I was a top performer before having a baby. A few months back from leave and I still feel so disconnected from work and generally like my brain and work are somehow dulled in the context of advertising. Like I have kind of lost the plot. Has anyone else experienced the same and come back from it? Or if you were never able to get back - what did you do?

Your brain actually changes post partum. It becomes hard to focus on anything but the baby supposedly to help mothers keep their kids alive I guess. My midwife gave me this insight and sure enough after each baby I was in a fog for a solid few months, until the baby started eating more and nursing less. I said something at work about it and boss said they didn't notice a difference 🤷‍♀️ now on my second baby I don't care as much. I know the time goes so fast and just let myself actually enjoy it with my baby and not worry about if I'm at 100 at work. Careers are long. We don't have to be full speed at all times

Same. It’s been a year and still hoping to find the plot. Haha

Be kind to yourself. It rakes time! Parenthood is a HUGE adjustment. For me, things kept realigning. And overall my feelings about work shifted too. The first few years are the hardest to get your bearings. And the first year is the hardest of all. Hang in there, mama. Hoping there’s support at work and beyond!

All of this. You are in the thick of it and it can be hard to see a way out, but things do eventually start to “settle” (relatively) and you will find your way back to yourself and your new normal. Good friends, family, colleagues and mentors all help. Thinking of you and sending resilient thoughts!

Im definitely still in the fog and my baby just turned 2 but still nursing to sleep. Its been so tough with a brain that is absolutely zapped and knowing im not doing my well at all. Plus add ADHD to the mix and I feel like a total mess/failure. I know i should give myself grace but its so darn tough

My baby is a grown teenager, but with the state of the world, the disillusionment is strong! I play a role every day so I can collect the paycheck and give my heart to my hobbies and things that matter to me more.

10-12 months until my brain came fully back each time after giving birth. Basically when the baby started more consistently sleeping through the night. Until then I was just in a fog with sporadic bursts of clarity. It does get better, it just takes time.

are you still breastfeeding? Until i stopped i couldn’t focus at all

4 babies, 4 transitions

Regarding baby brain, you have to find something (maybe a project, research) that you genuinely enjoy. If you can financially handle a reduction, ask for a day unpaid or condense your days. Make a list, everyday. Be present when you are in the office. Back when I had 3 kids under 5, the CEO gave me feedback that I always seemed rushed. He was right. Set boundaries on your hours but be willing to to do work after the baby goes to bed.

And sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if you have another, going back to work is so much worse. No one tells you that your first baby will not be happy and breaking your heart as you try to leave…

Also here to say that my brain never went back after kids. My tolerance for the BS also plummeted. I still love what I do and have some fun, but my self worth comes from doing all of it - not just work.

I do it for the paycheck that feeds and clothes my family. I have more boundaries than before and found a true work life balance.