No One Told Me This Before I Became a Mom—But I Wish They Had

When Success Suddenly Meant Something Different

I used to think success was defined by titles, promotions, and performance reviews. For a long time, it was. But becoming a mom changed everything.

The things that used to light me up—corporate wins, recognition, deadlines—suddenly felt hollow compared to the tiny person who just wanted me: my time, my presence, my love.

The Return to Work That Didn’t Feel Right

When maternity leave ended, returning to work felt unnatural—like trying to fit puzzle pieces into a box they’d outgrown. I was showing up, but my heart wasn’t in it.

I found myself torn between two worlds: the one I had worked so hard to build, and the one that now meant more than anything else—my family.

If you’re feeling that same pull, visit our blogs for real-mom advice on finding balance and calm in the chaos.

Redefining Success on My Own Terms

I wish someone had told me it’s okay to redefine success—to want more time, more presence, more purpose, and not just more promotions.

The truth is, the corporate ladder isn’t the only ladder worth climbing. What I really needed was permission—not from my boss, but from myself—to pivot.

That pivot led me to build something of my own. Something that allowed me to be both ambitious and present. That something became Bottimals.

How Bottimals Was Born

Bottimals was born from my motherhood journey, specifically the heartache of bottle refusal.

I wanted to create a solution—not just a product—that helped babies transition from breast to bottle using the calming power of a mother’s scent. You can learn more on our Science Behind the Scent page.

But beyond solving a problem, I wanted to build a company that fit around my life instead of forcing my life to fit around it—a business built on purpose, love, and flexibility, not just profit and pressure.

For families navigating feeding challenges, explore our Bottle Refusal FAQ for expert answers and real-world tips.

A Message for Other Moms

To any woman reading this who feels the tension of being pulled in two directions: I see you. I was you.

There’s another way. It may not be easy, but it’s possible to build a life that honors both your dreams and your family.

So if you’re pregnant, a new mom, or a seasoned one feeling stuck—consider this the advice no one gave me: Start thinking about what you can build, not just what you can achieve.

Because when your career aligns with your motherhood values, that’s the kind of success that truly feels right.