Happy Monday Reader,

I asked my community of cosleeping moms a question for my Say It Here Sunday series…

“What is something you’re struggling with right now?”

And one answer kept coming up over and over again.

Separating from their babies for work.

And honestly… I understand why this one feels so heavy. For a mom who has spent every day with her baby (nursing, cuddling, responding to every need, being their safe place), the idea of suddenly leaving for 8+ hours a day can feel impossible. Especially when your baby is still breastfeeding. Still waking at night for you. Still reaching for you. Still so deeply connected to you.

It can feel like your entire world is expected to just clock out?? And for many moms, it doesn’t feel right.

And I want to be really clear here…

This is not about shaming daycare. Daycare can be a beautiful part of a family’s village. Many children thrive there. Many parents love it. Many families rely on it. I had to put my first daughter into daycare during Covid, and it was one of the hardest experiences I’ve ever gone through. I remember handing her over to caregivers wearing masks and goggles who she had never met before and being told, “this is just what we have to do.”

At the time, I did what I had to do. And that’s the reality for so many mothers.

The problem isn’t that parents choose daycare. The problem is that so many parents don’t actually have a choice. The cost of living keeps rising. Families need two incomes. And many mothers are being asked to separate from their babies long before either of them feels ready.

And I can’t help but wonder…

Why is it that in some countries, mothers can stay connected to their careers while having years with their children during those early developmental stages…but in others, six weeks is considered “normal” before returning to work?

Six weeks.

Some mothers are still physically healing from birth at that point. This conversation is so much bigger than childcare.

It’s about how we value mothers. It’s about why the work of raising the next generation is treated as something that needs to be squeezed in around everything else. I truly believe every mother deserves a choice.

So I want to hear from you…

How long was your maternity leave?
Were you ready to return to work when the time came?
Did you feel like you had the same passions and priorities after becoming a mother?

I’d love to hear your experience. 🤍​
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Kelly

PS - if this conversation is something you’ve been craving more of.. honest conversations about motherhood, sleep, attachment, and all the moments where you wonder ‘is this normal?’ — this is exactly why I’m creating The Bizzy Village.

A place for moms to come together, share their experiences, ask questions, and feel less alone in this season of motherhood (away from the noise and opinions of social media), you can join the waitlist here. ​
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