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FAMILY HEALTH
BalanceG YOUR FAMILY’S
FINDIN
PLANNING, PREPARATION AND a clear set of
priorities help keep families happy and mothers
centered, even if their time is divided between
an office and home.
STARTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
“Sometimes, mothers think they have to be the
ones to feed, change and soothe their children,”
says Patrice Walker, MD, FACOG, OB-GYN at
The Medical Center, Navicent Health. “It’s
especially common for them to feel anxious or
guilty about spending time away from a new
baby. But sharing child-raising responsibilities
is normal.”
One way to overcome those feelings,
Dr. Walker says, is to prepare for the end of
maternity leave. A week or two before you
return to work, do a trial run of your child
care arrangements. Being upfront about your
feelings can help, too.
“Own the fact that you’re sad or anxious
about returning to work,” Dr. Walker says.
“Mothers often feel like they have to have it all OFFERED OR FIND A PROVIDER TO MEET
together, but it’s OK not to. Lean on family and
friends for support.”
MAXIMIZING MOMMY TIME
New mothers aren’t the only ones who may
struggle with splitting time between work
and family. Mothers of school-age children
may find it difficult, too. Focus on the quality
of time you have with your children, not the
quantity. Try these ideas to make the most of
your moments together:
»» Cook dinner together. Let your children toss
the salad or help you stir the soup.
»» Make travel time screen-free. Use those
moments to catch up.
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Juggling career and
family can feel like a
challenge, especially for
busy moms.
»» Set aside a few minutes right before bedtime
to discuss the day and what your children are
looking forward to about tomorrow.
»» Take an art class together. Bonus: You’ll end
up with work by your young artists that you
can treasure forever.
“It is not always possible to be at every
game or performance, so setting reasonable
expectations is important,” says Christy
Peterson, MD, pediatrician at Children’s
Hospital, Navicent Health. “If you have to miss
an event, be sure your child knows ahead of
time that you won’t be there and why. The
important thing is that your children see you
making the effort. When you are able to be
present, it will mean more.”
THE DEDICATED PEDIATRIC PROVIDERS
WITH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, NAVICENT
HEALTH HAVE YOUR FAMILY’S BEST
INTERESTS AT HEART. VISIT WWW.
NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/CHILDRENS
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SERVICES
YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS.
“Being fully present wherever I am is how I balance career
and motherhood. When I’m at home, I’m all about my
children. On the job, I’m completely focused on my work.”
Christy Peterson, MD, pediatrician at Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health
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