My Fear Evaporated

Submitted by Kelsey Sprowell

"I had a lot of fear about going back to work after my daughter was born."

I had a lot of fear about going back to work after my daughter was born. My own mom, whom I admire, didn't work after I was born.

That fear completely evaporated after about six months! My initial fear was probably common; I just couldn't imagine that anyone else could possibly love my daughter and take care of her the way I do. But I noticed right away that she came home from "school" smelling like her teachers, so I knew she was being held all day, and that was reassuring. Also, she never cried when I dropped her off, which helped. And every time we got to school, all of the teachers addressed her (not me) - "Hi Olivia!"

I was also nervous about missing out. I didn't want to miss her first steps, for instance. But what I've found is that the work week is really short, and I don't miss much. I don't ever get annoyed or fed up with her because we're just not together long enough to get on each other's nerves.

I love my job, and the people I work with, so before Olivia was born (and after), I couldn't imagine staying home, even though my mom had done that. ​I get so much fulfillment from working and being a mom. 

Kelsey Sprowell is a mother, wife, and strategic relationship manager at Zen Planner. She holds a BS degree in Biochemistry from Colorado State University and an MS degree in Systematic & Philosophical Theology from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.

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