By Maryam Abubakar
As a female journalist and a new mother, I have faced many challenges in my career and personal life.
One of the most difficult challenges I have had to endure is balancing my professional responsibilities with the needs of my baby, particularly when it comes to breastfeeding.
Like many working mothers, I have had to navigate the sometimes-difficult task of balancing my obligations at work with my responsibilities as a mother to navigate is balancing my job responsibilities with the demands of breastfeeding and caring for my infant.
When I first found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to continue working as a journalist.
However, I didn’t fully understand the challenges that lay ahead. I knew that I would need to take some time off after giving birth, but I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to return to work while breastfeeding.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding a suitable place at work to pump breast milk.
In many newsrooms, there are no private areas designated for breastfeeding mothers, and pumping in a public space as a Muslim wife can be uncomfortable or even embarrassing.
I was lucky enough to work in an office that did provide a private room, but even then, finding the time to pump while juggling deadlines was a challenge.
Another challenge was dealing with the physical demands of breastfeeding while working long hours.
Breastfeeding can be exhausting and time-consuming, and when combined with the demands of my job, it often left me feeling drained and overworked. It was difficult to find the energy to give 100% to both my career and my family, and I often felt guilty for not being able to do more.
Despite these challenges, I was determined to make it work. I found that one of the biggest keys to success was establishing a routine.
I set a schedule for pumping and tried to stick to it as closely as possible. I also made sure to communicate my needs with my colleagues and bosses, so they were aware of the challenges I was facing.
Another essential factor in my success was having a support system. I am lucky to have a partner who is also a Journalist, he’s supportive and understanding of my career goals, as well as family and friends who offered help and advice.
Having people who understand my situation and were willing to lend a hand when needed made a huge difference.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned during this time was to be kind to myself. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you’re falling short in both your personal and professional life.
However, it’s important to remember that as a working mother, you’re doing your best, and that’s all anyone can ask for.
In conclusion, being a female journalist and a breastfeeding mother presents a unique set of challenges.
Finding a balance between work and family demands can be difficult, but with the right support system, routine, and self-care, it is possible to successfully navigate this journey.
As more employers recognize and support the needs of working mothers, I believe we will see more women thriving in their careers while also raising happy and healthy families.
This is the 13th entry by Maryam Abubakar of Prestige FM, that won the Second Place in the 2023 Wakaso Award for Young Female Journalists in Niger state
