It’s a transformative experience to become a mother. The day you give birth to a little human, your priorities shift. Suddenly, your child becomes your whole world.
The journey of motherhood is filled with joy, challenges, and countless learning moments. Add running a business into the mix, and you have the life of a mompreneur—a role that demands incredible juggling skills and resilience.
Telsha Anderson-Boone, the owner of a community concept boutique, T.A., proves that motherhood and business can thrive together.
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is no easy feat, but thriving as a mompreneur while raising a new baby is absolutely possible. Here are some tips that can help you navigate this rewarding journey.
#1 Embrace the Power of Micro-Moments
Your smartphone is your secret weapon. Use it to your advantage when you have a few spare moments during the day.
Whether you’re in line for a task or taking a break, use these slices of time productively. Tackle quick tasks like planning your day, responding to emails, or brainstorming ideas. It’s amazing what you can do in such short bursts!
Babies, for instance, sleep for 14 to 17 hours but not at a stretch, says Raising Children Network. Young babies sleep in cycles that last for no more than 50 to 60 minutes. When your baby naps, you can update your social media, jot down notes, or catch up on industry news. These short bursts of productivity help you maintain momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
Keep a list of quick tasks handy, and make sure your phone or a notebook is always within reach. Even on the busiest days, you will make the most of every minute you have and contribute to the growth of your business.
#2 Plan for Feeding Times
You will have to feed your newborn often—every one to three hours. Your baby mustn’t go more than four hours without feeding. Their feeding time can have an impact on your work schedule.
If you’re breastfeeding, plan to work around feeding times. Set up a comfortable feeding area near your workspace.
But if breastfeeding isn’t possible, formula feeding is the only option. Prepare bottles in advance and keep them handy. Establish a feeding routine that aligns with your work schedule to minimize disruptions.
Prioritize quality and safety when choosing baby formula. Go for any brand except for Similac and Enfamil. These two infant formula brands are under fire for causing NEC in their babies.
Jasmine Watson’s son, Chance Dean, passed away 25 days after his birth due to NEC. He was born two months ahead of his due date.
Throughout the 25 days, Chance stayed in the NICU near his family’s home in Southern Illinois. From day 12 onwards, he was fed formula milk designed specifically for preemies and low-birthweight infants, along with his mother’s breast milk. On day 22, he was diagnosed with NEC; he passed away after 3 days.
Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is a serious gastrointestinal disease that inflames the intestinal tissue, causing it to die. Watson sued the global pediatric nutrition company Mead Johnson (Enfamil manufacturer), whose baby formula caused NEC in her child.
NEC mainly affects preemies, but some full-term babies also get it. More than 500 parents have filed NEC lawsuits. Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of the Similac formula, has also been named in the suit. Some baby formulas named in the litigation include Similac Alimentum, Similac Special Care, Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare, Enfamil 24, and DHA & ARA Supplement, notes TorHoerman Law.
Regarding the latest NEC lawsuit update, the multidistrict litigation is ongoing, but new cases are still being filed.
#3 Focus on Your Nutrition
Taking good care of yourself after birth is important, says UPMC. Amidst changing diapers and attending Zoom meetings, it’s easy to overlook your own nutrition and well-being. But don’t do that.
Eat healthy foods. Plan your meals and snacks ahead to ensure you’re getting the right nutrients and avoiding the stress of last-minute food prep. Prepare simple, healthy recipes that you can make in batches, such as salads, soups, and smoothies, to save time.
For breastfeeding moms, maintain a diet that supports milk production and keeps you energized. Keep healthy snacks readily available to avoid reaching for less nutritious options during busy times.
#4 Prioritize and Delegate
It takes a village to raise a child and so does running a business. Why do everything alone, then? Prioritize tasks that directly impact your business growth and delegate the rest.
Hire a virtual assistant. That can be a game-changer, for they handle routine administrative tasks, manage emails, or even conduct research, freeing you up to focus on high-priority activities.
Outsource certain tasks, such as customer service and content marketing. It will not only reduce labor costs, but also allow you to focus on your core competencies.
Enlist family help for errands like laundry or shopping for groceries and taking care of your child. All this will free up your valuable time and mental space so that you can concentrate on tasks that drive growth.
All things considered, striking a balance between the demands of running a business and raising a child is no piece of cake. These tips can help you succeed in both your professional and personal life, so implement them. Eventually, you will be able to create a harmonious balance that allows you to enjoy the journey of raising your child while building your business.
