The Mixed Bag of Emotions During Maternity Leave with Alyson Proveaux of the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Maternity leave can be uncharted territory for new moms! My guest this week, Alyson, and I explore the emotions of maternity leave. Some women feel anxiety about stepping away from their job for months knowing that, especially in the zoo field, other (animal) lives are at stake and our duties might be pushed to other teammates.  At some facilities our jobs are so teammate oriented that it's hard when a member of your team is gone for a chunk of time, like maternity leave. 

Alyson and I also talk a bit about the grief that can be felt during maternity leave. Grieving the loss of your identity, your pre-kid life, etc. Becoming a parent brings so many changes to one’s life!

Alyson’s biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid to speak up and ask for what you need - whether it's with your day to day tasks or in the bigger picture.  You have the right to change your mind too! Advocate for yourself and see if you can find a way to make what you need happen.

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