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

I used to think success was defined by titles, promotions, and performance reviews. And for a long time, it was. But becoming a mom shook that foundation. Suddenly, the things that used to light me up—corporate wins, recognition, deadlines—felt hollow compared to the tiny person who just wanted me. My time, my presence, my love.

The return to work after maternity leave felt unnatural, like trying to force 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.

I wish someone had told me that it’s okay to change your definition of success. That it’s okay to want more time, more presence, more purpose—and not just more money or promotions. I wish someone had told me that 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. To build something of my own. Something that allowed me to be both ambitious and present. That something became Bottimals.

Bottimals was born from my motherhood journey—specifically, the heartache of bottle refusal. I wanted to create a solution, yes, but also 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.

To any woman reading this who feels the tension of being pulled in two directions: I see you. I was you. And I want you to know—there’s another way. It may not be easy, but it’s possible to build a life that honors your dreams and your family.

So if you’re pregnant, a new mom, or even 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 feels really good.