Balancing Career and Parenthood: My Journey to Motherhood with Three Kids

Why are you doing this?

Upon announcing my third pregnancy at work, I was caught off guard by the probing inquiry. It's surprising how pregnancy seems to invite questions that are often deeply personal and, at times, inappropriate. This particular question made me stop and think.

At nearly 40, I fall into that in-between category—old enough to be considered "geriatric" in medical terms but young enough to carry the vibrant glow of motherhood. Colleagues have labeled me "brave", and I've glimpsed hidden skepticism in their eyes upon discovering I'm expecting a third child while serving as an executive at Nespresso, a global corporation.

It seems as though people wonder if I'm a bit eccentric or possess extraordinary resilience, or perhaps a blend of both.

Embracing My Roots in a Large Family

Motherhood wasn't always part of my career plan. Today, as a mother of two boys, ages four and seven, and expecting a third child this September, I look back on my hesitation and wonder. Growing up in a sizable family, one of three sisters surrounded by no less than 13 cousins, shaped my affinity for large family gatherings. Despite recognizing the difficulties of managing larger households in today's world, I cherish the warmth of extended family.

Moreover, with two sons, there's a natural curiosity about having a daughter, although this time we're choosing to be surprised by the gender—another subject people have unsolicited opinions about.

Reflection allows me to see having a third child as an opportunity to reassess my life's priorities. Even though it sounds contradictory to take stock in a time as hectic as caring for a newborn, there's a method to this seeming madness.

Stepping Back from the Corporate Pressures

Maternity leave, though far from a holiday, offers a vital break from corporate demands. It has provided me valuable moments to step back from the bustling routine of professional life and reaffirm my personal and career commitments.

After my first child, I carved out time to weigh the possibility of becoming a stay-at-home mother. Considering the extent such a decision would have altered our budget and lifestyle, my husband and I thoroughly discussed this potential change, acknowledging the unpredictable impact motherhood might have on me.

As months passed during maternity leave, I recognized my need for career fulfillment as integral to my identity. This exploration period helped mitigate feelings of guilt associated with being a career-driven parent. These dual roles were choices I made purposefully.

During my second maternity leave amidst the second pandemic wave, life hadn't fully regained normalcy. That period taught me patience and adaptability in light of having a son with a vastly different temperament from my first.

The Strength of Support Networks

Returning to work after a third child carries an anticipation of new dynamics both at home and professionally. While each return has been unique, I am prepared for the impact a fuller life will have on me and my career.

Nespresso's generous maternity benefits, offering 18 weeks of paid leave, position me advantageously to consider such life choices. I recognize the rarity of such favorable conditions and the privileges my healthcare and employment benefits afford me. Having experienced the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, this opportunity is something I hold with gratitude.

For five years, our New Jersey home has been a backdrop for building a supportive network—acquaintances doubling as babysitters, reliable friends, and a cherished daycare. This network is instrumental in managing the increased demands a third child will bring.

No part of a dual-income household is effortless, and I'm fully aware of the work and compromise involved. Yet, the trepidation anticipated by onlookers doesn't entirely resonate with me.

While I don't consider myself to possess superhuman qualities, my willingness to embrace challenges and defy expectations might seem a bit daring. The choice to welcome a third child was one of serious deliberation. I aspire to craft a fulfilling career, but equally, I recognize my enduring legacy in raising a family I'm proud of.