, who appeared on I’m A Celeb back in 2019, has jumped to his famous father’s defence.
During his time in the jungle, Martin has admitted he finds it “harder to make friends” as he has “got older”.
There has been some concern that the singer hasn’t “bonded” as much with the other campmates, and has appeared less on screen.
However, Roman has defended his father and explained more on his dad’s “friends” situation.
Taking to Instagram, the devoted son said: “Some have said my dad’s not having a nice
“He is REALLY loving it. I said this last night but I think a few of you think I’m just bantering but something I have noticed is my dad keeps saying
‘my new friends’.
“He genuinely doesn’t have mates outside of my mum, Harley and me so he means it, he’ll really be chuffed. Again not being mean, that’s the truth.”
Throughout this year’s series, Martin has commanded a lot less screen time than other campmates, and it’s not gone unnoticed.
Roman previously poked fun at his dad’s time in the jungle on social media, after his dad took part in a live trial last week.
Posting footage of the scenes, he wrote on X: “This just about sums up my dads time in #ImACeleb”.
The short clip showed other stars reacting in disgust as the grim details of last night’s rivals challenge were revealed.
But as each campmate appeared grossed out by the trial, Martin appeared mesmerised and giddy as he was seen beaming in the same shot.
The short video had fans in hysterics, with many responding to Roman’s jokey post.
One replied: “That’s fahe’s just like the happiest, nicest man. Love him!”
Another responded: “He’s just having a blast every day”.
But while the footage got laughs from a bunch of fans, at the time others questioned whether the star is even still in the series.
One wrote: “Is he in the Jungle? Have hardly seen him almost two weeks”.
Another chimed: “We haven’t seen enough of him in screen. Bet he’s loving it”.
While one viewer said: “Wish he would get more screen time. Haven’t seen tonight’s episode. Will watch it tomorrow. Have just voted for him 5 times”.
I’m a Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
