National Working Mom Day
Moms, We See You.
The worry. No one prepared me for the worry that comes with having a child. As a new mom, I was prepared with diapers, wipes, onesies, pacifiers, creams, teethers, sensory toys – the list goes on. I was not, however, prepared for the relentless worry that accompanied each new stage of development. No matter how you plan, organize, prep, or rearrange, being “Mom” is not easy. Now, add work into the equation, and you have a recipe for potential chaos.
In honor of National Working Moms Day, we want to take a moment to say, “Moms, we see you.” Many of us at YWCA Northwestern Illinois are moms too; we know how difficult it can be to manage daily challenges with schedules, tasks, illnesses, weather, grocery shopping, cleaning, transportation, and you guessed it… child care.
Let us help ease one of your worries. YWCA Northwestern Illinois houses the region’s Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R), serving Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, and Jo Daviess counties. For other areas in Illinois, a CCR&R is available through a different agency – just visit the SDA search for more information. We can create a customized list of qualified child care providers tailored to your needs for care, such as days of the week, time of day, zip codes, and more. Our Child Care Assistance Program can also help pay for the childcare expenses for parents who are income eligible.
At YWCA, we are committed to supporting families as a whole, and we know that working moms struggling with mental health can often go unnoticed or are stigmatized. Whether you’re navigating the postpartum period or simply dealing with burnout, it’s important to recognize the warning signs so you can take care of yourself and be the best role model for your little one(s). According to ucihealth.org, burnout can look like:
- Exhaustion
- Depersonalization – detachment, disconnection
- Lack of a sense of accomplishment or decreased productivity
- Poor self-care
- Trouble concentrating
- Mood changes
- Feeling isolated
- Physical symptoms – headaches, stomachaches, hair loss, chest tightness
Being a first-time mom, postpartum mom, full house mom, and/or single mom, the daily demands of working while taking care of your home and family can be undoubtedly overwhelming. If you feel it could be more intense than your “everyday stress,” please don’t wait to reach out for support. You may contact the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-9-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). The University of Illinois Chicago website also lists many resources including online support groups.
Little eyes and ears are always observing us as parents and primary caregivers. Let’s show ourselves some grace, kindness, and allow ourselves the permission to ask for help. We see you, and we applaud your efforts today and every day.
-Kelli Steder, CCAP Supervisor
