I signed the Series A contract just a few days after giving birth. Here’s how to implement entrepreneurship as a parent

At 28, I was married and expecting a child, while also becoming the founder and CEO of a rapidly growing early-stage technology company. To say that my situation raised eyebrows (and was met with considerable skepticism) could be an understatement.

Day after day, I was told things that just didn’t make sense: “You’re too young to be a CEO,” “You’re too young to have a baby…” and suddenly, with a reversal one day, the advice you receive will change to “you’re too old to start a family”, “you were selfish to wait”. For some reason, we have decided that parenting and entrepreneurship don’t mix – at least not for women.

I’m definitely not the first person (and I won’t be the last) who will have to choose from achieving my biggest skilled goals and the ultimate lifelong dream of becoming a mother. Here’s the thing: two years later, I can say this: each If possible.

I want to take a step back and fully realize how lucky I was to have certain resources and support that not everyone helps me with. Just 51% women take five or more weeks off for maternity leave; worse still, 62% of lower-income women do not take maternity leave. A truly unacceptable result. We have to be higher.

Before I sat down to write about my experiences, I spoke with countless parents who shared a wide selection of experiences. Ultimately, the conclusions were: 1) there was a consensus that taking more day without work would result in some form of penalty at work, 2) they felt that taking day without work would hurt their possibilities of getting a promotion, and 3) some parents I talked to couldn’t ” does not take time at all due to financial situation.

People who feel they are in a similar situation to me know that despite the fact that it’ll be difficult, you’ll be able to do it and you’ll get through it. And possibly with the platform I’ve been given, the conversation will develop into louder and possibly it won’t be so difficult for those that follow it. Maybe we’ll even develop into a little more accommodating.

So let’s talk about the reality of pregnancy and entrepreneurship – the facets that no one likes to talk about.

I’ve been told more times than I can count that investors would not want to support a pregnant CEO, that pregnancy discourages VC funding, that parenthood is the reason investors are wary of women-led corporations, and that taking maternity leave will signal a lack of commitment to the company .

Advised: Don’t tell them you are expecting and don’t go to any in-person meetings. Either way, we forged ahead amidst the chaos of impending parenthood and business growth. We began talking to potential investors when I was seven months pregnant, and we officially closed our Series A just a few days after giving birth. Yes, you read that right – texting investors while you are in labor is not for the faint of heart.

The following days and weeks, struggling to change a diaper, breastfeeding and, as if that weren’t enough, breaking her tailbone after giving birth, all while running a business – these are untold stories that leave women feeling isolated and unsupported. It’s time to remove the stigma and normalize conversations about the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood in the workplace.

As for my path, I didn’t go on maternity leave until my daughter was about 12 months old – I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to do so. But by then I was exhausted and didn’t feel like I did particularly well in any role. Ultimately, my three-month maternity leave was the best decision for me, my family and my company.

Not everyone is in the same situation as me and not everyone can be as fortunate as I was in profiting from a delayed leave of absence, but for those that could also be struggling with work-life balance or the challenges of being a latest parent, here’s what I have: they taught.

To those that think they do not need day without work or that they cannot afford a break in their profession, I want to say it clearly: this angle needs to change. Not only are you entitled to this time; You need it. And it is not just about physical recovery – it’s about mental and emotional health, bonding with your child, and adapting to the monumental task of parenthood. This doesn’t just apply to moms giving birth. Mothers, fathers, adoptive parents – each of us needs this time. Why?

1. Your child is the most vital. Forget about work for a moment. The bond with your child is a unique experience that nothing, absolutely nothing, should overshadow.
2. Parenting is the hardest job in the world. No corporate challenge compares to the beginnings of parenthood. Taking the time will assist you adjust to this latest phase of life, something I wish I had more time to do before I went back to work.

And a few suggestions I have for those embarking on this journey:

• It’s okay to put yourself first. One of the best pieces of recommendation I can provide: there’s nothing improper with being “selfish.” This is the only moment when you’ll be able to say “no”, ask for help and set boundaries – no matter your intentions and goals, no matter the world should you are feeling it revolves around you.
• Don’t be afraid to communicate openly with your team and customers. It’s easy to get scared and be honest about what you are going through. My advice: Be open and honest, and most frequently you can be surprised by the support you’ll receive.
• Plan and delegate. Before you allow, set clear expectations and delegate responsibilities. Empower your team to keep the business running easily in your absence, minimizing stress for everyone involved.

It’s time to break the silence around parenting and entrepreneurship. Let’s embrace the complexity of our lives, challenge social norms and pave the way towards a more inclusive and supportive future.