When I originally laid out my school year schedule way back in August, I wasn’t pregnant and therefore planned to end the spring session at the very end of May as usual. Now here we are, in the final days of May — less than a week away from my due date. And I’m still working.
My son’s due date was in mid-June two years ago, and the timing was PERFECT since I was able to finish my spring session and then have a week off before he was born 6 days early. Little did I know just how valuable that week off was!
Although I’m still feeling great, it’s getting increasingly harder to motivate myself and work up the energy for a full afternoon/evening of students. But the alternative is staying home, twiddling my fingers and wondering when baby girl will arrive.
I’ll have plenty of time to stay home this summer during my maternity leave, though it won’t be quite the total vacation from work I took after Parker was born. Being a brand new mom, I’m so glad I decided to completely take off the summer with him and unplug from my online work, as well. It was definitely a big adjustment once I did return to work in September, but I don’t regret it.
The second time around, maternity leave will look a little different. While I won’t be seeing students and clients as usual, I will be returning to lead a couple of classes in July. And I have plenty of administrative work to do for both my private practice and online business.
Luckily neither are a one-woman show these days: I have an amazing business partner, Katey Kamerad, at Music Therapy Connections, and a fabulous project manager, Julie Palmieri, for my online work. Their help and support will be essential as I adjust to life as a mom of 2.
I think it will take some time and experimentation before I find my rhythm with a newborn and the work on my plate, and I know it won’t be smooth sailing (is anything about motherhood ever smooth sailing, especially in the newborn days?).
But I’m looking forward to all of it nevertheless, whether my maternity leave starts today or next week. At this point I’ll be completely honest…the sooner the better!
Rachel you are super women! It is always good to hear different perspectives on how to handle mat leaves as a private MT. Where I am from its normal to take a whole year off for a new baby but not always practical for music therapy practice.
Thanks for this post! All the best with your soon family of four!
You are so sweet to say that, Tyne! While I would absolutely LOVE to take off an entire year, it’s definitely not feasible for my business (and I might go a little stir-crazy, too). The key will be finding harmony between enjoying my time at home while doing the work I can do when I’m not physically at the office. It will be a brand-new learning experience for sure! Thank you for the well wishes :)