The Milk-Stained Manifesto: How Motherhood is making me a Better Business Owner.

They say motherhood changes you. But what they don't quite tell you is how it transforms you as a business owner too.

Before Albert arrived, I was a whirling dervish. I naively believed that once he was here, I could seamlessly divide myself in two, showering both my business and this new life with equal focus and energy. Hilarious, right? Turns out, when a tiny human enters the picture, all that goes out the window. Not only is splitting yourself perfectly impossible, the desire to do so vanishes the moment those little eyes lock onto yours.

Now, that doesn't mean the passion and drive for my business have evaporated. The allure of diving back in is still there. There's a saying, isn't there, "you can leave the business, but the business never leaves you." And even with that gorgeous face gazing up at me, I can't help but crave that mental buzz of being a busy business owner. However, I've lost the desire to be Superwoman and split myself in two to manage both at once. Perhaps "lost the desire" isn't quite right – maybe I've simply become more realistic about what's achievable!

Here's the thing: transitioning from a fast-paced, "get-it-done-yesterday" approach to baby time is a shock to the system. But it's also strangely liberating. It forces you to slow down. Yes, initially it's an adjustment realising you can't move at your usual breakneck speed, but there's a beauty in that too.

So, six months in, here are the top 5 things I have learnt being a first-time mum and a business owner:

Forget Splitting Yourself in Two (and That's Alright!)

This first one hits hard. Your life will never be the same, and that's not a negative. You won't be a perfect 50/50 split between business owner and mum. You'll naturally want to dedicate everything to your little one, but you'll also crave some "you" time and that business passion back. It's not about neglecting one for the other, it's about finding a balance that works for you and your family. Think of it as building something wonderful – not just for yourself, but for this tiny person who inspires you to be your best.

Embrace the New Normal

Newborn arrives, life flips upside down. But here's the part I found most surprising: you adapt, and fast. Suddenly, you can't remember life before this little miracle. You learn to slow down, be present, and trust your gut instincts. You focus on what truly matters – the essentials that keep your family safe and sound. These lessons translate beautifully into your business. You become laser-focused on what's important, prioritise your time better, and learn to trust your instincts.

Ditch the Sling-and-Work Fantasy

My pre-baby vision? Superwoman me, rocking a sling, baby attached, running the business like a boss with everyone in awe. Hilarious, isn't it? This little human doesn't operate on your schedule – you operate on theirs. Gone are the days of complete control. Working becomes about finding those precious moments that fit in with your family life. For me, naptimes and evenings after Albert has gone to bed become my time to dedicate to the business. Guilt-free focus time (well, as guilt-free as it gets with a baby!). But remember, babies are unpredictable. Those naps could be five minutes or two hours. That's where chunking down your work into tiny, manageable bites becomes crucial. You might only tick one thing off the list, but hey, that's an achievement when you're juggling a full-time job of keeping a tiny human alive and kicking!

Maternity Leave? More Like "This is My Life Now!"

Nine months of maternity leave sounded like an eternity at the beginning, especially during those long nights. But as the clock ticks down, a new panic sets in. Where has the time gone? It all circles back to the "why" behind your business. Did you build it for flexibility, to be present for your family? I certainly did. Even if you've been dipping your toe back in throughout your maternity, the beauty of being a business owner is that flexibility. For me, after experiencing the joy of being there for every milestone over the last 6 months, that flexibility to be present is the greatest gift of all. It's made me more determined than ever to make my business thrive, but thrive in a way that means I can still be present.

No Job Description?

Welcome to Parenthood (and Business Ownership!) There's no handbook for either business ownership or parenthood. Parenthood is all about learning on the fly, shaping things as you go. The hours are bonkers, the client (needy and with a mind of their own, anyone?) can be a handful, but the rewards? Unmatched. Just like in business, where you carve your own path and learn from others where it suits, but ultimately you do what works for you! There are best practices and experts to learn from, but at the end of the day, there are no two businesses (or babies) the same!

So, there you have it! Motherhood might throw a curveball at your perfectly planned business life, but it also equips you with unexpected skills and a whole new perspective. Embrace the chaos, learn to prioritise ruthlessly, and don't be afraid to break the mould. Remember, there's no handbook for either motherhood or business ownership – you've got this, mama!