Next up on the Mom Series, continuing with my blogger mom participants – is Dana, she’s a working mom of 2 boys. I probably need to make sure we stay in touch after this – her boys are similar ages to mine and she’s also in the medical field. I absolutely love her candor regarding the differences between pre-baby busy and post-baby busy. Read on to find out more. I agree with her wholeheartedly. Thanks Dana for your participation.

Be sure to check out her website as well. She and her husband provide content catered to working parents. They are a great resource, both with firsthand experience!

Welcome Dana!

Hi there, my name is Dana and I am an Optometrist and the mother of two boys. My husband and I co-founded Luke Knows, a website that focuses on encouraging parents on their parenting journey, especially those who also balance careers with parenthood. Being a working mom is extremely challenging, I’m happy to be able to provide resources to other parents on this path as well.

Motherhood Journey

I have been blessed by having a fairly easy motherhood journey as my husband and I had no fertility issues. 

My pregnancies were dramatically different, the first being easy and the second being very difficult. We thought our second was a girl because of how challenging it was. 

Our second child had to come a little earlier than expected due to some complications but thankfully he is a happy and healthy little boy. 

Unexpected things since becoming a Mom

The most unexpected thing I have learned since becoming a mother is that I had so much “free” time before having children. 

I can’t believe I ever had the excuse of being “busy” before becoming a mother because let me tell you pre-baby busy is not the same as post baby busy. 

I have a new definition of what being busy is and I have learned how to be extremely efficient with what little time I have. 

Hardest thing since becoming a Mom

The most challenging thing about being a mom is having to wear so many hats all at once and all of these hats must be worn well.

 I don’t know how many times I have felt guilty for working when my kids are home with an illness but also equally guilty if I leave 26 patients who were scheduled for an appointment that day because I had to stay home with a sick child. The working mom juggle is such a challenge.

The pandemic really shed a light on multiple areas of our lives and it really highlighted that sometimes your goals in life do not align and that you can’t do it all. 

Favorite thing about being a Mom

My favorite thing about being a mother of small children is receiving all of the love that they have for me. It reminds me to love myself and that I am doing a good job raising my boys. 

Favorite thing to do with your kids

I love taking my kids to do new activities and watching them experience the world around them. 

One of our favorite activities at the moment is picking fruit and vegetables together and then making something delicious from our harvest.

 I grew up on an orchard farm so I think it is valuable knowing where your food comes from and understanding that food doesn’t just come from a store. 

Favorite thing to do without your kids

My favorite things to do without my kids is go to the spa, spend quality time with my husband, and read books uninterrupted. 

Anything you miss about life pre-kids

I miss not having time to myself and having to be available to the needs of the family 24/7. It was much easier when all I had to do was take care of myself.

Anything you would tell your pre-kids self

If I could go back to pre-kids time I would encourage myself and let myself know that everything works out for our good and not to stress about it. 

Favorite age so far

I love having an almost 4 year old. The conversations that we have are the absolute best. 

I wish I could record some of the things he says because they would absolutely make you giggle. 

We get to be silly, cuddle, talk about life, do fun activities together and we are still at an age where they think their mom is cool!

A must have baby item

There are so many products that I have found to be helpful on my parenting journey.

 If I had to pick one it would be the Ceres Chill which is an on the go breast milk storage system. This is a “baby” must have for me as a working mom or for moms on the go. 

With my first child I hated pumping at work because I had to bring so many bags with me every single day. With my second little guy I bought a Ceres Chill and it made pumping breastmilk much easier and enjoyable. 

I only needed 1 bag instead of 3 and never had to be tied to a fridge or worry about my milk going bad during my long work days. 

Thanks again Dana! If anyone is reading this, and is interested in participating – feel free to drop your email below! I’ll be in touch with you!