When I was invited to chat with Woman Who about my work providing support for new mums, I felt both excited and emotional. It’s a topic close to my heart; not just because of my business, Mother for Life, but because of my own struggles as a working mum. If you’ve ever felt torn between your career and motherhood, or like you’re barely keeping your head above water, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and that’s exactly why I’m passionate about creating a community for mothers.

My Story: The Struggle to “Have It All”

Before founding Mother for Life, I was a lawyer at a top firm. On paper, I had it all – a successful career, a new baby, and a supportive partner. But the reality? I was drowning. After maternity leave, I returned to work full-time, but the pressure was crushing. I battled postnatal depression, guilt, and exhaustion, trying to squeeze five days of work into three. Society tells women we can do it all, but rarely how – and without proper support for new mothers, it’s a recipe for burnout.

I knew something had to change. Not just for me, but for all the mums who felt just as lost. That’s why I created Mother for Life – a space where women can join Mother Circles, finding connection, guidance, and solidarity during motherhood’s biggest transitions.

Why Workplace Support Still Falls Short

Thankfully, workplaces have come a long way in supporting new mothers. Flexible hours, remote work, and better maternity policies are becoming more common. But there’s still a gap, especially when it comes to emotional support. Many mums return to work feeling isolated, judged for needing adjustments, or torn between their roles as employees and mothers.

Here’s what I’ve learned needs to change:

1. Open Conversations. Employers should normalise discussions about motherhood without stigma. Mental health check-ins and Mother Circles in the workplace can make a huge difference.
2. Flexibility Without Penalty. Reduced hours or hybrid working shouldn’t mean fewer opportunities. Mothers bring invaluable skills – multitasking, empathy, resilience – that benefit businesses.
3. Role Models Matter. Seeing senior women who’ve balanced motherhood and career success shows it’s possible. Creating a community for mothers at all levels helps build confidence and belonging.

Celebrating Progress and Ourselves

One of the highlights of my journey was winning the Woman Who Solopreneur Award in 2024. As the judges said, this wasn’t just about my business; it was about believing in myself as much as I believe in the women I support through Mother Circles. Too often, mothers downplay their achievements. But we deserve to celebrate ourselves, even (especially!) when the path has been hard.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a new mum navigating work, or an employer wondering how to better provide support for new mothers, my biggest advice is this: community is everything. Creating a community for mothers – whether through workplace initiatives, peer groups, or Mother Circles – ensures no one has to figure this out alone.

For more of my conversation with Woman Who – including how I turned my struggles into a mission – you can listen to the full episode here. Let’s keep pushing for a world where every mother feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

With love,
Mandy