It may have been compelling telly but BBC’s tense drama The Replacement didn’t do much for the blood pressure rates of pregnant women everywhere.
In this psychological thriller, set in a firm of Glasgow architects, a woman about to begin her maternity leave suspects her replacement is plotting to take over her life.
The show might have been a bit bunny-boiling bonkers but it was hardly a great advert for maternity leave, playing as it did on the insecurities of women in the workplace.
There’s no doubt combining a career with motherhood brings a whole host of challenges, not least returning to work after time off to have a baby.
Every new mum has worries about combining their role as an employee with being a parent but those working in the legal profession – with its highly charged workplace atmosphere – can find it particularly demanding.
There are, however, ways to smooth the transition to becoming a working parent.
Consider asking for a more flexible work pattern.
Legal firms are increasingly recognising the need to find different ways of allowing their employees to manage their home and working lives. Don’t be afraid to ask for part-time working or job sharing.
Even working from home one day or a week or a shortened working day might offer the flexibility you need.
Before you ask, consider what works for your particular practice. Thinking through the positive and negatives in advance gives you time to work out possible solutions to potential problems.
Build an effective support system. This might be your partner, family, friends or childcare or all four at once. Knowing you have people you can rely on reduces the anxiety you’ll invariably have about leaving your wee one.
Keep in touch with work. Radio silence throughout your maternity leave isn’t a good idea for legal professionals. So regularly get the lowdown on any changes.
Consider a returners’ course. These aim to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to return, such as updates on legal developments and IT skills.
There’s no one size fits all solution to being a mother and legal professional.
Just like motherhood it can take a while to find your feet – but when you do, you can run with the best of them.
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